Many churches invite people to bring their pets for the Blessing of the Animals in early October. This special event has become a much-loved part of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, which takes place October 4.
The events take place on different dates this time of year.
Saint Francis of Assisi was a Catholic friar in the 12th and 13th centuries who founded the religious order of the Franciscans and who is the patron saint of animals.
Blessing of the Animals in the Triangle
Here are a few opportunities to bring your pet to a Blessing of the Animals in Raleigh, Durham, Wake County and Cary. This is not a complete list. Make sure to check churches near you too!
Blessing of the Animals at Millbrook Baptist Church
1519 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC
Saturday, September 27, 2025
10 a.m.
Bring an animal for an individual blessing or bring a photo or ashes to bless an animal that has passed.
The service will be held at the back of the church near our labyrinth and sacred gardens. Water and treats will be provided for both human and animal friends. We will also be pleased to offer blessings for the stuffed animals and lovies of children who provide them with ongoing comfort, safety, and joy.
Pet Blessing at Christus Victor Lutheran Church
1615 E NC 54 Hwy, Durham, NC
Saturday, October 4, 2025
11 a.m.
Bring your pets for this annual animal blessing. Furry, feathery, and scaley friends are all welcome. Vendors will be there with fun treats and resources for your pets, including Unleashed, Marcia’s Best Dogs, Wolfgang Bakery, Happy Cats Retreat and more. There will also be snacks and food for everyone to enjoy.
Blessing of the Pets with Hillyer Memorial Christian Church
At St. Mary’s School, 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 5, 2025
5:15 p.m.
All creatures great and small are welcome. Please keep pets leashed or in carriers for safety.
Blessing of the Animals at Saint Andrews United Methodist Church
1201 Maxwell Drive, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 5, 2025
3 p.m.
Meet at the Meditation Path. Human snacks and animal water buckets will be available for a time of fellowship and animal petting immediately following the service. Facebook event.
St. Francis Festival at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
2723 Clark Avenue, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 5, 2025
5 p.m.
The evening will feature grilled burgers and more, a visit from Saint Francis, pet blessing and liturgy and live bluegrass music from the Kudzu Ramblers.
Blessing of the Animals at Holy Infant Catholic Church
5000 Southpark Drive, Durham, NC
Sunday, October 5, 2025
3 to 3:30 p.m.
Meet on the Parish Office Lawn. Fr. Robert will offer a special for our companion animals. Please keep them contained or leashed Please bring a donation for the Saving Grace Adoption Center. List of needed items at savinggracenc.org/give/.
Blessing of the Animals at Soapstone United Methodist Church
12837 Norwood Road, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 5, 2025
4 p.m.
Whether your pet is playful, shy, furry, feathered, or scaled, they are welcome to receive a blessing! Please bring pets on a leash, in a carrier, or even in your car if that’s most comfortable for them.
Blessing of the Animals at White Memorial Presbyterian Church
1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC
Carol Copeland Courtyard
Sunday, October 5, 2025
5 to 6 p.m.
A brief meditation will be offered, pets and companion animals will receive a special blessing, and there will be a time to honor those companion animals who are no longer with us.
Sponsored by Companion Animal Ministry. Bring your leashed pet or photo of pet. Supplies like food, litter, toys, etc. will be collected for the SPCA of Wake County. Pet food donations will go to disaster relief in western North Carolina.
Blessing of the Animals at St. Paul’s Christian Church
3331 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 5, 2025
9:02 a.m. and 11 a.m.
All people and pets are invited to a special Sunday blessing of the animals on Sunday, October 5 at the 9:02 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services (each service will last approximately one hour). Celebrate God’s gift of animals and bless our faithful companions. If your pet recently passed away or if it’s better for your pet to stay at home, you are invited to bring a photo or item belonging to your pet for a blessing.
Blessing of the Animals at Genesis UMC
850 High House Road, Cary, NC
Sunday, October 5, 2025
4 p.m.
Bring your dogs, cats, birds, lizards, horses, frogs, and whatever other creatures make up your family. After a short time of worship in songs and prayer and scripture, the church will say a prayer of blessing over each individual pet, either close up or at a distance (for those who might be a little skittish.)
Park in the lower parking lot, and the service will be in the upper parking area near the preschool building. A separate area will be marked off for cats who might be a little nervous around dogs.
Blessing of the Animals at St. John’s Episcopal Church
834 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC
Sunday, October 5, 2025
12 p.m.
You and your beloved pets are invited to the church’s annual Blessing of the Animals in the Lower Churchyard. Furry, scaly, and feathered companions are all welcome. All pets must be leashed or safely secured. You may also bring ashes of a pet that’s passed away.
St. Francis Blessing of the Animals at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church
813 Darby Street, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 5, 2025
4 p.m.
Bring your favorite pet or animal to receive blessings. Stuffed animals are also welcome.
Check back soon for more
Blessing of the Animals at Grace Lutheran Church
5010 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC
Check back soon to see if Grace Lutheran Church is hosting a Blessing of the Animals event.
Blessing of the Animals Worship Service at Duke University Chapel
401 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC
Check back soon to see if there will be a Blessing of the Animals event at Duke University Chapel.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Events
Check out our list of free and cheap events in Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle this weekend, or our full event calendar in the Triangle, or just look at few upcoming events here:
