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 Soapstone United Methodist Church
12837 Norwood Road, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, September 27, 2026
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.
Animal Festival at Christus Victor Lutheran Church
1615 E NC 54 Hwy, Durham, NC
Saturday, October 3, 2026
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Bring your pets for this annual animal blessing. Follow the above link for more information, when it’s announced.
Blessing of the Animals at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
1737 Hillandale Road, Durham, NC
Saturday, October 3, 2026
1 p.m.
Beloved pets of all types and stripes, on leashes or in carriers, are welcome to receive a blessing from the clergy! Bring your pet’s picture or favorite toy to be blessed if your pet would not enjoy the festive atmosphere. Pets who would love to be there are invited to participate in the pet costume contest, with prizes for first, second, and third place! St. Luke’s Pumpkin Patch opens on this day at 1 p.m.
Blessing of the Animals at Saint Andrews United Methodist Church
1201 Maxwell Drive, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 4, 2026
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.
Blessing of the Animals Worship Service at Duke University Chapel
401 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC
Sunday, October 4, 2026
3 p.m.
Dogs, cats, and other animals will join ministers and the Durham Children’s Choir for this Blessing of the Animals worship service on the Duke Chapel Quad. Pet owners are welcome to bring their animals to receive a blessing as part of the service.
The service will last about thirty minutes and includes music from the Durham Children’s Choir, scripture readings, and a sermon. Individual animal blessings will take place immediately after the service.
St. Francis Festival at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
2723 Clark Avenue, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 4, 2026
5:30 p.m.
Bring your beloved pets or simply come to enjoy a joyful evening of worship, dinner, and music at the church’s annual Blessing of the Animals.
Blessing of the Animals at White Memorial Presbyterian Church
1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC
Carol Copeland Courtyard
Sunday, October 4, 2026
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.
St. Francis Blessing of the Animals at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church
813 Darby Street, Raleigh, NC
Sunday, October 4, 2026
2 p.m.
Bring your furry and feathered friends for our Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals service. All pets are welcome!
Blessing of the Animals at Trinity Episcopal Church
1128 South Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Saturday, October 10, 2026
12 to 3 p .m.
This event includes food trucks, face painting, balloon animals, live music, Police K9 demo, group blessings, vendors and more.
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:
Leave a Reply