Pet owners are invited to bring their favourite four-legged creatures and fine-feathered friends to be blessed on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Sacred Heart school.
The event is in honour of the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals.
"It is mainly dogs and cats which are brought, but the blessing is open to all pets," said Dr. Valerie Giles, community council member for the local SPCA.
In bigger centres like New York and San Francisco zoo animals like llamas and elephants are brought to the blessings and often police officers ride their horses into the churches, said Giles.
In Prince George Sacred Heart students volunteer to set up in preparation for the event.
There is a short service with animal-themed prayers and scripture first.
Music is provided by Josephine and Richard Scott.
Hymns about the beauty of creation will be led by Christine Murphy and each year, Giles said, there are yips, howls and outright barking joining in the chorus.
"The dogs really do sing along and eventually take over once the humans start laughing," said Giles. "Once you've heard the howling, barked-up version of All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Creatures Great and Small, that hymn will never be the same."
Following the pet blessing, there are treats for humans and pets.
A special collection will be held to support the local SPCA shelter.
With or without a pet, everyone is welcome to attend.
