Our Mission
Animal Kinship Ministry is a service and outreach group at Unity of Houston.
Our mission is to embody and promote an ever-deepening sense of oneness with all animals through acts of service, education, and support within the greater Houston community. We believe in promoting empathy, kindness and compassion to embrace all living creatures with love and respect.
HOW WE ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION:
Service and Education
- Being an information source for resources, including: Greater Houston area shelters; wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organizations; affordable spay, neuter, and pet wellness services; how to report animal cruelty and injured animals (links to area resources are provided below)
- Sponsoring, hosting, and/or participating in community workshops or field trips
Community Support
- Annual Pet Blessing, annual Pet Memorial, prayer support, pet food drives
- Supporting area shelters and other animal assistance organizations
- Engaging in the Greater Houston community with other animal advocate organizations
PET FOOD DONATIONS
- Please consider donating pet food on the last Sunday of each month. There will be a collection bin near our AKM table, either inside the lobby of the church or outside, typically in the covered drive next to the courtyard. Your donations of non-perishable pet food and supplies are greatly appreciated. They will go to Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s AniMeals program or to area animal shelters in need.
DOGS AT CHURCH
Your dogs are welcome to sit in the courtyard with you on Sunday mornings during church services. Please keep in mind:
- Your dog must be on a leash.
- Your dog must be well-behaved.
- Dogs must stay outdoors.
- Please use the pet waste station located behind the sanctuary for cleaning up after your dog.
RESOURCE LIST
- Affordable Pet Vaccinations & Basic Pet Wellness
- Greater Houston Area Shelters
- No-Kill Alternative Shelters
- How to Report Animal Cruelty
- The Importance of Microchipping
- Area Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
PRAYER REQUESTS
Your prayer requests related to your beloved pets are always welcomed. Find the prayer request forms throughout the campus or contact us.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
Our pets have become an important part of our culture, and many more places are starting to welcome and accommodate pets. We all know that pets are living, loving creatures created by God. Their spirits and presence in our lives teach us many important lessons, especially how to love. Their living spirits are divine, as demonstrated by their ability to love unconditionally, remain loyal and steadfast against all adversity, and remain joyful despite outside circumstances. These are qualities which we as humans strive to achieve.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Facebook: Animal Kinship Ministry
Email: AnimalKinshipMinistry@gmail.com (for more information and for volunteering)
ANIMAL KINSHIP MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM
Peg Moore, Karen Svetaka, Buddy Lockett, Cindy Cline, Sally Strong, Hector Villamizar Jr., Patricia Bernal-Villamizar, and Tom Miller