Covid-worried owners get pets blessed at drive-through ceremony in Philippines

Owners queued up in long lines to get their pets blessed at a drive-through ceremony in the Philippines on Sunday.Coronavirus-wary residents took their dogs, cats and birds to get a special benediction by a Catholic priest in Manila. The event was held to celebrate the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, and to mark World Animal Day.It comes as the country has recorded a total of 322,497 coronavirus infections, the highest in Southeast Asia.During the ceremony, cars pulled up to a priest dressed in robes and a facemask.

Socially distanced through a window, the animal's head was then put outside the car to allow the clergyman to pour holy water over the pet. Drive-through pet blessing in pictures Organisers said it was important for the ceremony to go ahead, even in such a unique way, as it raises awareness about animal rights and welfare.One of the event's planners, Ritchie Pascual said: “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".

Dog-owner Arlene Pedron, waited in line to meet the priest with her two-year-old golden retriever. She said that having her pet blessed is “very important...because we really feel like our pet is part of our family”.“We also want the best for his health,” she added.