World Animal Day, celebrated annually on October 4th, was created to fight for improved animal welfare across the globe. The holiday marks a great opportunity for animal lovers everywhere to raise awareness and fight for change, so every animal – big and small – can live a happy, healthy life.
Every year, individuals and organizations put together events and make contributions to raise awareness of local animal welfare issues. Together, we can make the world a better place for all animals. Read on to learn more about World Animal Day and how you can celebrate with your community this year.
The History of World Animal Day
World Animal Day started as an idea by Heinrich Zimmermann, writer and publisher of the magazine Mensch und Hund (Man and Dog).
Zimmermann was an animal protection activist, working to organize the movement for the prevention of cruelty to animals and using his magazine to promote animal welfare efforts.
The holiday is celebrated on October 4th because it's also the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. In Catholic teachings, Saint Francis could talk to animals, often preaching to them as well as humans.
While October 4th was always intended to be the official day for World Animal Day, the first few years it was celebrated in March because of the venue's availability.
The first World Animal Day happened on March 24, 1925 in the Sport Palace in Berlin, Germany with over 5,000 people in attendance. Finally, in 1929, the holiday was moved to its official day of October 4th.
6 Ways to Celebrate World Animal Day in Your Community
Wondering what you can do to make a difference for animals this World Animal Day? Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Hold a Fundraising Event
There are so many animal welfare organizations working tirelessly every day to make the world a better place for animals. These include local animal rescue organizations helping stray animals find a forever home and environmental protection groups helping to restore natural habitats for endangered wild animals.
These organizations are sustained by the help of volunteers and donations, and funds are often limited to keep their programs running.
On World Animal Day, all community groups, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to hold events, raising money and awareness for local animal welfare organizations. These can be a great way to come together as a community to support a common cause.
If hosting a fundraising event isn't possible for you, making an individual donation to your favorite animal nonprofit is a great way to show your support and help make a difference.
2. Seek Education on an Animal Welfare Topic
The goal of World Animal Day is ultimately to raise awareness of all the ways we can improve the lives of animals. The holiday is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the issues facing animals and the ways that you can make a difference.
Look to your local organizations for resources on your local animal welfare laws and what species in your area may need your help. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs with local animal rescues or to get more familiar with your local wildlife.
The more educated you are on animals in need, the better you can spread awareness to others.
3. Visit Your Local Animal Shelter
Your local animal shelter is a wonderful resource for animal welfare efforts in your own community. They put in so much effort to provide medical care, training, and a loving home to animals that wouldn't otherwise have a chance.
If you can't donate your money, donating your time can be just as helpful. Visit your local animal shelter to learn how you can get involved. Many organizations need more people to sort through donated items, help clean cages, or take the dogs for walks.
Even if you can't volunteer, simply visiting with the animals that are currently in the shelter is a great way to show compassion and to help those animals know they're loved.
4. Write to Your Local Government about Animal Welfare Legislation
From animal cruelty laws to decisions that affect an animal's natural habitat, the decisions that humans make dramatically affect the lives of animals. One of the biggest goals of World Animal Day is to change or establish the laws that affect the well-being of animals everywhere.
This holiday is a great opportunity to get educated on your community's local policies that affect animals and to learn how you can get involved to make a change.
One fantastic and simple way to make a difference is to contact your local officials, whether by sending an email, writing a letter, or even giving them a call. This allows you to express the importance of animal welfare and learn more about what they're doing to help the cause.
5. Take Inventory of the Products You Buy
In an effort to make the world a better, safer place for animals, it's important to look critically at the products that you buy. Many home and beauty products are still tested on animals, and you could be contributing to animal cruelty without even realizing it.
Take today to look into the common brands that you buy. If there are any with questionable stances on animal testing, consider switching those to a cruelty-free brand.
6. Show Your Animals Extra Love Today
While World Animal Day celebrates and benefits all animals everywhere, it's also a great reminder to show your own pets how special they are. Take this day as an opportunity to spend more time with your best furry friends, giving them as much love as possible.
You can find a new hiking trail to explore with your dog, invite their best friends over for a play date, or spend some extra time cuddled up on the couch. Choose your pet's favorite activity, and take the day to make them feel as special as they are!
Celebrate World Animal Day on October 4th
World Animal Day is an important time to be an animal lover. It's the perfect opportunity to use your voice, raise awareness, and make a difference for animals, not just in your own community, but across the globe.
Take some of the stress out of pet ownership with Accident & Illness Coverage from AKC Pet Insurance (underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company). Our pet insurance plans are designed to be there when you need them, allowing you to focus more on the health of your pet and less on costly veterinary bills. Click here for a quote today!
