On Sunday 6 October the Cathedral went barking mad with joy as furry, scaly, and even shell-shocked companions gathered for the annual Pet Blessing Service. Held at 3 p.m. in the nave, the short service was a howling success, filled with a chorus of dogs barking in tune to the hymns—whether they hit the right notes or not.

Among the paw-sengers were dogs, cats, tortoises, terrapins, and even a geriatric hamster who clambered out of his box for a blessing. It was clear that the service truly catered to all creatures great and small.

Hagrid the hamster with owner Tilly

Buddy with Head Virger Joe

Minnie and Rachael virging the clergy and companions out of the service

Fr Kevin led the procession with Daphne, his stately greyhound, while Scout and Sweep brought along their owner Fr Will. The Revd Vanessa Jefferson, Cathedral precentor, introduced Frank, her cool-cat companion, who sat aloofly—presumably awaiting his turn for a purr-sonal blessing. Cathedral Virgers Joe and Rachael also brought along their canine friends to assist with the service. 

"Every choice we make, makes a real difference’" 

The Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral

The service came in the wake of the feast of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, which was on Friday. In her sermon Dean Jo encouraged us that St Francis made a choice to live well for the good of all creation and that we need to do the same.  She invited us to let each time we feed out pets prompt us to think about other lifestyle choices we can make, from our travel to our food, to live more sustainably and care well for God’s creation.  

After the service, the clergy gathered at the West End, where each pet received an individual blessing, a moment cherished by all—whether the pets sat still for it or not.

The Pet Blessing Service was more than just a purr-fect day out for the Cathedral community; it was a chance to welcome both new and long-standing members, four legs or otherwise. In the end, everyone left feeling paws-itively blessed.