Patron Saint of Animals

Category: Other

St. Francis of Assisi is the most widely recognized patron of animals in the Catholic tradition. His "Canticle of the Creatures" gives thanks for "Brother Sun" and "Sister Moon" and all living creatures, and his legend includes preaching to birds, taming the wolf of Gubbio, and releasing captive doves. His feast day, October 4, is observed as a day for blessing of animals in parishes worldwide.

St. Hubert of Liège, patron of hunters, and St. Anthony the Great, patron of domestic animals, are also invoked in relation to animals. The annual blessing of animals on or near the feast of St. Francis is a widespread Catholic practice.

Patron Saint of Animals

Formally proclaimed patronage — sourced from canonized saints in the Roman Calendar.

Primary Patron
Saint Francis of Assisi

Feast Day
October 4

Saint Francis of Assisi is invoked as patron of animals. Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, called Francesco, was born at Assisi in 1181 or 1182, son of the prosperous cloth merchant Pietro Bernardone. After a year as a prisoner of war at Perugia (1202-1203) and a serious illness, he experienced a conversion that culminated in 1206 with his renunciation of his patrimony before Bishop Guido of Assisi. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html.

Read full biography of Saint Francis of Assisi →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of animals?

Saint Francis of Assisi is the primary patron saint of animals. Their feast day is October 4.

What is a patron saint?

A patron saint is a holy man or woman canonized by the Church whose life and heavenly intercession are considered especially powerful for particular needs, groups, or situations. Catholics ask patron saints to intercede — to pray to God on their behalf — drawing on the doctrine of the Communion of Saints.

How do I ask for Francis of Assisi's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Francis of Assisi, pray for us." You may also light a candle, attend Mass on their feast day, or make a novena — nine days of consecutive prayer — asking for their help before a particular need.