Massachusetts couple left their dogs at PetSmart for their wedding weekend — and came back to a surprise that was more heartwarming than their big day

The couple couldn’t find a pet-friendly venue that fit their budget, so their beloved pups had to miss the big day.

PUBLISHED 12 HOURS AGO

(L) Jack Russell Terrier sitting on dog bed at home. (R) A surprised couple on their wedding day. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Olena Smyrnova , (R) Klaus Vedfelt)

Weddings are meant to be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. For one Massachusetts couple, their wedding weekend in October 2025 brought all that and something extra special they never expected, thanks to PetSmart. Hayley and Matthew had planned every detail of their big day, but one thing left them heartbroken; their two dogs couldn’t be there. What they didn’t know was that while they were celebrating their marriage, a heartwarming surprise was quietly being prepared for them back home.

A couple on their wedding day. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by People Images) — A couple on their wedding day. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | People Images)

As reported by PEOPLE, Hayley and Matthew had checked their dogs, Jeter and Ronnie, into their local PetSmart PetsHotel while they celebrated their wedding. The couple had struggled to find a pet-friendly venue due to high costs and limited options, which meant the pups had to miss out on the event. Still, they found sweet ways to include their furry family members. They featured the dogs’ faces on the centerpieces and drink menus and even set up a dog treat bar for guests, courtesy of PetSmart. It was their way of keeping Jeter and Ronnie close to their hearts, even from afar.

A couple on their wedding day with their pet dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by freemixer) — A couple on their wedding day with their pet dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | freemixer)

But when the newlyweds returned to pick up their dogs, they were met with a touching surprise that brought tears to their eyes. The PetSmart team had treated Jeter and Ronnie to a full spa day followed by a wedding-themed photo shoot. The dogs were dressed in tiny gray suits complete with white shirts and black bow ties, looking ready for their own special ceremony. The staff printed and framed the photos and presented them to Hayley and Matthew, along with goodie bags filled with dog toys, custom collars, bandanas, paw prints, and embroidered portraits of their pets. “It just goes to show [PetSmart] really does care,” the couple shared with Newsweek.

A couple with their pet dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | People Images)

The photos became even more meaningful when tragedy struck shortly after the wedding. Jeter, one of the couple’s beloved dogs, passed away not long after the celebration. “Having them do the photos and paw prints means [sic] so much more now,” Hayley said, expressing how it will serve as a way to remember Jeter forever. The couple decided to share PetSmart’s thoughtful gesture with their wedding guests by using the photos as their “thank you” cards, making sure Jeter and Ronnie remained part of their memories from that special weekend.

Shih tzus in bow ties. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Sam Lion)

Parker Adkins, communications manager at PetSmart, explained why the team went above and beyond for the couple. “We knew immediately we had to find a way to bring the wedding to [the dogs] so they could still be a part of this special day,” Adkins told PEOPLE. “Our mission is to help pet parents experience more joy with their pets, and Hayley and Matthew couldn’t be more deserving. Jeter and Ronnie have been part of our PetSmart family for years, often visiting for Doggie Day Camp and PetsHotel stays. Jeter had been visiting us for over 10 years.” She added that the Chelmsford store team was honored to create a moment the couple would “cherish forever.”