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.
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 and Durham. This is not a complete list. Make sure to check churches near you too!
Blessing of the Animals at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
2723 Clark Avenue, Raleigh, NC
Thursday, October 3, 2024
5 p.m.
The evening will feature a food truck, a visit from Saint Francis, the pet blessing and liturgy, and special music. All pets are welcome. Please keep them on leashes or in carriers.
Blessing of the Animals at Millbrook Baptist Church — Fundraiser for Saving Grace
1519 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC
Saturday, October 5, 2024 (rain date is October 12.)
11 a.m.
Bring an animal for an individual blessing, or bring a photo, ashes, leash, or collar for a blessing for an animal that has passed. You will also have an opportunity to learn about Saving Grace Animals for Adoption, a Wake County organization connecting homeless animals with loving homes for 20 years.
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team will be in attendance.
The approximately 30-minute service will be held at the back of the church in the field adjacent to the labyrinth and sacred gardens. Water and treats will be provided – both for the animals attending and those who brought them. A representative of Saving Grace will be on hand to answer questions about its rescue work.
Pet Blessing at Christus Victor Lutheran Church
1615 E NC 54 Hwy, Durham, NC
Saturday, October 5, 2024
11 a.m.
This event takes place rain or shine. The pastor will give each pet and pet parent an individual blessing. The first 25 participants will receive a free pet goodie bag. The event is free and no RSVP is required. Please make sure that your pet is leashed or crated.
Blessing of the Animals at Soapstone United Methodist Church
12837 Norwood Road, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 6, 2024
4 p.m.
Please come to the back of the church. All pets are welcome, whether they are sociable or prefer solitude. Pets that are not very social can be brought in a crate or in your car. Rain or shine.
Blessing of the Animals Worship Service at Duke University Chapel
401 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC
Sunday, October 6, 2024
3 to 3:30 p.m.
Bring your pet to receive a blessing and to enjoy a short service that will feature the Durham Children’s Choir, scripture readings and a sermon. The individual animal blessings will take place immediately after the service. Paid parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis in the Bryan Center Garage at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking is available in the surface lot at the same address. Please only bring pets that are safe around children and other animals.
Blessing of the Animals at White Memorial Presbyterian Church
1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC
Carol Copeland Courtyard
Sunday, October 6, 2024
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
St. Francis Blessing of the Animals at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church
813 Darby Street, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 6, 2024
4 p.m.
Bring your favorite pet or animal to receive blessings. Stuffed animals are welcome!
Blessing of the Animals at Grace Lutheran Church
5010 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 13, 2024
4 p.m.
Bring your furry, feathered or scaly friends on a leash, in a carrier or in a cage. The parking lot is near a busy road. They’ll be accepting donations for Wake County Animal Control. If your pet doesn’t like crowds you may keep them in the car or bring a picture of them. The event will conclude with a short memorial for animals that have passed away in the last year.
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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:
