Dogs Take Centre Stage in Cathedral Calendars for 2026
Cathedrals have long been places of welcome, reflection, and community and now, they’re also celebrating a different kind of loyal visitors: our four-legged friends.
For the first time, Sheffield Cathedral has launched a Dogs of Sheffield Cathedral 2026 Calendar, created in partnership with their 1554 Coffee and Gift Shop and South Yorkshire Transport Supertram. The initiative follows a successful trial in the city ‘Dogs on Trams’, highlighting Sheffield’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces for everyone, people and pets alike.
To coincide with the trial, Sheffield Cathedral invited dog lovers to take part in its #StrikeAPaws competition in June and July, searching for twelve canine stars to feature in the inaugural calendar. The winning pups were welcomed into the cathedral for a professional photoshoot and were given a special prize package, including a complimentary copy of the calendar, digital portraits, a bag of treats, and a Supertram travel pass.
The Very Revd Abi Thompson, Dean of Sheffield, shared:
“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 calendars are now available to purchase in the Sheffield Cathedral Gift Shop, celebrating the city’s spirit of creativity and connection.
Meanwhile, St Edmundsbury Cathedral is also celebrating its community of canine visitors with the release of its 2026 Dogs in the Cathedral Calendar, following the success of last year’s edition.
This year’s calendar features twelve local dogs photographed in and around the cathedral by Tom Soper Photography, with scenes including Hazel the Springer Spaniel reading at the lectern, Bandit the Dachshund attending a service, and Shadow the Weimaraner admiring a cathedral tapestry. Produced by local printers, Premier Printers, the 2026 calendar is now available in the St Edmundsbury Cathedral Shop.
Catherine Rayson, Marketing and Communications Manage at St Edmundsbury, said:
“Last year’s 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, it’s a joyful reminder of how much warmth and life dogs bring to our shared spaces.”
Across the country, 25 of England’s 42 cathedrals now welcome well-behaved dogs, from Sheffield and St Edmundsbury to Ely, Lincoln, Salisbury, and beyond. Hereford Cathedral is currently running a six-month trial, exploring ways to open its doors to four-legged visitors too.
A spokesperson for the Association of English Cathedrals said:
“Dogs are such an important part of so many people’s lives, and while all cathedrals have always welcomed assistance dogs, many are now thoughtfully opening as dog-friendly spaces, ensuring our sacred buildings remain safe, accessible, and welcoming to all.”
From organ music to wagging tails, England’s cathedrals continue to bring communities together in creative, joyful, and inclusive ways, celebrating not just faith and heritage, but the companionship and connection that make life richer for us all.
The calendars are available from Sheffield and St Edmundsbury Cathedral shops.
