KING OF PRUSSIA PA – A free “Blessing of the Animals” ceremony, now in its fifth year, returns Oct. 4 (2026; Sunday) from 2-4 p.m. to the Washington Memorial Chapel, 2000 Valley Forge Park Rd. The event recognizes “the cherished connection between pets and the people who love them,” its organizers say.
This year’s ceremony also acknowledges America’s 250th anniversary, and will include observances of the Semiquincentennial.
The blessing honors St. Francis of Assisi, considered the patron saint of animals and nature. Visitors are invited to bring their pets, as well as photos of pets or cremains, to receive an individual blessing. The chapel reports it “celebrates the bond between humans and all of God’s creatures.”
Hundreds of animals have been blessed during previous services, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, tortoises, and lizards.
The chapel’s Father Tommy Thompson, following a brief service, will personally bless each animal. Its owner will receive a commemorative certificate of blessing.
Photos provided by Washington Memorial Chapel
Animals Bring the Community Together
“Blessing of the Animals is always a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together,” Thompson says, “but celebrating it during America’s 250th anniversary makes this year particularly special. We’re bringing together faith, history, community and, of course, the animals that bring so much joy to our lives.”
Displays by several vendors, community organizations, and representatives of the National Dog Show are part of this year’s event. The dog show’s televised broadcast is a Thanksgiving Day tradition of The Kennel Club of Philadelphia.
Among the vendors are The National Dog Show, the Valley Forge Park Alliance, Valley Forge National Historical Park Rangers, Sisters4Style, Animal House Project of Pottstown, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and St. Rocco’s Treats.
Visitors will be welcomed by Johanna Reck of the chapel’s Vestry Parish Life and Welcome Committee, and Steve Griffith, a Kennel Club representative. Among invited guests are a historical actor portraying George Washington, “the father of the American Foxhound,” who will meet and greet visitors with his foxhounds.
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