Dear God, you have given us care over all living things; protect and bless the animals who give us companionship and delight, make us their true friends and worthy companions. Amen.



Dear God, protect and bless all beings that breathe, keep all evil from them, and let them sleep in peace. Amen.
--Albert Schweitzer, "Memoirs of Childhood and Youth"



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 St. 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.
--Franciscan prayer



[Name of animal], may you be blessed in the name of the Holy One who created you, and may you and [name of human] enjoy life together and care for one another in peace.

Prayers for Sick Animals

Healing and transforming God, your love knows no boundaries, and in your sight every life is precious; look with compassion on [name of animal], and make us your agents of healing in a broken world. Amen.



God of the universe, be present with this your creature. Bless [name of animal] and [name of human companion] who cares for him/her, now and always. Amen.



May God, who heals the sick, defends the vulnerable, cares for the poor, and liberates all creation from suffering and injustice, bring us all to that peaceable kingdom when all creatures shall live in harmony and all suffering shall be transformed into joy. Amen.

A Covenant Liturgy for Human and Animal Companions

Mindful of our kinship with all living creatures, and our responsibility to care for them, let us renew our covenant with the animals in our care.

Leader: Will you name this creature?

Human: (name of animal is given)

Leader: Will you care for [name], and love and protect him/her, in good times and bad, as long as he/she lives?

Human: I will.

(The human companion is invited to touch/pat/stroke the animal as a sign of the covenant reaffirmed between them.)

We give thanks for the creatures who live alongside us as companions and friends; for their loyalty, love, and trust which enrich our lives and give us joy.

May we learn the value of kindness, the power of mercy, the strength of gentleness, and a new spirit of humility. Amen.
--From Animal Rites: Liturgies of Animal Care by the Rev. Andrew Linzey


Prayer for Animal Burial

Eternal Spirit, we bring you our grief in the loss of [name of animal] and ask for courage to bear it. We bring you our thanks for [name of animal] who lived among us and gave us freely of his/her love. We commit our friend and companion [name of animal] into your loving hands. Give us eyes to see how your love embraces all creatures and every living thing speaks to us of your love. Amen.