A special carol service has been held in Dublin for therapy dogs and their owners.

Each year, dozens of pets are invited to the special performance at Christ Church Cathedral in the capital.

The carol service celebrates the contribution they make in the lives of the people they visit in caring institutions.

Therapy dogs of all shapes and sizes barked and wagged their way into the festive spirit on Tuesday.

Christ Church Cathedral Girls Choir with therapy dogs for the annual Peata Therapy Dog Carol Service at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin | Image: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

The service was also attended by many people who benefit from visits by Peata volunteers and their dogs.

The service featured the Christ Church Girls' Choir, and was celebrated by the Dean, Reverend Dermot Dunne.

He gave a pet blessing to all the dogs present.

While tea and mince pies were served afterwards, courtesy of the Friends of Christ Church Cathedral.

Aisiling Carroll with Max the therapy dog join at the annual Peata Therapy Dog Carol Service in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin | Image: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Valerie takes her therapy dog, Coco, to visit a nursing home and a school every week.

"They're able to pet him, and it brings comfort to the elderly sitting in the nursing homes and to the children.

"In Cheeverstown where I go, there's a little boy that's blind and deaf - and when he feels Coco's coat, you can see the smile on his face".

Therapy dogs and their owners join together for the annual Peata Therapy Dog Carol Service at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin | Image: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Reverend Dunne says despite the noisy ceremony, the dogs are very well behaved.

"They don't bark and they don't upset the service in anyway.

"If anything they form the core of the service: the singing and the prayers, it all blends in together and creates a lovely atmosphere.

"And people come in their hundreds year after year for this service.

"It's one of the highlights for a lot of people".

Audrey with six-month-old Kay Ryan, and dog Daisy with Thomas Phelan from Glasnevin, at the annual Peata Therapy Dog Carol Service in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin | Image: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

This woman took her dog along, even though she is not a therapy pet.

"I brought Nancy, my airedale terrier, along today to be blessed - because she needs it.

"She's not a dog that goes to nursing homes or anything, but she's just our pet".

Peata is a voluntary organisation which provides a pet therapy service to caring institutions.

Its visiting scheme involves approved volunteers and their dogs, who generally pay weekly visits.