Black Tie Tails offers two services. For weddings and events, I provide professional day-of dog chaperoning: getting your pup groomed and dressed, walking them down the aisle, handling photos, and getting them home or to a trusted person safely once the celebrating starts. For weekday support, I offer dog walking with both a la carte visits and discounted weekly packages. Weddings and events are served in Richmond and Hampton Roads, VA. Weekday walking is currently offered in Richmond.

Reach out through the contact form and tell me about your dog and your event or walking needs. For weddings and events, we’ll set up a Meet & Greet so I can meet your pup, confirm the day-of schedule, and answer questions. For weekday walking, the Meet & Greet lets me learn your dog’s routine and build their Pet Success Plan, with a $20 deposit that goes straight toward your first walk.

I bring real hands-on experience, not just a love of dogs. I worked alongside veterinarians and vet techs at a veterinary hospital, managed the high-energy chaos of dog daycares, and have spent years in rescue work as a foster, kennel volunteer, and rescue coordinator. That background means I can read a dog’s stress signals before they escalate and handle even a shy or easily overwhelmed pup with patience. I’m also fully insured and Red Cross Certified in Canine First Aid and CPR, so your dog’s safety is never left to chance.

The easiest way is through the contact form on this site, or email info@blacktietails.com. You can also call or text 804-372-3556, or say hi on Instagram @black.tie.tails. I aim to respond within one business day.

Weekday dog walking is priced per walk length, with discounted weekly packages for regular walkers (see the Weekday Dog Walking page for current rates). Wedding and event chaperoning is priced based on the scope of your day — hours of coverage, number of dogs, and any add-ons — so every quote is custom. Reach out through the contact form with your details and I’ll send over exact pricing.

Relaxed and dog-first. If your pup is anything like mine, they’re family, so I treat every walk and every event the same way I’d want my own dogs treated: with patience, high-value treats, and zero rush. For weddings, that means blending into your day so smoothly your guests barely notice a handler is there — they just see a happy, camera-ready dog. For weekday walks, it means the same walker every time, so your dog gets a familiar face and a routine they can count on.

Your pet's safety is my absolute priority. Black Tie Tails is fully insured, and I am Red Cross Certified in Canine First Aid and CPR. In the event of an unforeseen health crisis, I will immediately transport your dog to the preferred veterinarian listed in your intake paperwork. If the situation requires urgent specialized care, I will head to the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital while maintaining constant communication with you or your designated emergency contact.

Whatever makes your dog happiest! After our initial consultation, I’ll have a clear understanding of your pet's personality and energy level. If you have an energetic pup, we’ll spend our off-camera time going for long walks or finding a quiet spot for a game of fetch. If your dog is a "professional napper" or a senior, we’ll find a cozy, air-conditioned space for some belly rubs and ear scritches. My goal is to ensure they are relaxed and pampered, so they are at their best for their scheduled appearances.

Ideally, you’ll forget I’m even there! I wear professional, all-black attire—similar to a theatrical stagehand—to remain as inconspicuous as possible. My goal is to stay behind the camera lens or tucked away in the wings, stepping in only when necessary to pose your pet or provide a quick water break.

Nature doesn't pause for "I dos." I proactively manage your pet’s schedule by arriving early for a long pre-ceremony walk to ensure they are fully " pottied" before the processional begins. During the event, I monitor their body language closely and whisk them away for discreet relief breaks in designated areas, returning as quickly as possible for their scheduled appearances.

Safety is my absolute priority. Given my background in veterinary settings and rescue coordination, I am highly experienced in reading canine body language. However, a wedding is a high-stimulus environment. If a pet shows signs of stress or aggression that cannot be managed safely, I reserve the right to remove them from the venue for their well-being and the safety of your guests. All charges will apply. We will discuss your pet’s specific triggers during our initial consultation to create a Success Plan.