SUMMARY: Six in 10 U.S. households have pets, and U.S. residents will spend an estimated $45.4 billion on their pets this year. Does your church welcome pets?

Don’t ignore these important family members. Pets are part of the family in 71.4 million U.S. homes, according to a recent survey. Yet, they likely have never stepped foot (or paw) on your church grounds. Consider ways to involve these family members.

The possibilities are limited only by one’s imagination. The important thing is to acknowledge that animals are part of God’s family too.

Start a ministry.
In Biloxi, Miss., First United Methodist Church has a year-round pet ministry. The team takes their small dogs to visit patients in hospice care, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. “The pets bring much joy to those who no longer have their pets with them,” team leaders say.

Host an annual pet blessing.
Plan one day each year for a pet blessing. Opt for a separate blessing or incorporate into your regular services. Try not to change the date annually. Choose the first Sunday in June or the first Saturday in October, for example. Select a date that works with your church calendar as well as your region’s weather.

Expect all varieties.
Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, snails, fish, turtles, snakes and more may show up. At one Maryland church, Pet Sunday included a horse! Decide if you want to host the blessing indoors or if the open air might be a better option, especially for post-blessing cleanup.

Plan for chaos and noise.
Involving animals in the service can bring challenges. Plan the service around the blessing, understanding that pets can’t be shushed or lulled into being quiet. At Peace United Methodist Church, Shoreview, Minn., a sense of humor is a necessity. As its newsletter author writes, “I need volunteer Scripture readers for the services this Sunday.  Since it is ‘Pet Sunday,’ a talking parrot would be fun.”

Allow for pictures.
It may be difficult to transport or to care for their pet in church so let families know they can bring photos and have their animals blessed that way.

Bring a treat.
Bring pets on a leash or in a cage/container, advises McCordsville United Methodist Church in Indiana. It hosts its second pet blessing this fall and offers another suggestion for the congregation: bring a treat for the pastor to give to the pet after the prayer is offered.

Publicize efforts.
Pets at church are a great photo or video opportunity for local media. Send a notice to media and invite them to capture the moments at your church. Don’t forget pre-event publicity. Spread the word and invite non-members to participate. Reach out to pet groups in your area, distribute fliers at the pet store and distribute invitations at the dog park.

Make it a bigger event.
Christ Church United Methodist Church, Louisville, Ky., features a pet festival with pet products and services, including a mobile groomer, trainer, animal communicator and others.

It is a Pet Community Fall Family Affair at Grace United Methodist Church, Houston. The event includes obstacle courses, training demonstrations, cuisine, a fashion show, and vaccine and health information, plus some people snacks and children’s activities.

Grace Lutheran Church, Oak Ridge, Tenn., says member Audrey Elam, has various pet groups set up booths. The humane society sells food and has information packets. Several pet-rescue groups come with dogs and cats available for adoption. A vet is on hand to microchip. A photographer takes free pictures.  The proceeds go to two rescue groups, different ones each year. 

“Because our property joins an elementary school,” Elam continues, “the children do art work of their pets or other animals. The church gives a ‘goody bag’ to each child. In past years, we had llamas, and a horse and buggy ride was available. Pet Fest is a big deal.” 

Deb Sypersma, a dog lover from Sioux City, Iowa, concludes, “Pets are a very important part of many households – we certainly treat Harley like family. I think an annual blessing of the pets is nice, and I would definitely do it outdoors, perhaps at a park. The K9 STARS, our pet-therapy group, has had a clergyperson come and bless the dogs on occasion, and they invite the K9 police dogs. That might be another option – to send the clergy to the pets for another event already occurring.

“Reaching out to pets is a great way to reach out to the community. If you want a church to be ‘seeker friendly,’ including some pet activities may be one way to approach that.”

Resources