Pet Blessing Service

Tuesday October 1 2024

The statue of Greyfriars Bobby near Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh. Picture by Michael Reeve, CC BY-SA 3.0

Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket and the Edinburgh Interfaith Association (EIFA) have again partnered for the annual pet blessing service, this Sunday (October 6) at 3pm.

The church has long held a pet blessing service, and in recent years it has been expanded, with EIFA’s involvement, to include representatives from all faiths and none. The Skye Terrier Club, the breed of Greyfriars Bobby, also feature prominently with a large number of this rare breed assembling.

The short service will be followed by an animal parade through the Greyfriars Kirkyard.  Many faiths throughout the world have rituals involving animals and all will be welcome at this short ceremony to receive a blessing.

A collection, and donations of pet food,will be accepted during the service and all proceeds will benefit the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home which is the oldest animal shelter in Scotland and the second oldest in the United Kingdom. It was founded by Lord Provost William Chambers, who issued Greyfriars Bobby a dog license. Bobby famously refused to leave his master’s grave in Greyfriars churchyard, and is buried there himself.

Blessing of Animals is a tradition that has been conducted since ancient days when farmers and others would give thanks for their beasts of burden following the autumn harvest.  Church services have long been held around the world in recognition of the feast day of the patron saint of the environment, animals, and birds, St Francis of Assisi, on October 4. Different faiths also bless their animals: in some American Jewish communities, older animals are celebrated with a ‘Bark Mitzvah’.

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