All Creatures ULC Spiritual Center
Explore your spiritual bond with your pets
Animal Ministry FAQ
Q. What is animal ministry?
A. Animal ministry is a place to find prayers, ceremonies, and other services specifically designed to honor your pets and your relationship with them.
Q. Why is animal ministry necessary?
A. No one knows more than you just how important your animal companions are. They understand who you really are. When they are ill, lost, or dying, it may be difficult to find someone who understands just what you are experiencing. We are here to lend support.
Q. Is animal ministry only for pets who are ill or dying?
A. Absolutely not! Any aspect of your pet’s life can be celebrated with a ceremony written especially for you.
Q. What do I do if my pet is taken to the hospital with an illness or injury?
A. Call us as soon as you can. One of us will be happy to meet you at the hospital (within the western suburbs of Detroit) to pray with you and for your pet.
Q. How much notice do you need in an emergency?
A. We will respond to you as soon as possible and meet you at a mutually agreed upon time.
Q. What if I need to have my pet euthanized?
A. We know how difficult this decision is. We will come to the vet's office to support and comfort you and your family during and after the procedure. In addition, we can perform a memorial service or funeral for your pet at the time and place of your choosing.
Q. Is a pet funeral just like a human funeral?
A. It is very similar with some differences in the readings which emphasize God's love for animals and our relationship to them.
Q. My pet died some time ago but I didn't know this service was available. Can I have a service now?
A. Yes. Many people hold a memorial or remembrance service on the anniversary of the pet's birth, death, or other important date in the family.
Q. How do we contact you?
A. You can reach us by phone at 313-563-0162 or by e-mail for an immediate response.
Helping Pets
There are several ministries and other organizations who need help helping pets in need. Here are just a few:
Best Friends Animal Society—If you’ve watched Dogtown on National Geographic channel, you know about Best Friends. They are often an animal’s last chance to make it. You can read all about them here. We believe they are one of the best animal sanctuaries in the county.
The Gabriel Foundation—Abandoned and unwanted parrots pose a unique problem in our country. Because parrots live so long and require special care, many are simply left behind. Some are even set free in the mistaken belief that they can somehow survive in the wild even though most parrots purchased today have been born and raised in captivity. And in areas like Michigan, most will freeze to death if they’re not killed. The Gabriel Foundation works to educate people on the needs of our parrot friends and help those without a home find one.
Angel’s Gate—A home for special needs animals. At Angel’s Gate animals, many of whom are terminally and/or critically ill or physically challenged, come to live out their days in peace, dignity and love. Their focus is on wellness and quality of life. They provide for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each animal. They take a holistic approach in animal care, giving all needed supportive services including hospice care.
The Elephant Sanctuary—It’s not just pets that need our help. The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, is the nation’s largest natural-habitat refuge developed specifically to meet the needs of endangered elephants. It is a non-profit organization designed specifically for old, sick or needy elephants who have been retired from zoos and circuses. Utilizing more than 2700 acres, it provides three separate and protected, natural-habitat environments for Asian and African elephants. Their residents are not required to perform or entertain for the public; instead, they are encouraged to live like elephants.
The Animal Rescue Site—Just a click and you can feed pets in need. Stop by every day and give a click. That’s all you need to do. Of course, if you love animal-related gifts and other items, click through to their store and you can help feed even more animals. Want to know how it works, click here for more information.
There are also some great websites out there with tons of helpful information and fun stuff to do. Our favorite is
Best Friends Animal Society—If you’ve watched Dogtown on National Geographic channel, you know about Best Friends. They are often an animal’s last chance to make it. You can read all about them here. We believe they are one of the best animal sanctuaries in the county.
The Gabriel Foundation—Abandoned and unwanted parrots pose a unique problem in our country. Because parrots live so long and require special care, many are simply left behind. Some are even set free in the mistaken belief that they can somehow survive in the wild even though most parrots purchased today have been born and raised in captivity. And in areas like Michigan, most will freeze to death if they’re not killed. The Gabriel Foundation works to educate people on the needs of our parrot friends and help those without a home find one.
