St. Francis Pet Ministry

St. Francis Pet Ministry

"Because all creatures are connected, each must be cherished with love and respect, for all of us as living creatures are dependent on one another." - Pope Francis

St. Francis Pet Ministry started in 2019 as an opportunity for community-building among parishioners and outreach to local agencies serving pets and their owners in need. We strive to

• Provide spiritual and enrichment opportunities to grow in the knowledge of church teaching in respecting all of God's creation.
• Organize fellowship opportunities and social gatherings to connect parishioners that have pets with each other for mutual support.
• Offer bereavement support to parishioners after losing a pet.
• Support local outreach to assist pet owners and pets in crisis with much-needed food and supplies.

For any questions about any upcoming events or the pet ministry, please email us [email protected]

HIKING WITH OUR "FUREVER" VALENTINES!

Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Will Rodgers State Park

Let's go hiking with our furbabies and celebrate Valentine’s Day! We will meet in the parking lot of Will Rodgers State Park around 10:30-10:45 a.m. Our hike should be no more than 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. Feel free to wear something Valentine festive! We will have “Happy Valentine’s Day” Bandanas for all pups in attendance!

Things to bring: comfortable shoes, water bowl for your dogs, water for you, disposable waste bags to pick up after your pet. Please be advised that we recommend your dog be fully vaccinated, including the lepto, influenza and rabies vaccines as they will be exposed to nature and wildlife. 

Hitting the trail with your furry friend? Most of our national parks’ welcome pets on trails, but there are rules and things to consider. Before you go, get some tips on hiking with pets in parks.

• Know your park. Many parks do not allow pets on hiking trails or boardwalks. Always check with your park before bringing your pet.
• Know your pet. Before you head to a national park, make sure your pet is fit for the trail. Are they in good enough shape to meet the physical demands of the hike? Older dogs may not have the endurance they used to. Be mindful of their limits and make sure to choose a trail that’s appropriate for your pet. If you have concerns, check with your vet.
• Visit the vet. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations before you hit the trail. Fleas, ticks, and waterborne pathogens can cause serious illnesses. Talk to your vet about the activities you have planned to come up with a plan.
• Teach trail manners. A busy trail can be overwhelming for a young or untrained dog. You’re bound to pass other hikers on the trail, so make sure your pet is used to seeing other people and dogs while out and about. Always keep your dog on a 6 foot leash. Be mindful of aggressive behavior. If your animal is reactive in new spaces, with new people, or on a leash, consider leaving your pet at home. Do your part to keep yourself, your animal, and other hikers safe.
• Be prepared. Bring extra water! Like you, your pet will be thirsty and hungry during the hike. Pack a light snack for your furry friend, too. They’ll enjoy having a treat with you at a resting point on the trail. Remember, dogs don’t sweat like humans do, so they’re at higher risk of overheating. Check on your dog throughout your hike and take frequent water breaks. Notice signs of overheating—if your dog is excessively panting, drooling, or vomiting, move to a cooler area and give your dog water. For longer hikes, consider booties to keep his paws safe.
• Pick up after your pet. No one wants to hike on a trail littered with dog poop. Use the LEAVE NO TRACE principles and pick up after your pet and dispose of the waste.
• Stay safe around wildlife. You are responsible for your pet’s safety. Keep your pets away from wildlife. They could startle or provoke animals, resulting in injury. Our domestic pets also are also at risk of getting or giving diseases to wildlife. There are many examples of wildlife in parks dying from diseases given to them by pets and humans. For example, heartworm from dogs and cats can kill wildlife such as foxes, wolves, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. Black-footed ferrets die from the flu if humans are sick and get too close. Wolves can be infected by canine parvovirus from dogs. Pro tip: Keeping your pets vaccinated can keep them and wildlife safe.

Blessing of the Animals

October 1

2:30 p.m.

We welcome all creatures, great and small, and their owners to join the St. Francis Pet Ministry for our annual Blessing of the Animals, on Sunday, October 1, in front of St. Monica Catholic Church. Join us in prayer, song, and fellowship. We will be collecting new donations of cans of food, leashes, harnesses, toys, and blankets that will be distributed to our pet guests at this year’s parish Thanksgiving Feast. Volunteers are welcome!

Contact our Pet Ministry Team if you have any questions at 

Sheltering and Caring for Animals

Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, 7 p.m. · Duval Center

Animal shelters have many areas of concern, but the mission of all shelters is to care for and place homeless animals. They rely on donations from the public to do their important work. Municipal shelters are funded by the municipality-- but are often underfunded. They often have non-profit arms that are funded by donations.

Join us as we welcome staff from the Santa Monica Animal Shelter for an evening designed to give our community a better understanding of what an animal shelter is, how it operates and how it provides a service for animals as well as the community and the common good. Questions?  

Hiking at Will Rogers State Park 

Sunday, February 20 | 9:00 a.m. | Will Rogers St. Park

Let's go hiking with our furbabies! We will meet in the parking lot of Will Rodgers State Park around 9:00am. Please be advised that you do need to pay for parking ($3 per hour). Our hike should be no more than 1.5 to 2 hours round trip.

Things to bring: comfortable shoes, water bowl for your dogs, water for you, disposable waste bags to pick up after your pet. Please be advised that we recommend your dog be fully vaccinated, including the lepto, influenza and rabies vaccines as they will be exposed to nature and wildlife. 

The park is located off Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road. For more information on Will Rogers State Park including directions CLICK HERE.

Please note: As we are only hiking/walking with our pets in the open air, masks are not required. Feel free to mask up if you wish. However, if you are planning on either before or touring the ranch house at the State Park after our hike, then In accordance with City of Los Angeles Municipal Code Article 10, Chapter XX, proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours is required prior to entering.  

Howl-O-Ween Hiking

Saturday, Oct. 30 | 10:00 a.m. | Will Rogers St. Park

Let's go hiking with our furbabies and celebrate Halloween! We will meet in the parking lot of Will Rodgers State Park around 9:30-10am. Please be advised that you do need to pay for parking ($3 per hour). Our hike should be no more than 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. Feel free to wear something Halloween festive - you may even win a prize! 

Things to bring: comfortable shoes, water bowl for your dogs, water for you, disposable waste bags to pick up after your pet. Please be advised that we recommend your dog be fully vaccinated, including the lepto, influenza and rabies vaccines as they will be exposed to nature and wildlife. 

Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi: Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, Oct. 3 | 1:30 p.m. | Car Procession - enter via Washington Ave. entrance

We celebrated the Blessing of the Animals at St. Monica with a car procession on Sunday, October 3. It was a great afternoon and Father Vince Kuna mentioned that it seemed to be “the biggest ever” with just over 30 cars with more than one family in most of the vehicles. Some walked through or came by bike as well. If you missed the event you can still bless your pet by sprinkling holy water and reciting the the following prayer:

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.