Congratulations mama, there's a bun in the oven! Now all there is to do is send out a baby announcement that is cute, personal — oh and don't forget to include one very special family member: the dog! We all know that there are real babies and then there are fur babies. But the two don't have to compete. Dogs have always been the best companions, so of course they will be the perfect little partner to a new baby in the house! And although mom and dad might be so excited to welcome a new little bird into the nest, it's important not to forget who really runs the house: the pet pooch. Why not make sure that pup gets a starring role in a pregnancy announcement with these adorable ideas that scream "We're pregnant!"
To make a baby announcement that's truly a family affair, it needs to include the beloved dog. He or she is about to get a promotion to big brother or sister, and we've found some creative ways to help share the good news with friend and family. From joking about "guard dog" duty or showing the pup reading an informative book on how to be a big sibling to sharing an ultrasound with the fur baby, the adorable options are endless. And we're sure the pup will appreciate the nod, too.
Just take a look at some of our favorite pregnancy announcement ideas for dog lovers that will include both the new addition as well as the original fur baby and prepare for cuteness overload!
K-9 UNIT
Let the world know that mom and dad have put the pup to work … because mom is pregnant! That means guard dog duty will officially be starting soon.
EXPLAIN IT SLOWLY
Why not share the exact moment that mom and dad break it to their beloved pooch that they are about to become a big sister or brother? Sure, pups may not get what that piece of paper is with the weird lima shape, but they are sure to know that something big is happening! Just share the news slowly and of course provide a doggy treat at the end.
PUT THEIR COLLAR TO GOOD USE
Tiny shoes are always pregnancy announcement gold, so why not up the ante and include pup's own collar into the mix? This DIY announcement is both sweet and pretty darn simple. Just take a pair of shoes from mom and dad, and if photo editing software is not an option, use some colorful sidewalk chalk to write a message. We love it!
BIG BROTHER ALERT
Even if this is human baby #1, we all know that there has been a little fur child in the house for years! Let the world know that pup is about to become a big brother or sister with this adorable and creative photoshoot.
HOW TO BE A BIG BROTHER
Dogs in glasses = cuteness. Dogs readings books = cuteness. Dogs readings books in glasses = mind-blowing cuteness. To re-create this photo, make sure to include the sonogram and perhaps have a few dog treats on hand.
WE'RE GETTING A HUMAN
Sure, dogs don't necessarily know that mom is pregnant, so they can't get too emotional. But why not pretend a little with the excitement that we can safely assume the pup will have once baby boy or girl has arrived? These parents kept things simple and decorated a large message pad to go behind their pups, but other cute ideas would be sidewalk chalk, a banner, or getting creative with photo editing software.
GROUP HUG
Why not hold the fur baby while announcing that the baby-baby is on the way? A group photo might seem simple, but a playful message can make all the difference. Take this mom, photographer Lauren Carnes, who captioned this Instagram photo, "Sophie is busy testing out all the toys to give her furry big sister seal of approval & we're counting down the days until we meet our little one!" So cute!
BANDANA WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
Keep things casual, cute, and cool with an awesome bandana that lets the world know that pup is a big sibling! This adorable shot by photographer Avery Phillips really captures how impactful a special item can make a photo and we're really charmed by the pup's grin.
1, 2, 3
Look at that bump! Celebrate all of the kids (yup, pups included) with this adorable and easy chalkboard announcement. This mama has two pups, but of course this would be cute no matter how many there are.
BLAME IT ON THE DOG
Obviously this is the announcement for parents who have a bit of a sense of humor and are willing to get a little silly with the photo that they send friends and family. This plays off of the idea of blaming *ahem* gas on the pooch, but it is probably safe to say that if there is going to be anything smelly going on at home, it's sure to be baby's diapers!
ADDING 1 MORE TO THE PACK
This is a great idea for families that have lots of doggos and want everyone to get equal camera time. This might take a little finessing (meaning, treats) but if all the dogs can be lined up (or at least gathered together) then a great pregnancy announcement is possible. Plus, how cute is it to think of baby joining a pack?!
THE RIVALRY BEGINS
Who is mom and dad going to love more, pup or baby? Of course the question is a little cheeky — there is more than enough love to go around for everyone! But for the sake of a cute photo op, play up the rivalry between these two future siblings and let the world know when the drama will go down (i.e., the due date).
LOOK OVER HERE
Anyone with a dog can attest that getting not just one but TWO dogs to look the same way at the same time is a task that requires a lot of patience, but this simple announcement is seriously worth it in the end.
MAKE WAY FOR BABY
OK, how cute is this photo? And even though it looks pretty Pinterest-y, it actually is easier to re-create than one might imagine.Take a poster board or other solid board backing and use Fringe Tape (like this one from Paper Source) to create alternating rows of color. Then take small cursive letter balloons (or use this pre-made "baby" one from Etsy) to dress up the backdrop. Bribe the pups into staying put while the photo is being taken and voila! So, so easy.
OFFICIAL TOY TESTER REPORTING FOR DUTY
Good thing there's a pro here to save the day! We're sure that this toy tester takes his responsibilities very seriously. Which is why it's important to let everyone know that before baby comes, pup is on the case.