Dogs in our Cathedrals

Dogs in cathedral calendars for 2026 have just been launched by Sheffield and St Edmundsbury cathedrals.

Dogs in Cathedral Calendars

It is a first for Sheffield Cathedral and a unique partnership project with the cathedral’s 1554 Coffee and Gift Shop and the city’s Supertram which ran a successful Dogs on Trams trial during the summer.

To coincide with the Supertram trial, Sheffield cathedral launched its #StrikeAPaws campaign to find 12 four-legged legends to feature in the first official Sheffield Cathedral Dogs 2026 Calendar.

And, at the end of summer, the competition winners were brought into the cathedral for their prize package that included a professional photoshoot, a free 2026 calendar starring their winning pooch, digital photographs, a doggy bag of treats and a complimentary Supertram travel pass.

The Dean of Sheffield, The Very Revd Abi Thompson said:

“As someone who absolutely loves dogs, I’m thrilled that Sheffield Cathedral is a place where four-legged friends are just as welcome as their humans. 

‘Being a dog-friendly cathedral is one of the many ways we live out our commitment to being a place for all people. Sheffield is a city that champions community, and this calendar is a joyful celebration of that, bringing people (and pups!) together in a really special way.

The 2026 Dogs Calendar has just gone on sale in the Sheffield Cathedral gift shop.

Ruth Maher-Heslip, Founder and Manager of 1554 Coffee and Gift Shop, said,

“1554 Coffee and Gift Shop here at Sheffield Cathedral is proudly dog-friendly with loyal human and canine regulars and we’re excited to have supported this new initiative.”

Jasmine Thompson, Senior Marketing Manager at Supertram, added:

“Following the progress made during our Dogs on Trams trial, we’re delighted to support this fantastic initiative that brings people and their dogs together.”

St Edmundsbury Cathedral is celebrating being a dog-friendly Cathedral for the second year running with the launch of its 2026 Dogs in the Cathedral Calendar following the success of last year.

Twelve local dogs were photographed for the calendar, which this year is a bigger, wall calendar.

Models include Hazel the Springer Spaniel reading from the lectern, Bandit the Dachshund attending a service and Shadow the Weimaraner admiring a cathedral tapestry.

The calendars were printed by local firm, Premier Printers.

St Eds was the first cathedral to launch a dogs in cathedrals calendar for 2025 and it chimes with the city being voted the most dog-friendly town in the UK.

Marketing and Communications Manager, Catherine Rayson, who created the calendar with photography by Tom Soper Photography, said,

“Last year’s Dogs in the Cathedral Calendar was a big hit, so we wanted to expand on that this year by listening to feedback and creating a wall calendar. 

“We had such a fun time photographing this year’s models in the Cathedral and grounds.”

The calendar is on sale in St Eds Cathedral Shop. Copies cost £10.00.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at a total of 25 out of our 42 cathedrals these are: Bradford, Bristol, Carlisle, Coventry, Chester, Chichester, Derby, Durham, Ely, Lincoln, Lichfield, Liverpool, Newcastle, Norwich, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Sheffield, Southwell Minster, St Albans, St Edmundsbury, Truro, Winchester, Worcester and Wells.

And Hereford Cathedral is currently running a six months trail welcoming well behaved dogs in the cathedral following visitor feedback.

A spokesperson for The Association of English Cathedrals said:

“Dogs are such an important part of so many people’s daily lives and while all cathedrals have always welcomed assistance dogs, some of our cathedrals have begun to open as dog-friendly spaces.

“This is done mindfully with strict rules in place to make sure all our cathedrals remain safe and enjoyable spaces for all visitors at all times.”

Do check cathedral websites for up to date information.

Photo Credit – Tom Soper