Got a beloved dog, cat, budgie or other furry, feathered or four-legged friend?

Then you and your pet are invited to St George’s Anglican Church in Gate Pā this Sunday for the annual SPCA Animal Blessing Service – a free community service that also raises funds for the SPCA.

The service starts at 10am on Sunday, October 4, with a collection taken to support the SPCA’s work caring for animals.

St George’s Anglican Church Priest in Charge, Reverend Debbie Garrett, said the blessing was a special opportunity for families to celebrate their companion animals. Staff from Tauranga SPCA will also be giving a short talk about they work the organisation does.

“The blessing is to celebrate and give thanks for our companion animals and recognise the life of the patron saint of animals, Saint Francis of Assisi,” she said.

Pets of all shapes and sizes are welcome, with a few simple guidelines in place to make sure the occasion is safe and comfortable for everyone.

Dogs need to be securely kept on leads at all times, while cats, birds and other small animals must be safely contained in suitable carriers or cages that allow them to move normally.

Larger animals such as horses and donkeys are welcome too, but they will need to remain in the designated garden areas and under their owner’s control.

With plenty of people and animals expected, owners should also consider whether their pet will enjoy the occasion. If an animal is nervous, reactive or uncomfortable around crowds, noise or other animals, owners can bring a photograph instead and have their pet blessed that way.

Reverend Debbie said Saint Francis was believed to have had a particularly close relationship with the natural world.

“He had a special relationship with birds, which often followed him around and rested on his shoulders, arms or hands as he prayed or walked around outside,” she said.

Pet owners are asked to bring their own water and bowls, as well as waste bags or a pooper-scooper.

The Blessing of the Animals is a much-loved opportunity to pause and give thanks for the companionship, loyalty and joy animals bring to our lives - while helping support the SPCA’s work caring for animals in need.

So, if your pet is part of the family, bring them along and let them have their special moment.

The free, non-denominational service begins at 10am on Sunday, October 4, at St George’s Anglican Church, 1B Church Street, Gate Pā, Tauranga.

Everyone is welcome to attend, with or without a pet, and to stay for morning tea afterwards.