We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kacy Ives. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kacy below.

Kacy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

It all started at my own wedding in 2019, Santa Barbara CA. The sun was golden, the breeze was soft, and everything was picture perfect – except for one very enthusiastic cavalier king charles spaniel named Copper. Copper is our pride and joy, more of a first child than a pet to my husband Bryan and I. We wanted her in every photo, walking down the aisle, mingling with guests. But Copper had other plans: making noise during ceremony, licking my cousin Chelsea’s makeup off as she desperately tried to keep her quiet, and later on – a 20 minute panic when we couldn’t find her in the guest house (she was asleep in the main bedroom).

These small moments stuck with me. I couldn’t stop thinking about how many people include their dogs in major life events – weddings, parties, photo shoots – but don’t have a plan for managing them. Dogs aren’t props. They’re family. But they’re also unpredictable, especially in high-energy environments. I realized there was a gap: people were inviting their dogs to events without support, and it was creating stress for everyone involved.

So I started researching. I found pet sitters, dog walkers, even trainers – but no one was specializing in event-specific dog handling. That’s when the idea crystallized: a Dog Wrangler for events. Someone who understands canine behavior, knows how to work with photographers and planners, and can keep dogs safe, happy, and camera-ready.

What got me most excited was the emotional layer. Dogs are part of our most meaningful moments, and helping them be present – without chaos – felt deeply rewarding. I wasn’t just solving a logistical problem; I was enhancing the experience for both humans and their pets. I knew it would work because every time I mentioned the idea, people lit up. “Oh my gosh, I needed you at my wedding!” “I wish I had this for our holiday shoot!” That kind of visceral response told me I was onto something.

It’s not just about Wrangling – it’s about honoring the bond between people and their dogs, and making sure that bond shines through in life’s biggest moments. That’s the heart of Dust & Salt. And it all started with Copper, the loving, loud cavalier king charles who reminded me that dogs deserve a seat at the table – and someone to help them sit still.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Howdy, I’m Kacy, founder of Dust & Salt, Santa Barbara’s premier Dog Wrangling service for weddings, photo shoots, and special events. I help dogs show up beautifully and calmly in life’s biggest moments – so you can focus on the joy, not the chaos.

My journey into wrangling began at my own wedding, where our cavalier king charles spaniel, Copper, was meant to join us during the ceremony but had other plans (think: loudly whining before being picked up by our bridesmaid Chelsea and proceeding to lick all her makeup off). This moment sparked a business built on love, instinct, and a whole lot of dog treats.

I combine my deep understanding of canine behavior with a calm, intuitive presence that dogs respond to. Whether it’s posing for portraits, walking down the aisle, or just being part of the celebration, I make sure your dog is safe, happy, and photo-ready. Based in Santa Barbara, I work with couples, photographers, planners, and brands in the greater SB area. I’m proud to offer a service that honors the bond between humans and their pets.

The idea came to life organically at my own wedding. Between the excitement, the crowd, and the unfamiliar setting, our pup Copper was overwhelmed. Reflecting on our day I had my lightbulb moment. I realized there was a real need for someone who could bridge the gap between pet care and event coordination. Dogs are part of the family, and people want them included in their big days – but they also want those days to run smoothly. That’s where I come in.

I provide on-site dog handling services tailored to events. That includes:

– Managing dogs during photo shoots (posing, calming, redirecting)
– Escorting dogs down the aisle or through planned moments
– Providing breaks, water, treats, and comfort
– Coordinating with photographers and planners
– Ensuring safety and minimizing stress for both dogs and humans

I also offer pre-event consultations to get to know your dog’s personality, triggers, and preferences, so everything goes off without a hitch.

Santa Barbara is full of creatives, dreamers, and dog lovers – but few people combine animal behavior expertise with event logistics. I’m not just a dog walker or sitter. I’m experienced in canine body language, stress signals, and positive reinforcement techniques. I also understand the rhythm of events and how to work seamlessly with vendors.

What makes me proud is knowing that I help people include their pets in meaningful ways – without stress. I help to capture authentic moments with dogs that would’ve otherwise been impossible due to the high energy on event days. I’m proud to be the calm in the storm, the behind-the-scenes magic that lets dogs shine.

A few things I bring to each Dog Wrangling service: I treat every dog like my own and I believe dogs deserve to be part of our milestones. I’m here to make your day easier, smoother, and more joyful. I’m based in Santa Barbara but travel in the area for events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a photo shoot, or a celebration, I’m your go-to for making sure your dog is safe, happy, and photo-ready.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The most fruitful source of new clients has undoubtedly been my connections with wedding planners and the power of word of mouth. Santa Barbara is home to a vibrant, collaborative event community, and once planners saw how seamlessly I integrated into their timelines – keeping dogs calm, on cue, and out of trouble – they began referring me with genuine enthusiasm. They understand the value of a stress-free day, and having a dedicated dog wrangler is a detail that elevates the entire experience.

Word of mouth has been equally powerful. When a couple sees their dog walk calmly down the aisle or pose perfectly for portraits, they tell their friends. Photographers share my name with future clients. Vendors mention me to planners. It’s a ripple effect built on trust, results, and the emotional impact of seeing a beloved pet included in such a meaningful way.

I’ve found that when people experience the difference firsthand – how much smoother and more joyful their day becomes – they become my biggest advocates. That organic growth has been the most rewarding part of building this business.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

A story that really captures my resilience is simply the day-to-day reality of being the sole Dog Wrangler behind Dust & Salt, while also juggling a full-time job and managing a household. There’s no team behind the scenes – just me, a calendar full of commitments, and a deep love for what I do.

Wrangling weekends start before sunrise – packing gear, prepping treats, reviewing the couple’s timeline – and end well past sundown. A day of wrangling a very energetic dog or dogs through portraits, ceremony, and cocktail hours can be physically exhausting. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s real. Running Dust & Salt takes strategy, stamina, and a whole lot of heart. I’ve learned to be efficient with my time, to prioritize what matters most, and to stay grounded in why I started this in the first place: to help people include their dogs in life’s most meaningful moments.

Resilience, for me, isn’t just about pushing through – it’s about showing up fully, even when the schedule is packed and the energy is low. It’s about believing in the value of what I offer and carving out space for it, no matter how crowded life gets. That’s the heartbeat of Dust & Salt.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dustandsalt.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustandsaltsb/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacyives
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dust-and-salt-santa-barbara?osq=Dust+And+Salt

Image Credits
Jodee Friday Photography, Zach & Dune, Jasmin Tupy Photo