Blessing of the Animals

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October is host to ‘Blessing of the Animals’

One of the Bay Area’s most cherished traditions, the Blessing of the Animals is inspired by the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. While I’m not religious, I look forward to this event every year. Families eagerly line up with their pets to receive a special blessing a heartfelt moment honoring the loyal companions who love us unconditionally.

It’s a truly unique and moving experience, and there are opportunities throughout the Bay Area to have your pet blessed. Local churches may also host their own Blessing of the Animals events near you, so be sure to check with churches in your community. Here are a few events to get you started:

Featured
St. Ignatius Church Blessing of the Animals
Oct 3
St. Ignatius Church
St. Ignatius Church Blessing of the Animals
St. Ignatius Church

In celebration of the Feast of St. Francis (Oct. 4), we will celebrate our annual Blessing of the Animals at all weekend Masses on October 3 and 4.

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St. Ignatius Church
Blessing of the Animals is Back on the Golden Gate Greenway
Oct 3
St. Boniface Church
Blessing of the Animals is Back on the Golden Gate Greenway
St. Boniface Church

In celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Anthony’s 74th anniversary, the annual event welcomes furry friends to be blessed by a Franciscan Friar.

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St. Boniface Church
St. Stephen's Church Blessing of Pets
Oct 4
St. Stephen's Church
St. Stephen's Church Blessing of Pets
St. Stephen's Church

8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. during worship and 4:00 p.m. in the courtyard.

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St. Stephen's Church
Grace Cathedral Feast of St. Francis
Oct 4
Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral Feast of St. Francis
Grace Cathedral

Celebrate the patron saint of our city, animals, and the environment, with the blessings of individual pets to follow each service on the plaza. Special pet tags will be available for all friends that are blessed. 

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Grace Cathedral
Blessing of the Animals at St. John's
Oct 4
St. John's Episcopal Church
Blessing of the Animals at St. John's
St. John's Episcopal Church

he annual Feast of St. Francis is on Sunday Oct 4th on the lawn of St. John's in Ross. Bring your pets for a blessing and community gathering. 10AM. All are welcome.

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St. John's Episcopal Church
St. Francis’ Episcopal Church Blessing of the Animals
Oct 4
St. Francis’ Episcopal Church
St. Francis’ Episcopal Church Blessing of the Animals
St. Francis’ Episcopal Church

Blessing of the Animals at 11:15am following the 10:00am service. Bring your pets, stuffed animals and photos.

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St. Francis’ Episcopal Church
Mt. Tamalpais UMC Blessing of the Animals
Oct 4
Mt. Tamalpais UMC
Mt. Tamalpais UMC Blessing of the Animals
Mt. Tamalpais UMC

Bring your pet, properly contained or restrained, of course, for a loving blessing in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi.

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Mt. Tamalpais UMC
St Francis Winery & Vineyards Blessing of the Animals
Oct 4
St Francis Winery & Vineyards
St Francis Winery & Vineyards Blessing of the Animals
St Francis Winery & Vineyards

Join us on the first Sunday in October for our Blessing of the Animals fundraising event!

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St Francis Winery & Vineyards
Burlingame Blessing of the Animals
Oct 4
Burlingame United Methodist Church
Burlingame Blessing of the Animals
Burlingame United Methodist Church

Join us on Sunday, October 4 at 3pm on the church’s front lawn for a Blessing of the Animals.

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Burlingame United Methodist Church
Yountville Blessing of the Animals
Oct 25
Yountville Veterans Memorial Park
Yountville Blessing of the Animals
Yountville Veterans Memorial Park

Save the Date. this years Blessing of the Animals will be on Sunday October 25, 2026 3-4:30 Yountville Veterans Memorial Park. Bring your pets leashed or crated or just come to meet Freddie the Camel, baby Water Buffalo Willie Nelson, sweet horse Maya and a few more surprises.

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Yountville Veterans Memorial Park