If your pup’s birthday is approaching and you’re looking to throw a party to celebrate, you’ve come to the right place. I have found the best dog birthday party supplies, bandanas, hats, presents, and more to help them celebrate in style. Plus, I share our favorite dog birthday cake recipe and other dog-friendly treats for all your four-legged guests to enjoy. I also list my top party ideas to make your dog’s birthday a bash to remember. So, let’s get the “paw-ty” started!
The Best Dog Birthday Party Supplies
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I have found some of the best options for dog birthday party supplies. I based my choices on the quality of materials, value for the money, our team’s personal experience, customer reviews, and more.
Best Overall: PartyAnimal Personalized PartyPack Review
If you need your dog’s birthday party supplies taken care of, PartyAnimal’s PartyPack is an excellent choice. All you have to do is send your pup’s details and photo, and their team takes care of the rest. The items are personalized to the color scheme of your choice, and many of them include a photo of your pup, their name, and their new age. Along with easy-to-follow instructions, the pack includes:
- 1 custom embroidered felt birthday hat
- 1 custom embroidered bandana
- 2 matching party hats
- 1 large birthday banner
- 1 large 40-inch balloon
- 1 balloon arch kit for 50 balloons
- 4 treat toppers
- 4 stickers
- 1 electric balloon pump
This PartyPack contains everything you need for a stress-free dog party. It will make your party unique and memorable, and you can guarantee that your guests will be impressed with your dog party setup. All items are handmade in Los Angeles, so you need to order at least two weeks in advance to ensure the PartyPack reaches you in time. You can purchase a one-off pack or subscribe yearly and save 20%. With this purchase, you not only spoil your pup but also help other dogs in need, as 10% of the net proceeds go to dog-focused charities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains everything you need to decorate | Pricier than other options |
| This is a personalized party supply pack | |
| A unique & memorable option | |
| Handmade items | |
| Save 20% with a yearly subscription | |
| 10% of proceeds go to dog charities |
Our Personal Experience With PartyAnimal
PartyAnimal was kind enough to send me a PartyPack for Georgie’s 4th birthday celebration. I was so impressed with everything, from the quality of the box and products to the quantity of items included. The box has a magnetic flap for easy opening and closing, and all the items are nicely wrapped in tissue lining, so it feels super special. Each party product is individually wrapped, so you can protect them when not in use. The hat and bandana fit him perfectly, and the little sticks to put in a doggy cupcake were so cute. It also had fun party favors for his friends. He definitely felt the love on his 4th birthday. I highly recommend getting your dog a PartyPack for their next special day.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Dog Mom And Marketing For Canine Journal
Watch Sadie and Georgie’s PartyAnimal fun unboxing video below:
Price
Runner-Up Party Supplies: Legendog Dog Party Decor Pack Review
Legendog is my second choice for dog birthday party supplies. It isn’t a personalized option like PartyAnimal’s, but it contains 23 pieces of dog party decor to help get the party started. Each pack includes a birthday banner, a triangle flag banner, large letter balloons spelling “LETS PAWTY,” 10 paw print balloons, and two dog birthday hats. You can choose between four colors: gold, silver, pink, and blue. Because there’s no age or name on the items, you can reuse most of the items for future doggy parties. It’s reasonably priced, too, which is excellent for dog birthday parties on a budget.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Party supply pack containing 23 pieces | Not a personalized option |
| You can choose from different colors | |
| You can reuse many of the items year after year | |
| Well-priced |
Price
Best Birthday Dog Bandana: Canine Journal Birthday Dog Bandana Review
Although I may be biased on this one, Canine Journal’s birthday bandana is my top pick in this category for several reasons. The bandana is 100% cotton, making it high-quality and comfortable for Fido. It is backed with white flannel and features four plastic snaps on each side to achieve a tailored fit. Its fun design lets everyone know who the birthday pup is while being stylish and more premium than other options on the market. It is available in three sizes and is made in the U.S. You can use this option every year and for any other dogs you have.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality dog birthday bandana | Slightly pricier than cheap alternatives |
| Made with 100% cotton | |
| Comfortable & adjustable | |
| Fun design | |
| Available in 3 sizes | |
| Reuse this item year after year |
Price
Best Birthday Hat For Dogs: Frisco Birthday Cake Dog Hat Review
This is my top choice as the best dog birthday party hat because I like how simple and fun it is. The soft cake covered in sprinkles, icing, and candles, with “Happy Birthday” embroidered on the front, makes your pup the center of the birthday celebrations. The hat has ear straps and an adjustable toggle so you can achieve the perfect fit, and it is available in two sizes: XS/S and M/L. This unisex option can be worn by any dog, year after year, so you can use it for many years to come.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unisex birthday hat | A few customers reported an issue with the embroidery |
| Fun & simple design | |
| Adjustable straps | |
| Available in 2 sizes | |
| Wear it every birthday celebration |
Price
10 Dog Birthday Party Ideas & Planning Tips
Now that you’ve got the dog party supplies in hand, you need to plan your dog’s birthday party event itself. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party for a puppy or a senior, there’s lots to consider to ensure everyone is taken care of. Here are my top tips and dog birthday party ideas.
