Churches Hold St. Francis Pet Blessings
Churches and animal shelters are hosting blessings for pets and other animals around the Feast of St. Francis, continuing a tradition rooted in Christian teachings that all creatures matter. Events from the U.K. to Pennsylvania and Florida
FaithTap · Oct 5, 2026 · 1 min read
Churches marked the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, with pet-blessing services celebrating care for animals and the environment. In Manila, parishioners brought dogs, cats and a snail to Malate Church, where the parish also offered free vaccinations for dogs and cats. A Chicago service welcomed animals including cats, dogs and a horse, with owners describing the gathering as a way to honor pets as family. The tradition has roots in Christian blessings of livestock and has expanded to include household pets across denominations.