A growing number of couples in Ecuador are making their pets part of one of life’s biggest moments after the country’s Civil Registry introduced a pet-friendly wedding initiative.
The programme allows dogs and cats to serve as symbolic wedding witnesses by leaving their paw prints on a commemorative marriage certificate. Although the certificate has no legal status, it offers couples a memorable keepsake celebrating the role their pets play in their families.
More than 50 couples embrace the initiative
Since the programme was launched in May, more than 50 couples have chosen to include their pets during civil wedding ceremonies.
Among them were newlyweds Diana Tupiza and Andres Alquinga, who invited their Pekingese dog, Luna, to take part in their wedding ceremony in Quito.
Luna, dressed in a pink tulle outfit specially made for the occasion, completed the symbolic certificate with her paw print alongside the signatures of the couple and their official witnesses.
Pets are part of the family, couple says
Speaking after the ceremony, Alquinga said including Luna reflected the deep emotional connection many families share with their pets.
According to him, animals may not communicate through words, but they offer unconditional love and companionship throughout their lives.
Initially, the idea surprised Tupiza’s mother, Luz Lima. However, she later embraced it and even designed Luna’s wedding dress for the ceremony.
Reflecting on the experience, Lima said modern families continue to find new ways of celebrating important milestones.
Civil Registry responds to changing family lifestyles
Otton Rivadeneira, Director of Ecuador’s Civil Registry, said the initiative was introduced to reflect evolving family structures and the growing importance of pets in many households.
Official census figures show that nearly 7.6 million people in Ecuador own dogs or cats—almost double the number of children aged 12 years and younger in the country.
For Tupiza, who owns three dogs and one cat, Luna represented not only the pets at home but also those they had lost over the years.
She said she would have loved all of her animals to witness the special occasion if it had been possible.