When my horse Dahlia passed away after 17 years together, I felt heartbreak, yes—but also a strange silence of spirit. I realized I wasn’t just mourning her body. I was yearning to care for her soul one last time.
As a Catholic raised on a farm, prayer had always been how I moved through grief. But when it came to the loss of an animal, I struggled to find words that honored both my love and my faith.
This page is for others who feel the same. Below are traditional Catholic prayers, the timeless blessing of St. Francis of Assisi, modern adaptations for dogs and cats, and reflections on how prayer can guide us through pet loss with peace and reverence.
Table of Contents
Traditional Catholic Prayers for a Deceased Pet
These prayers reflect the liturgical rhythm of Catholic tradition, adapted to include the creatures we loved as family.
✝️ General Prayer for a Departed Animal
O Lord our God,
we come before You in sorrow,
giving thanks for the life of [pet’s name],
Your creation and our companion.May Your mercy receive them.
May Your light guide their soul to rest.
May we who mourn be comforted
by the promise of Your eternal love.Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
—
✝️ Prayer at the Time of a Pet’s Death (adapted from Book of Blessings §929)
Loving God,
we commend this creature,
once entrusted to our care,
into Your eternal keeping.May we see in their life
the reflection of Your goodness and joy.
Comfort those who grieve with faith and hope,
and bless all creatures who await Your peace.Through the intercession of St. Francis,
may they find their place in the garden of Your love.Amen.
—
✝️ Latin Fragment with English Translation
“Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat ei.”(Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.)
✝️ Prayer for Comfort After Loss
Lord Jesus,
You wept at the death of your friend Lazarus.
Comfort me now in the loss of my beloved pet.Help me to remember the joy we shared.
Let not grief consume me,
but lead me to peace in Your promise of love eternal.Amen.
✝️ Prayer for Eternal Rest of an Animal
Eternal God,
source of all creation,
we entrust this creature into Your mercy.May they rest where no pain touches them,
where all creation is renewed,
and where Your peace reigns forever.Amen.
✝️ Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
cradle this small soul in your mantle of compassion.
May [pet’s name] be brought into the light of your Son’s love.Pray for us who mourn,
and help us remain faithful in grief.Amen.
✝️ Candle Prayer for Vigil or Wake
As I light this flame, Lord,
may it guide [pet’s name] to Your eternal pasture.May this candle burn with the love they gave.
May this light shine as a witness of my gratitude.Receive them. Love them. Remember them.
Amen.
✝️ Prayer for a Suffering Animal (for use before death)
Merciful God,
see the pain of this creature I love.
If it is their time, let it be gentle.
If it is not, restore them.Either way, let Your will be done
and let their soul feel only Your peace.Amen.
🔎 This phrase, used in Catholic funeral Masses, may be softly recited over a pet’s remains, ashes, or resting place.
The Blessing of the Animals by St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, offers the most tender language to honor creation in death.
📜 Full Version (from Franciscan Order Blessing Rite)
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 creatures his brothers and sisters.
We ask You to bless [pet’s name],
who brought joy and companionship into our lives.May our memories of them be joyful,
may our love for them deepen,
and may they find rest in Your loving arms.We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Modern Catholic Prayers for Specific Animals
These short, personal prayers are designed to help you honor your unique bond with the pet you loved.
🐕 Prayer for a Deceased Dog
Father in Heaven,
thank You for the life of my faithful dog.
For every tail wag, muddy pawprint, and silent comfort—
I give You thanks.Receive [name] into Your eternal pasture,
where they may run free again without pain.Watch over them as they once watched over me.
Amen.
—
🐈 Prayer for a Deceased Cat
God of mercy,
You created the gentle and the wild.
I thank You for [name]—
whose purring soothed my heart,
whose gaze saw me through sorrow.Let her find the sunbeam of heaven.
Let her rest in peace and velvet silence.Amen.
—
🐇 For Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Birds, etc.)
Creator of all things bright and small,
I thank You for this creature’s joyful life.Though their time with me was short,
their impact was full of wonder.May they return to Your arms,
where all creatures sing Your praise.Amen.
How to Use These Prayers
“I didn’t know how to pray when Dahlia passed. A friend suggested reading Psalm 23 aloud, then this St. Francis blessing. I cried the whole way through. It helped.”
— Meghan
These prayers are best used in quiet, intentional moments—before, during, or after your pet’s passing. Here are meaningful ways to include them:
At the Time of Death
Hold your pet and say a short prayer as you say goodbye.
Light a candle or use a bit of holy water if available.
At a Burial or Ash Ceremony
Recite the St. Francis prayer or traditional Catholic phrases.
Invite family or children to each read a line.
In a Memory Journal or Frame
Print or handwrite a prayer beside your pet’s photo.
Create a small prayer card for keepsake boxes.
With a Priest’s Blessing
Many parishes will offer to bless pets posthumously or comfort grieving pet owners—especially on October 4, the Feast of St. Francis.
Catholic Reflection: Do Pets Have Souls?
Catholic doctrine does not definitively declare the fate of animal souls, but many Church leaders, including Pope Francis, have expressed hope and belief that animals may share in God’s renewal.
“One day, we will see our animals again in the eternity of Christ. Paradise is open to all of God’s creatures.”
— Pope Francis, 2014
While animals may not possess immortal souls in the human theological sense, they are creations of God—worthy of our prayers, dignity, and remembrance.
FAQ
Yes. Psalms of comfort (like Psalm 23 or Psalm 36) are often used by Catholic pet owners.
Absolutely. You may offer a home prayer, light a candle, sprinkle holy water, or request a blessing from your priest.
Some parishes hold an annual Blessing of the Animals on the Feast of St. Francis. Others may offer personal guidance—ask your local parish.
More Ways to Remember Your Pet
-
💔 All Pet Loss Articles
Read more poems, grief support, and remembrance ideas for pet owners.
← Back to grief article overview -
🏡 Return to Homepage
Explore all pet remembrance ideas and guides.
Back to Home →