What is World Animal Day?
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World Animal Day is an annual event, held on the 4th of October, celebrating animal welfare and rights across the globe.
Awareness days like World Animal Day help to highlight animal protection as a priority issue of significant importance as there is a deepening global crisis facing billions of animals. It helps bring people together to increase awareness and improve education worldwide so animals can live the lives they deserve.
How did World Animal Day start?
World Animal Day was started by Heinrich Zimmermann, a cynologist, who organised the first celebration at the Sports Palace in Berlin, which was reportedly attended by over 5,000 people. It was first celebrated on 24th March 1925 in Germany.
Why is World Animal Day celebrated in October?
World Animal Day is celebrated yearly on October 4th to align with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and animals.
How can I celebrate World Animal Day?
As an international event, World Animal Day is celebrated in different ways around the world. It doesn't matter where you live, or whether you’re an individual or business, you can celebrate by:
- Become an Animal Protector by regularly donating to end animal suffering.
- Check your superannuation isn’t harming animals by investing in live export, factory farming or cosmetic testing on animals using our ranking table.
- Sign up to volunteer for peaceful protests, leafletting and other opportunities.
No matter your nationality or faith, you can be involved with this important global day. Together we can change the way the world works to end animal suffering. Forever.
World Animal Day helps bring people together to increase awareness and improve education worldwide so animals can live the lives they deserve.