1. Choose A Dog Birthday Party Venue
You need to think about the location where you will hold your party. Hosting a dog party at home is the most common location where Fido is likely to feel more comfortable. But if you’re throwing a huge party, consider hiring a dog-friendly venue. Simply search “dog-friendly venues near me” online. Alternatively, you could hold it in your local dog park. However, you can’t control who comes in and out of the park, and you’ll probably find non-party members joining in the fun.
2. Invite The Crew
Once you’ve decided on a date and a place, you need to spread the word and invite the guests. Design a cute invitation or download free dog party invitation templates online. Post them or send a digital invitation, and ask your guests to RSVP with numbers so you know how many guests are coming.
3. Deck The Halls With Dog Birthday Party Decorations
Nothing says party, like balloons, streamers, and birthday banners. Whether you purchase birthday supplies or make your own, get your home or venue ready, so everyone knows it’s party time. Steer clear of things like poppers or fireworks, as this is likely to scare your guests.
4. Make A Dog Birthday Cake
You can’t have a birthday party without a birthday cake. Whether you make a dog birthday cake or buy one, you’ve got to ensure the ingredients are dog-safe. Here’s my favorite dog birthday cake recipe:
Pumpkin & Applesauce Homemade Dog Cake
This tasty dog birthday cake recipe makes eight servings and is also human-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (do NOT use peanut butter with xylitol!)
- 1/2 cup applesauce (plain, unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (be sure to use pure pumpkin, not canned pumpkin pie mix)
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F
- In a large bowl, combine flour and baking soda
- Mix the vegetable oil, peanut butter, applesauce, and pumpkin puree in a separate bowl. Once combined, add in the egg and mix again
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients
- Pour the mixture into a greased 8″ pan
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan
Our First-Hand Experience Making This Cake
This recipe is my go-to cake recipe, which I make for my dog’s adoption day anniversary every year. I originally got it from Love From The Oven. I like to celebrate my dog’s adoption day all week by giving her a piece of cake every day until it’s gone. She loves it! Sometimes, I add peanut butter or leftover pumpkin puree to the top of the cake as “frosting.”
– Kimberly Alt, Dog Parent & Pet Insurance Expert At Canine Journal
If you don’t fancy breaking out the baking gear, you could always purchase a ready-made dog cake mix or order a ready-made birthday pup-pie for a speedy and equally yummy option.
For more information on dog cakes and other recipes, we have a guide on the best cakes for dogs.
5. Ensure Every Pup Has Party Gear
You can ask your guests to dress up for the party and encourage them by having a “best-dressed” contest with a prize for the winner. Alternatively, welcome your dog’s friends with party gear to wear. Have a small box of party gear and supplies near the door, such as hats and bow ties, for them to pick from. Not every dog will welcome being dressed up, and that’s okay. My dog Bonkers is happy to wear anything I put on him, whereas there’s no chance of my Doxie sporting anything.
6. Set Up A Photo Booth
Dedicate an area for a dog photo booth so you and your guests can take fun photos. Buy a cute dog photo booth backdrop with shimmery paws for some gram-glam, or get crafty and make your own. Ask your guests to upload their photos to their socials, tagging them with a custom hashtag so everyone can enjoy the fun memories. Be sure to use the fun party wear and props if the pups let you.
