‘Puppy Love’ Event Unveils First-Ever Canine Commitment Ceremonies

Valentine’s Day may be over, but love and dander are still in the air. On February 17, Clark County Commissioner, Michael Naft hosted “Puppy Love,” a free event and resource fair celebrating local pets. A cool breeze swept through Silverado Ranch Dog Park, where animal lovers and their canine pals gathered for the occasion. 

The first 250 attendees received freebies from vegan food and beverage vendors, as well as complimentary dog goodies. The festivity featured local businesses, including Tacotarian, TwoCat Coffee and Pinkbox. While enjoying refreshments, event organizers invited attendees to engage with adoptable animals from rescue groups. The Clark County Marriage License Bureau held Canine Commitment Ceremonies. Plant-based food and treats were served, and pet-friendly vendors lined up the parking lot. There was also a raffle with special giveaway items, including pet Raiders jerseys.

Finding Fur-Ever Homes For Rescues

Commissioner Michael Naft explained the importance of pet-friendly events for the community.

“Pets are part of our families,” said Naft. “When you have people come together around a common interest, that’s good for the community and good for everybody involved.”

Commissioner Naft waived all pet adoption fees, making the re-homing process smoother while also reducing the burden of costs. He wants the pet community to know that Clark County appreciates them. From Animal Protection Services to animal welfare nonprofits, there are many resources available for them. The event featured the involvement of several animal adoption organizations, including The Southern Nevada Beagle Rescue Foundation, The Las Vegas Valley Humane Society and Hearts Alive Village.

Joining Paws in Sacred Kinship

To commemorate the Commissioner’s first annual “Puppy Love” celebration, the Clark County Marriage License Bureau held its first-ever Canine Commitment Ceremonies. The Bureau outfitted each canine pair with a tux and wedding veil as they stood in front of an Instagrammable backdrop. A “pet officiant” then asked them to join paws in sacred kinship and seal the deal with an “Arf.” Each ceremony included a Canine Commitment Certificate with their pets’ names and the date, wedding stickers and photo opportunities. 

Attendee Chris, who brought his two dogs, Bailey and Blue, took part in the Canine Commitment ceremony. Prior to the “Puppy Love” event, he wasn’t keen on this pet wedding trend. But he thinks if more people knew about it, they would enjoy it. 

“I have two dogs and they’re going to be together forever,” said Chris. “I think this is a pretty cool ceremony for them.”

There were around half a dozen Canine Commitments that afternoon. Many dog lovers smiled as they approached the Clark County Marriage License Bureau’s booth with their dogs on leashes and gushed about how it was a cute concept. 

Ally’s Place, a pet-friendly clothing and accessory business, was offering a variety of dog apparel, including pet tuxedos and dresses. Joanne of Ally’s Place expressed why she thinks pet matrimonies are trendy.

“I think people are now realizing that their pets aren’t just pets, they’re family,” she says. “And, if they feel joy in doing it, they want to see their dogs have joy as well.”