How a pet blessing ceremony in Manila highlights the growing Filipino pet culture: Video
The advocacy for animals has become more important than ever amid the inhumane acts by humans against animals which have led to many animal species on the brink of extinction.
World Animal Day, celebrated annually on October 4, is a global event that highlights the importance of animal welfare. This day serves as a platform for individuals, communities, and organisations to come together in advocating for the protection and well-being of animals.
Activities such as educational campaigns, adoption drives, and fundraising initiatives are held worldwide to support these efforts.
The observance dates back to 1931 when a group of ecologists in Florence, Italy, designated October 4—Saint Francis of Assisi’s feast day—as a day to draw attention to endangered species.
Over time, the scope of World Animal Day has broadened to address a wide array of animal welfare issues, gaining recognition and support from diverse communities across the globe.
Like most pet-loving Christian communities World Animal Day is celebrated with a twist. In the Filipino capital of Manila, while the official date of the celebration fell on a Friday, pet owners gathered two days later for a special event: a pet blessing ceremony.
On this Sunday, pets ranging from dogs and cats to rabbits were dressed in costumes and brought to a local mall in Quezon City, where a priest blessed them with holy water in recognition of their importance in their owners' lives, as reported by Reuters.
"For my prayers, it’s good health, and I hope they always stay happy and be a blessing to us. I pray that they continue to give us happiness and that we are also able to bring them happiness," shared Andrea Barin, a proud dog owner, during the event.
Another pet owner, Ela Anghela, expressed her heartfelt wish for her pet, saying, "My prayer for him is that I hope he lives a longer life as I am an only child and he has been my companion in all the journeys I had in my life."
The Philippines has seen significant growth in pet culture over the years, with pets being regarded as more than just animals—they are cherished companions and even considered part of the family. This trend has become especially prominent in recent years as the bond between pets and their owners strengthens.
The COVID-19 pandemic played a crucial role in accelerating pet adoption across the Philippines, as many sought companionship during periods of isolation.
Pets provided emotional support during lockdowns, helping to reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Studies have consistently shown that owning pets contributes to better mental health, offering comfort and joy in times of uncertainty.
In 2021, Filipinos led Southeast Asia in overall pet-related Google searches, with nearly 7 million searches by September of that year—four times more than the second-ranked country, Vietnam, research by iPrice Group revealed.
By 2023, a separate study indicated that 64% of Filipino households owned pets, with dogs being the most popular choice. Among pet-owning households, 78% had at least one dog, while 50% owned cats.
