INTERNATIONAL DAYGENERAL

World Animal Day

On October 4, animal lovers everywhere unite for World Animal Day, a global celebration of the creatures great and small who share our planet. From pampered pets to wild wonders, today is all about them.

OCT4

Sunday, October 4Every year on October 4

days to go

Roots: Organized by cynologist Heinrich Zimmermann, the first event drew 5,000 people to Berlin's Sport Palace in 1925; October 4 was adopted universally by resolution at the 1931 Florence congress.
Also on Oct 4: 10-4 Day · World Communion Sunday · Cinnamon Bun Day
Hashtag: #WorldAnimalDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

A pampering day

Give your pets extra playtime and treats, and set up a cozy spot for them to nap the afternoon away.

WITH FRIENDS

Friends for animals

Organize a group dog walk or visit a local animal shelter together, bringing donations of food and blankets.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Spread the word

Run a pet food drive, invite a shelter speaker, or hold a classroom lesson on animal welfare and Saint Francis.

Fast facts

More than 5,000People attended the very first World Animal Day in Berlin in 1925.

2003Since 2003, the movement has been led by UK animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation.

The story

The story begins with Heinrich Zimmermann, a German writer and publisher of the magazine Man and Dog, who believed animals deserved a day of their own. In 1925 he filled Berlin's Sport Palace with more than 5,000 people for the first World Animal Day. He had wanted October 4, the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, but the venue was taken, so the first celebration landed on March 24 instead.

Read the full story

Zimmermann kept campaigning year after year, and in 1929 the celebration finally moved to October 4 as intended. Then, in May 1931, at a congress of the world's animal protection organizations in Florence, Italy, his proposal to make October 4 World Animal Day universal was unanimously adopted.

Today the day unites the global animal protection movement, led since 2003 by the UK charity Naturewatch Foundation. From shelter fundraisers to classroom lessons to quiet walks with a beloved dog, October 4 is when the world says thank you to animals and promises to do better by them.

Did you know?

Wrong Date, Right Cause

The first celebration was held on March 24, 1925, simply because Berlin's Sport Palace was booked on the intended October 4.

Saint Francis Connection

October 4 is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, which is why Zimmermann wanted it.

Official in Poland

In 2006, the Polish parliament adopted a resolution officially establishing October 4 as Animal Day.

Big in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, World Animal Day is as familiar as Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.

Argentina's Own Day

Argentina has observed Animal Day since 1908, inspired by Ignacio Lucas Albarracín, though on a different date.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

NLNetherlandsWorld Animal Day is as well known as Mother's Day and Valentine's Day, celebrated with real enthusiasm.
PLPolandIn 2006, the Polish parliament adopted a resolution establishing October 4 as Animal Day.
ARArgentinaAnimal Day has been observed since 1908, championed by Ignacio Lucas Albarracín, and later moved to April 29 to honor him.
AUAustraliaCelebrations have been organized by the RSPCA since 1948.
FIFinlandSince 2002, the Finnish Association of Animal Protection Associations has run events during Animal Week and distributed materials to schools.