COVID-19 pandemic prompts drive-through pet blessing in Philippines

Inside their owners' cars, cats, dogs, and birds were sprinkled with holy water

Published: October 05, 2020 07:23 Reuters and Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Senior Web Editor

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Manila: Coronavirus-wary animal owners in the Philippines had their pets blessed via a drive-through ceremony on Sunday to mark World Animal Day and the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Image Credit: Reuters

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From a safe distance inside their owners' cars, cats, dogs, and birds were sprinkled with holy water by a Catholic priest in Manila, as the nation's coronavirus cases continued to surge. Image Credit: Reuters

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The Philippines has recorded a total of 322,497 coronavirus infections, the highest in Southeast Asia. Image Credit: Reuters

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Organisers and participants said this year's unusual way of blessing pets for World Animal Day, celebrated worldwide to recognise animal rights and welfare, ensured social distancing. Image Credit: Reuters

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"We have to adapt to the new normal and the pandemic should never stop us from paying tribute to the furry animals that we have," said Ritchie Pascual, one of the event organisers. Image Credit: Reuters

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For dog-owner Arlene Pedron, having her pet blessed is "very important...because we really feel like our pet is part of our family". Image Credit: Reuters

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"We also want the best for his health," Pedron said, while waiting in line with her two-year-old golden retriever. Image Credit: Reuters

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A Catholic priest sprinkles holy water on birds aboard a vehicle. Image Credit: Reuters

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A woman aboard a vehicle shows off her pet birds as they queue for a drive-thru pet blessing. Image Credit: Reuters

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Kids aboard a vehicle hold their dog as they queue for a drive-thru pet blessing. Image Credit: Reuters

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