SLO County stages dog wedding to boost adoptions. See the hounds get hitched
Valentine’s Day is mere days away — and its not just humans celebrating in San Luis Obispo County.
On Friday, two pups still searching for a permanent home got hitched at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office.
To promote the county’s animal adoption services and express marriage ceremonies, staff staged a hound romance on its social media pages.
“Not feeling the love as Valentine’s Day approaches? Look no further,” the county posted on Facebook. “We have a love story to share that shows love can find you even when you are feeling abandoned, lost and lonely.”
The dog duo, Mona Lisa and Briers, are just two of the animals waiting for a forever home at SLO County Animal Services, according to county spokesperson Jeanette Trompeter.
After a whirlwind “love at first sight” playdate and a picnic proposal — complete with a dog bone and engagement ring — the two strays trotted over to the county Clerk-Recorder’s Office, decked out in a white wedding dress and a mini tux to tie the knot.
The office offers quick, no appointment-needed civil marriage ceremonies at its counter. Couples can bring up to three guests and staff can act as officiants, according to the Clerk-Recorder’s website.
Even though the canines found love in each other, the pair are still searching for loving owners as well, the county said.
It costs $85 to adopt a cat and $162 to take home a dog, according to the county’s animal adoption’s page. People seeking to find a potential new pet can call the shelter at 805-78-4400 to schedule a visit.
“There is love to be found at the Division of Animal Services,” the county said in a news release. “There are a lot of great animals waiting to be adopted there and ready to bring an added dose of love to your home.”
After the staged love affair, what’s next for the two hitched pups?
“Rumor is they plan to take advantage of the last few weeks of the county airport’s direct flights to Vegas for their honeymoon,” Trompeter said.
This story was originally published February 12, 2026 at 10:54 AM.
