Dogs, cats, birds and many other animals are our dear companions. With their unconditional love they comfort us, listen without judgement, and wait for us to come home. They are the most unselfish friends in the world with which we share a deep emotional bond. Pets are part of the family and for many people, a pet is their only companion.

This is why “PRAYERS FOR PETS” would be honored to take your prayer for your pet on your behalf to the Saint Francis of Assisi Basilica in Italy. Twice a year, we make the pilgrimage from Provence, France, to the Saint Francis of Assisi Basilica in the region of Umbria, Italy. There, we will put your prayer in the prayer intention box. With your prayer, you can include the name of your pet, the kind of pet, and a photograph if you wish. At the bottom of this page is an optional prayer that you can include. This is an absolutely free service with no obligations or strings attached.

You can write your prayer on the Prayer Intention Form on this website, mail it to us with a photograph of your pet or even send your prayer via email.

The blessing of animals dates back 800 years to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi (1181–1226). Anyone who has had a pet or been around animals understands that not only does every animal have its own unique personality and intelligence, but that animals can be very responsive to the human beings around them. Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals as well as the environment and was known for his unique bond with all kinds of animals! Saint Francis also created the first outdoor Christmas Nativity scene featuring live animals. He borrowed a donkey, a statue of the Baby Jesus, a bit of straw, and human volunteer to portray Mary and Joseph. In a cave, he created a living, breathing Nativity scene.

The founder of “LETTERS TO LOURDES” and “PRAYERS FOR PETS” is Amy L. Griffin. Throughout her life she has had over ten dogs, multiple cats, birds, fish and even turtles. She understands the immense joy pets bring to our lives, the worries of sick pets and heart wrenching goodbyes. Animals are and will always be an integral part of her life.

Today Saint Francis of Assisi belongs to the world, not just to Catholics and other Christians. His statue can be found in many public and private gardens, usually surrounded by animals and with a bird lighting on one of his hands. The Humane Society of the United States devotes a full page to Saint Francis on its website, and many ecologists and activists view him as the originator of what has now become the worldwide environmental movement.

You send your prayers by mail to the address below or fill out the prayer intention form on our webpage. Everything is confidential and we will never share your information, prayers or photographs.

Prayer for the Blessing of a Pet

Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired Saint Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.

Prayers for Pets is part of our non-profit association Letters to Lourdes registered in France N° W134011144.