The patron saint of veterinarians is St. Eligius (Eloi, about 588–660), a goldsmith who became a royal treasurer and then bishop of Noyon, in France, and who is the patron of horses, farriers, blacksmiths and all who care for animals. Veterinarians also turn to St. Blaise, who according to tradition healed wild animals that came to his cave; to St. Francis of Assisi, patron of animals and ecology; and to St. Anthony the Abbot, patron of domestic animals. Below are their stories, what Scripture says about caring for animals, and prayers for vets and veterinary students.
A short prayer for veterinarians, written for this page:
St. Eligius, patron of those who care for animals, pray for all veterinarians.
Give them skill, patience and compassion,
and let them see in every creature the goodness of God who made it. Amen.
St. Eligius, patron of veterinarians
Eligius was born around 588 near Limoges, in France, and trained as a goldsmith. He became master of the mint under the Frankish kings Clothar II and Dagobert I. According to his biographer, St. Ouen, when Clothar gave him gold to make a throne, he made two with the same amount, and the king, amazed at his honesty, trusted him completely. Eligius used his wealth to ransom slaves and to found monasteries and churches.
In 641 he was made bishop of Noyon and Tournai, and he spent his last years preaching to the pagan peoples of Flanders. He died on December 1, 660. A popular legend tells that he cured a horse that would not let itself be shod by miraculously removing its leg, shoeing it and putting it back. For this he became the patron of horses, farriers, blacksmiths and veterinarians. His feast day is December 1.
Other saints for veterinarians and animals
- St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, who according to tradition lived in a cave where wild animals came to him for healing. See the St. Blaise prayer.
- St. Francis of Assisi, who preached to the birds and called all creatures his brothers and sisters. See the feast of St. Francis.
- St. Anthony the Abbot, patron of domestic animals, whose feast is the traditional day for blessing animals. See St. Anthony the Abbot.
- St. Martin de Porres, who cared for sick and stray animals in Lima. See the St. Martin de Porres prayer.
- St. Roch, whose faithful dog brought him bread when he was sick. See the St. Roch prayer.
What Scripture says about animals
Proverbs 12:10 (Douay-Rheims):
The just regardeth the lives of his beasts: but the bowels of the wicked are cruel.
Prayers for veterinarians
Written for this page.
Before surgery on an animal
Lord, guide my hands and my judgment in this surgery.
Give peace to this animal and to the family who loves it.
St. Eligius, pray for us. Amen.
For a veterinary student
St. Eligius, pray for me as I study.
Help me to learn well, to stay compassionate,
and to serve animals and their owners faithfully. Amen.
For a sick pet
Lord, you care for every sparrow.
Look with kindness on my pet, (name), who is sick.
Bless the vets who care for it, and give us peace. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the patron saint of veterinarians?
St. Eligius (Eloi), bishop of Noyon, who is also the patron of horses, farriers and goldsmiths.
When is St. Eligius’s feast day?
December 1.
Who is the patron saint of animals?
St. Francis of Assisi. St. Anthony the Abbot is patron of domestic animals. See the patron saint of animals.
More prayers
- Prayer for a dying dog
- Patron saint of animals
- Feast of St. Francis
- St. Anthony the Abbot
- Patron saint of nurses
- Patron saints of professions
- Patron saints
Texts and sources
- Proverbs 12:10 (Douay-Rheims).