The Third Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Rhinebeck, will host its annual Blessing of the Animals from noon to 4 p.m. on May 17, 2025, with a rain date from 1 to 5 p.m. on May 18. This free, family-friendly outdoor event celebrates the 110th anniversary of Be Kind to Animals Week, an American tradition founded by American Humane in 1915.

Pastor James Miller will offer hands-on blessings to all pets in attendance, including furred, finned, feathered and scaled companions. Guests are encouraged to bring their pets for an individual blessing, with all animal visitors required to be leashed, kenneled or properly secured.
In addition to the blessings, the church’s great lawn will be filled with community-based rescue services and shelter organizations. Visitors, with or without pet escorts, can meet Ambassador Animals and learn more about pet and wildlife care. Countryside Animal Hospital is sponsoring a free Ask the Vet table to respond to questions about medical issues, general care and grooming.

This year’s event honors the Los Angeles firefighters and animal rescue groups whose heroic efforts saved countless animals during the recent historic California wildfires. A six-foot Pet Remembrance Tree will commemorate the animals lost in the fires, and guests are encouraged to leave tributes—such as photos, notes, pet toys and other keepsakes—in memory of beloved companions.

The BISSELL Pet Foundation (BPF), the charity of choice for this year’s event, provides critical assistance to animals in crisis. To raise funds, BISSELL Inc. has donated four Pet Pro Carpet Cleaning vacuums to be raffled during the event, with proceeds benefiting the foundation’s rescue efforts.