Animal Chaplains
Some animal chaplains have their own congregations and are affiliated to a particular religion …
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This is not something I had never heard of in the UK but yes they do exist, mainly in the USA I hear. They work on an interdenominational basis and a very obvious role would be counseling people on the loss or euthanasia of their pet, I have done my fair share of that over the years as will most small animal vets. Without doubt this is a valuable service but it takes time to carry this out in a sympathetic basis, time most small animal vets just do not have in a busy day. Another obvious role would be at memorial services and burials for animals.
Some animal chaplains have their own congregations and are affiliated to a particular religion and can incorporate the bond between animals and man in their services. Animals after all give us unconditional love and the basis of any religion is love and respect for our Creator and those we share our planet with. Children in particular by learning from the animals in our homes can become better and more well adjusted people. And yes, some animal chaplains do allow dogs at their Sunday services.
Other animal chaplains outreach into the community and visit nursing homes and hospitals with their pets ” pat dogs “. Others may run animal shelters, animal rescue organisations, which benefit needy pets in their area.
If you think this might be your calling you can have a look at such sites as www.animalchaplains.comor www.petchapel.org
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Scott Nimmo BVMS MRCVS