A blessing is simply a prayer or ritual asking the divine to care for something- the world, one's health, or even a pet.
Why Bless a Pet
Blessing a pet creates a ritual that binds a pet and a family together, celebrating the bond between human and animal, while acknowledging the pet's place in the divinely created world. In addition, a pet blessing asks the divine for healing and peace when an animal is suffering in any way.
In all major religions, the concept of deity blesses the world, willing for all creatures health, wealth, and happiness. Pets, indeed all animals, are created by the divine and connected with the divine's power.
Traditionally, many religions divide humans and animals into greater and lesser beings. For many people, however, pets are members of the family. Anyone with a pet knows that the furry, feathery, and scaly friends suffer illness, fear, and stress just like people do. Praying for pets and asking for their health and security as part of creation is only natural.
Sample Pet Blessing
The following pet blessing can be adapted for any situation or religious inclination.
- Gather family or friends around pet.
- Distribute the following prayer, or another prayer as desired, to all who are gathered.
- Loving God (or other word for the divine), thank you for the life of (insert pet's name), and for the joy he/she brings to everyone here. We know how you love all your creatures, and we ask you to keep this one safe, healthy, and happy. Grant him/her healing from (insert problems the pet may have, if any). May the light of your love shine in all our lives now and always. Amen.
- Invite everyone present to form a circle around the pet and lay hands on the pet, if possible. Say the prayer together or have the leader say the prayer alone.
- Conclude by inviting those present to share stories about the pet and how special the pet is in their lives.
How to Plan a Pet Blessing
Consider the following questions when holding a pet blessing.
- What can be done to make certain the pet feels safe during the event?
- Who is best to lead the event?
- Who cares for the pet and should be in attendance?
- Is there a specific reason for the blessing- illness, birthday celebration, or other life transition?
- What other activities could be part of a blessing?
Time, effort, and compassion is all it takes to bless a special pet. With some intentionality, family and friends can thank the divine for an animal friend and ask blessings, that many more good times may be had by all.
For more prayer and blessing ideas, one may also enjoy Interfaith Prayers for Pets: Prayer for a Sick Pet, Thanksgiving for a New Pet, and More.
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
