Every question, answered

A gated, padded pen is set up with 5–7 young puppies inside. Kids take turns sitting in the pen to hold, pet and play with them while a handler supervises. It runs a full hour so no one feels rushed and every child gets real time with the puppies.

Yes. The puppies used for these parties are chosen and socialized specifically for events with children, and a professional handler from Galaxy Parties is with them at all times. The handler teaches the kids how to hold a puppy gently before anyone picks one up.

Galaxy Parties is a licensed, insured, family-owned company that runs animal experiences full time. The puppies get rest breaks during the session and the handler pulls any pup that needs a rest. If you'd like specifics on their care and vetting, call Galaxy Parties directly at 562-309-4426.

Please tell us in the RSVP note. There will be plenty of party outside the puppy pen — food, balloon animals, games and cake — and the pen is a defined area kids can stay away from. Bring any allergy medication your child normally takes and let Ernie know at drop-off.

Not at all, and no one gets pushed. Puppies are small, calm and contained in the pen. Most nervous kids warm up by watching first. Watching from outside the pen is a completely fine way to spend the hour.

The setup works either way and will be arranged on the day depending on the weather. Dress your child in play clothes they can sit on the ground in.

Parents are very welcome to stay — there's food and seating for you. If your child is comfortable being dropped off, that's fine too. Just make sure the phone number on your RSVP is one you'll answer, and be back by 8:00 PM.

Right at 5:00 PM. The puppy hour starts at 5:30 and it's the part kids remember, so late arrivals miss the best of it.

Remington is turning 11, so the crowd is mostly 9–12 — but younger siblings are absolutely welcome. Just include them in your headcount on the RSVP so we have enough food and a spot in the puppy rotation.

Yes. Please just put the total number of people coming (kids and adults) in the RSVP so we can plan food and seating.

Hawaiian barbecue — teriyaki chicken, kalua pork and BBQ beef with white rice and macaroni salad — plus a veggie plate, snacks, drinks and birthday cake. It's served mild, not spicy, so it's kid-friendly. Tell us about any allergies or dietary needs in the RSVP note and we'll handle it.

Your kid showing up is genuinely the gift. If you'd like to bring something, Remington is into anything to do with animals, art and skincare.

Comfortable clothes that can get puppy paw prints on them, and closed-toe shoes. Nothing precious.

Street parking around 1 Christamon in Irvine. Please don't block driveways — leave a few extra minutes to walk in.

Occasionally, and that's expected. The handler carries sanitizer and cleanup supplies and takes care of it immediately. It's part of the service, not something anyone at the party has to deal with.

No — the puppies leave with Galaxy Parties at the end of the session. Please don't promise your child otherwise.

Please do, and send them to Ernie afterwards. Photos in the puppy pen are the whole point.

Just text Ernie at 609-703-5615. Knowing early is genuinely helpful for the food count — no awkwardness either way.

As soon as you know. The RSVP page takes about fifteen seconds and everyone can see the running headcount on the guest list page.

Ernie at 609-703-5615. Call or text — that's the number to use for anything, including running late.