Dogs, hamsters and tortoises blessed at cathedral

A congregation, with dogs in tow, gather around the aisle of a cathedral at a pet blessing as the Dean of Salisbury, standing at the front in a teal gown, raises his handMax Willcock

The service at Salisbury Cathedral recognised the companionship pets provide

Maisie Lillywhite
West of England

Hundreds of people have gathered to have their pets blessed at a cathedral service giving thanks for their companionship.

More than 60 animals, including dogs, cats, hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, and a tortoise, were brought to the service attended by 250 people at Salisbury Cathedral on Saturday.

It was the second pet blessing to take place at Salisbury Cathedral, with the first held in September 2024.

In addition to showing gratitude for the pets, there were readings, hymns, and music from the Salisbury Cathedral Girls Choir and Junior Choir.

A group of older people - three women and a man - sit and laugh at a pet blessing service inside a cathedral. There is a small, tan-coloured, scruffy dog sat on the lap of one woman, which is being sniffed by a Basset hound.Max Willcock
A Dean, dressed in a teal gown and wearing glasses, raises his hand as he blesses a tiny tortoise, being held by a child as a dog watches on.Max Willcock
Three Labradors, one black, one yellow, and the other brown, make their way into a cathedral, with their female owners holding their leads.Max Willcock

Ahead of the blessing on Saturday afternoon, Salisbury Cathedral said house pets could come inside the building, while those kept outdoors, such as horses, were welcomed to participate from outside the West Doors.

The Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, and Reverend Sophie Ferguson, assistant curate, led the service, with blessings given by Reverend Anna Macham, canon precentor, and Reverend Jules Barnes, vicar of the close.

A cocker spaniel wearing a green and white checkerboard harness jumps into the arms of a woman with short ginger hair and glasses at a cathedral service.Max Willcock
A tiny, fluffy, mostly white hamster with brown markings on its face is blessed by a Dean - you can only see his teal sleeve and handMax Willcock
Dogs wait patiently in the aisle of the cathedral with their owners, who are sitting on chairs, to be blessedMax Willcock

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