October 4 is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. On the closest Sunday to October 4, some churches offer the Blessing of the Animals in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi (The Patron Saint of Animals). On this day, we may join in the blessing of pets and other animals.
“All creatures are created from the same paternal heartbeat of God. Not to hurt our humble brethren [the animals] is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission: to be of service to them whenever they require it. God requires that we assist the animals when they need our help. Each being (human or creature) has the same right of protection. If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.” – St. Francis of Assisi