Today we’d like to introduce you to Clare Sheehan.
Hi Clare, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi, I’m Clare!
I grew up in Denver, CO and worked my way through the hospitality industry there for ten years. Bartending, managing, and event work led me into the wedding industry and my career eventually took me to the Caribbean where I managed events at an estate on the north side of St. Thomas near the famous Magen’s Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The estate hosted local and destination weddings, corporate events, and live music. When Hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017, I was forced to pivot and decided Austin would be a good place to put down some roots. I continued working in the hospitality industry here until Covid 19 forced me to pivot again and I took a break from the service industry altogether. I went into animal care instead where I quickly realized I could combine all of my experience and focus on wedding pet care in a city with a deep love for doggos!
As a lifelong animal lover and wedding industry professional, I created Bark & Bride to help couples include their pets in their weddings. I know firsthand how important pets are.. and how stressful weddings can be. With my unique experience in both industries I am able to keep your pet safe, calm, and in the right place at the right time while navigating all the wedding logistics so your pet can shine during their big moment, and you can stay fully present for yours. At Bark & Bride, I make it easy to say “yes” to inviting your pet to your wedding. So go ahead, add your dog to the guest list!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was certain everything was working out in my favor and I had made it in life. Then Irma, a category 5 hurricane hit St. Thomas in 2017 and I was left with a few personal items and my cat, Moosetache. We were fortunate enough to get out of St. Thomas on a refugee cruise ship before the second category 5 hurricane, Maria hit. It was on that refugee cruise ship where I decided I can do anything as long as I believe in myself and have my cat by my side! Any other struggles I’ve faced since leaving the Caribbean have felt quite minimal. After realizing how quickly things can change, I adjusted my mindset to allow myself to learn and grow with any obstacles I face. I think perhaps my biggest challenge right now is adjusting to the rapidly growing technology required to run a small business. Embracing these changes and giving myself some grace has been crucial in the development of my business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Bark & Bride Wedding Pet Care in Austin, TX, is a wedding day pet care service designed to help couples include their pets in one of the most important days of their lives—without adding stress or distraction. Based in Austin and serving the Texas Hill Country, Bark & Bride specializes in providing professional, compassionate care so pets can safely and seamlessly be part of the celebration.
On a day that’s often fast-paced and emotional, Bark & Bride steps in as a dedicated handler for your pet, managing every detail of their involvement. This can include transporting your pet to and from the venue, assisting with getting them photo-ready, and coordinating their role in key moments like walking down the aisle or participating in portraits.
Beyond those highlight moments, the service ensures your pet is comfortable, calm, and well cared for throughout the day. Weddings can be overwhelming environments for animals, with large crowds, loud music, and unfamiliar settings. Bark & Bride provides attentive, behind-the-scenes care—handling feeding, water breaks, walks, and rest time—so your pet remains happy and stress-free while you stay fully present in your celebration.
Ultimately, Bark & Bride allows couples to “invite their dog to the wedding” in a meaningful, worry-free way. By combining professional pet handling with an understanding of wedding logistics, the service ensures that your four-legged family member is included safely, beautifully, and memorably—without placing that responsibility on friends or family.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think wedding pet care is still in the early stages and is a pretty niche service right now. In 5–10 years though, it will be considered a standard wedding service, because let’s be real, who doesn’t love a pup in a tuxedo?!
Pricing:
- Vows and Bow Wows Package $350
- Dog Date Package $475
- Pup of Honor Package $625
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barkandbride.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barkandbride/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581241347740
