The nave of St Albans Cathedral was alive with joyful noise on Sunday 5 October, as dozens of dogs — and two brave cats — gathered for the Cathedral’s annual Pet Blessing Service.

A very well behaved Pet Service congregant.

Held close to the feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, the service celebrated the companionship, care, and joy that pets bring into our lives. The nave was full to bursting, with wagging tails, laughter, and a warm spirit of community.

Among the congregation were many familiar Cathedral faces — including Magners, Guinness, Carling, Budweiser, and Caffreys, five chocolate Labradors belonging to Colin; Daphne, Fr Kevin’s elegant rescue greyhound; Scout and Sweep, Fr Will’s much-loved dogs; and Frank and Tabitha, Revd Vanessa Jefferson’s adventurous cats, who added a few meows of their own to proceedings.

"Sweep and Scout really enjoyed making lots of new friends after the service as well!"
-Fr Will 

The service featured the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful, enthusiastically accompanied by canine voices, and a humorous sermon from Fr Kevin Walton, Canon Chancellor, who reflected on Noah’s Ark and the welcome extended to all of God’s creatures.

“In this ark of God’s church, all of God’s creatures are welcome – even you, Daphne!” he said, addressing his greyhound to a round of laughter from the congregation. Fr Will Gibbs, Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care, commented:

“My two dogs loved the Pet Blessing Service, performing a couple of tricks to the delight of the congregation, before helping me to lead a time of prayer. Sweep and Scout really enjoyed making lots of new friends after the service as well!”

The Revd Vanessa Jefferson, Cathedral Precentor, added:

“It was a joy to celebrate our pets together as we blessed many animals and gave thanks to God for the gifts of creation. My cats Frank and Tabitha were rather outnumbered by the dogs, but were unafraid on their rare adventure outside the house as they enjoyed the service in their carriers with a few meows to contribute to proceedings. Bill, being of a less friendly temperament, decided to reflect quietly at home.”

After the service, pets and owners gathered outside the West End for individual blessings and a group photograph — a fitting end to a joyful afternoon celebrating the bond between people, animals, and creation.

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🐾 Find out more about upcoming services and events celebrating creation at:
👉 stalbanscathedral.org/whats-on