Angel’s Gate—A home for special needs animals. At Angel’s Gate animals, many of whom are terminally and/or critically ill or physically challenged, come to live out their days in peace, dignity and love. Their focus is on wellness and quality of life. They provide for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each animal. They take a holistic approach in animal care, giving all needed supportive services including hospice care.
The Elephant Sanctuary—It’s not just pets that need our help. The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, is the nation’s largest natural-habitat refuge developed specifically to meet the needs of endangered elephants. It is a non-profit organization designed specifically for old, sick or needy elephants who have been retired from zoos and circuses. Utilizing more than 2700 acres, it provides three separate and protected, natural-habitat environments for Asian and African elephants. Their residents are not required to perform or entertain for the public; instead, they are encouraged to live like elephants.
The Animal Rescue Site—Just a click and you can feed pets in need. Stop by every day and give a click. That’s all you need to do. Of course, if you love animal-related gifts and other items, click through to their store and you can help feed even more animals. Want to know how it works, click here for more information.
There are also some great websites out there with tons of helpful information and fun stuff to do. Our favorite is
Helping People
There are so many places that need our help it’s hard to decide what to do and where to give. But here are links to places we love and a brief paragraph about what they do to help. Help any one you want. Especially in these tough economic times. You don’t have to give a huge amount—even $5.00 or $10.00 will be appreciated. And the rewards you receive will be well worth it.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation—This is a unique organization helping kids with cancer. You can read their story here. Every year, Rev. Claudia is one of thousands of people who participate in a St. Baldrick’s shaving event in the Detroit area. Yes, she gets her head shaved! Below is a picture of her head shaving in 2009. You can get more info about the 2009 event, see before and after pictures and/or donate online at Rev. Claudia’s St. Baldrick's website.
Bright Steps Forward—This organization funds intensive pediatric therapy to financially disadvantaged children with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, disabilities of prematurity, autism and other congenital or acquired conditions that affect their physical functioning. You can read more about them here.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital—We’re sure you’ve heard of this wonderful hospital. If not, check here for more information.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation—This is a unique organization helping kids with cancer. You can read their story here. Every year, Rev. Claudia is one of thousands of people who participate in a St. Baldrick’s shaving event in the Detroit area. Yes, she gets her head shaved! Below is a picture of her head shaving in 2009. You can get more info about the 2009 event, see before and after pictures and/or donate online at Rev. Claudia’s St. Baldrick's website.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital—We’re sure you’ve heard of this wonderful hospital. If not, check here for more information.
What to Do if You Can’t Donate Cash
With the economy the way it is, it’s hard for some of us to give monetary donations out of our own pockets. So why not host a fundraiser for the organization of your choice? Host a bake sale, cookie sale, or other sale. Have a garage sale and donate the proceeds to your favorite organization. Be sure to post a sign explaining what you are doing so folks know they’re helping. There are tons of ideas for ways to raise funds. Try it, the benefits are worth the time and the feeling you’ll have knowing you are helping others is out of this world!
Almost all local rescues, shelters, and other organizations can always use help. If you can’t donate money, why not donate time? Take dogs for a walk, play with the kitties at the local shelter, collect items for a shelter or rescue (most have wish lists). Transport animals to and from a vet’s office or adoption event. There are always things to do and most shelters and rescues have lists of volunteer needs. Don't know of a rescue or shelter in your area? Go to Petfinder.com and type in your zip code. Petfinder will list all the shelters and rescues in your area. You can also get great volunteer opportunities at Volunteer Match. Then just choose one and go. And don’t forget, have fun!
Almost all local rescues, shelters, and other organizations can always use help. If you can’t donate money, why not donate time? Take dogs for a walk, play with the kitties at the local shelter, collect items for a shelter or rescue (most have wish lists). Transport animals to and from a vet’s office or adoption event. There are always things to do and most shelters and rescues have lists of volunteer needs. Don't know of a rescue or shelter in your area? Go to Petfinder.com and type in your zip code. Petfinder will list all the shelters and rescues in your area. You can also get great volunteer opportunities at Volunteer Match. Then just choose one and go. And don’t forget, have fun!