Reverend Kesh Govan from All Saints Anglican Church blessed close to 30 animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits and a snake, during last year’s service which was held in Anna Bay.

“It’s always very successful,” Reverend Govan said of the annual service. “Animals give us so much joy, happiness and peace. 

“This annual event is a chance to bring your pets to church to thank God for their presence in our lives, for giving us so much joy.”

For the past two years the Blessing of the Animals service has been held in the Peace Lutheran Church in Anna Bay.

This year it will move back to All Saints in Church Street, Nelson Bay. The service will start at 4pm on October 1. All animals and their owners are welcome.

“I don’t have any phobias,” Rev Govan said.

All animals that are blessed will receive a certificate. There will be a free sausage sizzle afterwards.

All Saints Anglican Church has offered the animal blessing service since 2012. The Blessing of the Animals is linked to the Francis of Assisi, a 12th century Italian saint who could talk with animals.

Rev Govan continued the young tradition when he relocated to Nelson Bay from England with his family in 2014.

The blessing of the animals was just as popular in England where he was the vicar of three churches before moving, Rev Govan said.

The service was also made popular in the successful television series The Vicar of Dibley.