Though not always overt, faith is central to many animal chaplains' practices. Some provide spiritual care for animals themselves, holding animal blessing events, praying for pets or being a grounding presence during euthanasia. It's not just pets and their owners who require spiritual support.

Clergy or officiants differ from chaplains in that the clergy serve the members of their congregation, while chaplains are usually employed by an institution such as the military, a hospital or other health care facility, etc.

A chaplain may have the following duties: Provide religious or spiritual guidance to inmates, patients, prisoners, military members, students and employees. Offer reflective, non-judgmental listening to people going through a difficult time. Conduct religious ceremonies, like weddings or funerals in a remote location.

Chaplaincy Ministry is distinct from Pastoral Ministry in that a Chaplain is a spiritually called servant attached to and in support of a group or entity whose primary mission is not spiritual. Chaplains therefore have access to the community in ways that many Pastors do not.