Many churches invite people to bring in their pets for the Blessing of the Animals in early October. This special event has become a much-loved part of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, which takes place October 4.
Churches hold Blessing of the Animals events at different dates around this time of year.
Saint Francis of Assisi was a Catholic friar in the 12th and 13th centuries who founded the religious order of the Franciscans and who is the patron saint of animals.
Blessing of the Animals in the Charlotte Area
Here are just a few opportunities to bring your pet to a Blessing of the Animals in the Charlotte area. This is far from a complete list. Make sure to check churches near you too! And if you know of a Blessing of the Animals events that should be on our list, send us an email at info@charlotteonthecheap.com, and we will add it, time permitting. We always need something to link to about the event.
Please make sure to follow the links below to the churches’ websites and social media accounts to verify the events and to check for any changes.
Blessing of the Animals at St. Matthew Church
8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC
Saturday, October 3, 2026
12 p.m.
Meet in the St. Francis Garden (weather permitting). The St. Francis Garden is located in the back of the parking lot nearest to the corner of Rea Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway. Please be sure that your animals are well secured on a leash or in a carrier or cage.
Blessing of the Animals at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church
299 Munn Road East, Fort Mill, SC
Saturday, October 3, 2026
12 p.m.
The Blessing of the Animals will take place in front of the main entrance to the church. Announced in this church bulletin.
Blessing of the Animals at St. Luke Catholic Church
9800 Fairview Road, Mint Hill, NC
Saturday, October 3, 2026
9 a.m.
You’re welcome to bring your pets for a blessing at the church pavilion. Announced in this church bulletin.
Blessing of the Animals and Adoption Event at 320 North Event Center
320 N Main Street, China Grove, NC
Saturday, October 3, 2026
11 a.m.
Bring your pets to this special service in celebration of our animal companions. Pets must be on leash or inside a carrier and socially comfortable. Bring a picture of a pet if it can’t come with you. There will also be adoptable dogs from Faith Hope & Love Rescue.
Blessing of the Animals at Davidson UMC
233 S Main Street, Davidson, NC
Saturday, October 3, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Bring your beloved pets and join us for Davidson UMC’s Blessing of the Animals!
In collaboration with our Creation Care Committee, Davidson UMC clergy will be on the front lawn to offer individual blessings for your animals. This special tradition is inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and his love and care for all of God’s creation.
Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and other animal companions are welcome. Please make sure all animals are safely secured on a leash, in a cage, or in a travel carrier.
This event is free and open to the entire community. All are welcome!
Blessing of the Animals and the Stuffies at St. John’s Baptist Church
300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC
Sunday, October 4, 2026
3 to 4 p.m.
Bring your pet or favorite stuffed animal to the front steps of St. John’s Baptist Church for a special blessing.
Blessing of the Animals with Myers Park United Methodist Church
Hopedale parking lot across the street
1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC
Sunday, October 4, 2026
3 p.m.
All pets — dogs, cats, fish, etc. — are welcome to this short, sweet workshop service where they will receive a special blessing. Pets must be properly trained and restrained.
Blessing of the Animals at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church
2701 Park Road, Charlotte, NC
Sunday, October 4, 2026
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Meet outdoors for a special service celebrating and blessing our beloved animal companions. All pets are welcome! Please bring a picture if your pet cannot be there or the blessing is in remembrance of a beloved pet.
Blessing of the Animals at Christ Episcopal Church
1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC
Sunday, October 4, 2026
4 p.m.
In celebration of the feast of St. Francis, you’re invited to bring your pets (on a leash or in a carrier) and beloved stuffed animals to the Church Circle to receive a special prayer and blessing by the Christ Church clergy.
Blessing of the Animals at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
8600 Mount Holly Huntersville Road, Huntersville, NC
Sunday, October 4, 2026
4 p.m.
Bring your furry, feathered and scaly friends for a special blessing. There will be a service on the lawn in front of the Rectory.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
More Pet Events in the Charlotte Area
Check out the Charlotte pet calendar, as well as other pet content!
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