7. Dog Birthday Party Games
If you’re looking for dog birthday party activities, be sure to have plenty of toys for games like hide-and-seek and fetch available. You could also have a dog paddling pool outside for water-loving Fidos (or fill it with balls if you don’t want the mess) or an agility course for them to burn some steam. Alternatively, you could set up a dog craft table with dog-safe paints for your guests to make paw prints. Or watch how to create a dog paint canvas for all your guests in this short and fun video.
We have a guide on the best interactive dog toys for you to set up, or why not whip out a flirt pole that will keep your four-legged guests entertained?
8. Make Dog Birthday Party Favors
Send your guests home with party favors as an extra special touch. Whether a simple chew toy or a bag filled with treats, it’s a great way to finish the party. After the party, remember to give the pups their handmade crafts and slip a note in there with the custom hashtag for everyone to use. These dog favor bags are cute, made with thick craft paper, and come in a variety of designs.
Check out our guide on the best hypoallergenic dog treats, which should cater to most dog dietary requirements. Please check with the owners to ensure their dogs can eat whatever you give them.
9. Remember The Necessities
I don’t want to be a party pooper, but you need to ensure that everyone is safe. Talking of party-pooping, lots of excitable dogs means you can be sure they’ll need to do their business at some point. Make sure you have plenty of dog poop bags at the ready. Every dog needs access to fresh, clean water, too, so you must set out a few bowls or a continuous fresh water dispenser so that no one gets too thirsty. Make sure your venue, be that at home or somewhere else, is secure for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and jumping capabilities. The last thing you want is for the birthday party to turn into a search party.
10. Don’t Forget The Humans
Although the dogs are the star of the show, you’ve got to remember their humans, too. Set up a table with human-friendly treats high enough to be out of paws’ reach. You can expect the dogs to come with a few humans each, so getting numbers is essential so everyone is catered for. Why not go with the dog birthday party theme and create a cocktail in honor of your dog’s birthday?
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that some of our readers still have questions about dog birthday parties and how to throw the best bash. If you don’t see your question below, ask us in the comments, and we’ll find the answer for you.
How Do I Throw A Dog Party?
Throwing a dog party can be as straightforward as you want it to be. You could invite a few friends and their dogs to your home or hire a dog-friendly birthday party venue. Send out invites and ask for attendance numbers so you know how many dogs and humans to accommodate. Follow my list of dog birthday party ideas for a hassle-free celebration.
When Is My Dog’s Birthday?
If, like me, you don’t know your dog’s actual birthday, many people choose to celebrate their “gotcha day,” the day you adopted them.
Can I Host A Birthday Party For Puppies?
Yes, you can throw a birthday party for puppies. Some owners like to hold half-birthday parties (for puppies six months old) or a special one-year celebration. Whatever age the birthday dog is, make sure the food and games you pick for your party are age-appropriate.
Do Dogs Like Birthday Parties?
Most dogs love fun, games, and food, so it’s fair to say that most dogs would enjoy a birthday party. However, if your dog is anxious or becomes overwhelmed quickly, your dog may not enjoy a birthday party. Only you know your pup, so you need to be guided by their personality. If you’re throwing a birthday party for your dog, having a time-out room or space for owners to take their dogs out when necessary is always a good idea.
Other Exciting Events To Try With Your Dog
If you like to spoil your pup (who doesn’t), why not sign them up for exciting events? Barn hunting is a trendy sport taking the canine kingdom by storm. You could also check out our review of SniffSpot, the Air B’n’B of dog parks. We also have guides on summer activities and other dog sports, which you could try at your dog’s birthday party.
Have you thrown your dog a birthday party? Do you have other tips to share with us and your fellow readers? We’d love to hear from you, so please let us know in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers, whose real birthday is a mystery, and Chips, whose paperwork and birth date I have. Before joining the team at Canine Journal, Emma was a professional dog walker and sitter. She is passionate about sharing her decades of canine knowledge with her readers to help them live together harmoniously. Emma spends hours researching dog health and products to benefit her four-legged family as well as her readers.