The Blessing of the Animals

The Blessing of the Animals is an event in which pets are invited to receive God's blessing in memory of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Many churches and religious organizations schedule their Blessing of the Animals event on October 4th, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, or on the first Sunday in October.

Most churches and religious organizations invite all types of pets to attend their Blessing of the Animals events. Although typically dogs and cats are in the majority, it is not unusual to see pets such as birds, fish, hamsters, rabbits, turtles, lizards, snakes and more. Some pet owners elect instead to bring photographs of their pets if they are unable to attend the Blessing of the Animals in person. Pets are expected to be under control at all times by their owners and must be restrained by a leash or confined to a cage or other applicable enclosure. Aggressive or uncontrollable pets should not attend Blessing of the Animals events.

Many of the Blessing of the Animals events in the United States, and all over the world, are held outdoors after church services. Some churches hold their event inside with the Blessing of the Animals as a part of the service.

To view an example of the wording that may be used for the Blessing of the Animals, click here.

Nearly all of the Blessing of the Animals events in the United Sates are done in commemoration of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. St Francis of Assisi was born into a rich family, but renounced his wealth and lived in poverty. He lived his life with a profound love and respect for all creatures, man and animals alike. St Francis of Assisi is said to have once stopped to deliver a sermon including a blessing to a flock of wild birds, and also to have tamed a ferocious wolf that was threatening a nearby town.

The largest Blessing of the Animals event is in New York City at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Held in remembrance of St Francis of Assisi, this Blessing of the Animals has been held on the first Sunday in October since 1985 and draws thousands of pet owners and their pets. The service begins with the Procession of Animals into the cathedral. In past years the procession was led an African elephant and has included camels, llamas, yaks, swans and horses, in addition to the pets of parishioners and visitors. The Blessing of the Animals is a part of the service, with individual blessings available after the service from clergy members.

To search for the Blessing of the Animals in your city, click here.