Pets of all sizes are welcome to bring their owners to a special service in St Anne’s Cathedral on October 15 at 3.30pm.

All creatures great and small are invited to a Pets’ Service in St Anne’s Cathedral on Sunday October 15 at 3.30pm.

Dizzy dogs, cautious cats, reluctant rabbits and happy horses are all welcome to bring their owners along to this service which will feature a special blessing of all the pets.

Dean’s Vicar, the Rev Canon Mark Niblock, said: “October 4 was St Francis of Assisi Day and this service, new to St Anne’s, is inspired by his love of animals.

“This is also the time of year when churches celebrate the Harvest, and we want to reflect on the important place animals play in our lives at this service of thanksgiving and blessing.”

This will be a short service featuring appropriate music on the organ and from the Cathedral Girls’ Choir, there will be readings, and each individual pet will receive a blessing.

Canon Niblock said that in bygone days it was common practice for people to bring their animals to church with them, so this forward step on the part of St Anne’s is also a reflection on the past.

“This is an opportunity for people from Belfast and beyond to bring their pets along to engage with St Anne’s and have some fun,” Canon Niblock added.

The welfare of the animals is the owner’s responsibility and pets are requested to keep their two legged friends under control.

There is free parking beside the Cathedral for anyone attending the service.

So spread the mews, and trot along to St Anne’s on Sunday October 15 where the pets of Belfast city will have to Doolittle to make Cathedral hisss…tory!