For many Australian couples, the term “family” doesn’t just mean two people—it includes paws, fur, feathers, or even the occasional scale. Whether you’re planning your big day or building your wedding registry, finding ways to honour the animals you love can be a joyful part of the process.
Oftentimes, registries feature things that couples may need for their new homes, such as cutleries, towels, bed linens, and glasses. But for pet-owning couples, there’s an extra layer to consider: How can your registry reflect the life you’re building—not just with each other, but with your four-legged family?
Below, we’ve pulled together a thoughtful collection of gift ideas, broken down into categories that blend function, sentiment, and a bit of fun. From stylish pet décor to travel essentials, these picks suit every kind of pet-loving couple—whether you share your home with a sock-stealing Cavoodle, a snuggly rescue cat, or a talkative cockatoo.
Let’s start with the essentials every pet-loving household should have—and what makes them registry-worthy.
1. Practical Picks That Don’t Compromise on Style
You’re not just building a home—you’re curating a space that suits both human comfort and pet living.
These gift ideas are perfect for stylish and practical pet parents:
Designer Pet Beds
Pet parents don’t have to compromise on style anymore with the doggy beds of yesteryears. Nowadays, you can find beautiful memory foam beds with premium materials or rattan cat cocoons that can blend perfectly into any stylish home. Look for brands that prioritise washable covers, durable stitching, and minimalist colours that won’t clash with your new throw pillows.
Top Picks:
- Ambient Lounge’s Pet Lounger (a cult favourite in Aussie homes)
- Kip’s luxe leather-look beds—elegant and practical
Elevated Pet Bowls
Swap out clunky plastic dishes for raised ceramic or timber-accented bowls that match your dining aesthetic. They help with posture, reduce neck strain for older pets, and look chic on your kitchen floor.
Top Picks:
- Laila & Me marble base bowls
- Furf Pets’ timber and ceramic sets
2. Custom Touches That Celebrate Your Pet
It’s your wedding—why not celebrate the animal who’s been with you through every season? Custom gifts make lasting keepsakes and add a deeply personal touch to your registry.
Pet Portraits That Feel Like Fine Art
Whether painted by hand or digitally drawn with care, a framed portrait of your furry companion adds heart to your walls. Choose a style that matches your home—soft watercolours, bold graphic sketches, or even pop-art treatments.
Registry-Worthy Vendors:
- Pupparazzi – Melbourne-based pet portrait artist
- Arlo & Co – known for clean digital prints and laser-cut name plaques
Custom Cake Toppers
Let your guests know your pet is part of the love story—even if they’re not walking down the aisle. Cake toppers featuring your dog or cat in miniature (often wearing a bow tie or floral crown) add personality and make for adorable photos.
Look for toppers made from acrylic, laser-cut timber, or polymer clay for a lasting memento.
Personalised Paw Print Keepsakes
Clay imprints, engraved metal tags for your keyring, or even glass ornaments etched with a paw print and your pet’s name—they’re all small gestures that hold deep meaning. Some registries now include handmade items from Australian makers or allow contributions to customised Etsy creations.
3. Shared Comfort for Cosy Nights In
Not every gift has to scream “pet gear.” Some registry items simply support the shared routines of couples with animals—snuggling on the couch, relaxing on the weekend, or making space for everyone in bed.
Oversized Throws (Pet-Friendly Fabrics)
Look for chunky knit blankets, stain-resistant weaves, and breathable layers that can survive a little fur. It’s the kind of gift your future self will thank you for during winter movie nights with the dog wedged between you.
Suggestions:
- Sheridan’s brushed cotton throws
- Adairs Home Republic washable layers
Cordless Handheld Vacuums
Yes, it’s practical – but it also saves your sanity when your cat explodes into a cloud of fluff every spring. Handheld vacuums can be a godsend when you live with indoor pets that shed a lot but want to keep your house clean and fur-free.
Top Registry Option:
- Dyson V8 Slim or Shark Cordless Pet Pro
4. Travel and Outdoor Gear for Pet-Inclusive Adventures
If you’re the outdoor type that loves beach trips, bushwalks, and nature hikes with your dog by your side, consider adding some cool outdoor pet gear to your registry to support that lifestyle.
Pet-Friendly Picnic Sets
A good picnic kit – with foldable bowls, extra storage for pet snacks, and a thermally lined carrier – makes outings seamless.
Top Picks:
- Sunnylife’s picnic backpack sets
- Sachi insulated totes (easy to clean and stylish)
Travel Carriers and Booster Seats
For those with smaller dogs and cats, having a breathable and safe carrier will give you peace of mind. There are tons of stylish, secure models nowadays that can look like stylish bags, backpacks, or even vintage crates.
Notables:
- Petsforhomes pet carriers
- Furf Pets’ soft-sided travel totes
Hands-Free Dog Leashes or Harness Sets
Going on a honeymoon hike? Register for a bungee-style leash or a comfy, no-pull harness with matching lead. Add a collapsible water bottle or a poop-bag dispenser and you’ve got a stylish kit for strolls or jogs.
5. Gifts That Give Back to Pets in Need
Some couples already have what they need, and would rather their guests’ generosity go somewhere meaningful. If you feel the same, add a registry option that donates to animal charities or rescues.
Donation in Lieu of Gifts
Offer guests the option to donate to your favourite shelter or rescue group in your pet’s honour. Add a note on your registry about why it matters—especially if you adopted your furry friend.
Well-loved Australian charities:
- PetRescue
- Sydney Dogs & Cats Home
You can even create a custom donation tier (“$20 feeds a foster puppy for a week”) and tie it to a memory or story about your pet.
6. Planning Your Registry With Pets in Mind: Final Tips
When setting up your wedding registry, it’s easy to focus on aesthetics and essentials. But if your pet is part of your everyday rhythm, it makes sense to choose items that support that connection.
Final Thoughts: A Registry That Reflects the Life You’re Building
Your wedding marks the start of a new chapter—but for couples with pets, it’s a continuation of a bond already built. Choosing registry items that acknowledge your animal companions doesn’t just make sense—it adds heart and personality to your celebration.
By mixing meaningful keepsakes with smart lifestyle picks, you’ll craft a registry that’s not only useful but completely you. After all, love isn’t just about the people at the altar—it’s also about the furry face waiting by the front door when you get home.
