The 2018 Blessing of the Animals event gives hundreds of pet parents an opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with their animal friends and to have them blessed by New York City Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Stephen Bauman of Christ Church and Central Synagogue Rabbi Emeritus Peter J. Rubinstein.

Animals of all shapes, sizes and species—including dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses, llamas, goats, sheep, chickens, and pigs - are welcome.

Exotic and domestic animals are walked down the aisle to receive individual blessings. The New York Police Department participate, with police horses blessed outside of the church entrance and a K-9 unit included in the processional. The choir from Long Island’s Roosevelt High School performs holiday carols and other celebratory songs.

The 10th Annual Blessing of the Animals event is organized by Cindy Adams of the New York Post and co-sponsored by Cornell University Veterinary Specialists and College of Veterinary Medicine, The Baker Institute for Animal Health, the John & Margo Catsimatidis Foundation, the Humane Society of New York, and philanthropists Mary and Kathryn Kalikow.