World Animal Day 2025: 100 years of advocacy, and how to celebrate

World Animal Day 2025 logo

ESTIMATED READING TIME: 8 minutes


World Animal Day 2025 is an extra special event — it marks the 100-year anniversary of this global movement for animals. Since its beginning in 1925, the day has united animal lovers across the world in advocating for kindness, compassion, and stronger protections for animals.

Held every year on 4 October, this year’s theme — “Save animals, save the planet” — highlights the urgent link between animal welfare, biodiversity, and the health of our planet. Protecting animals not only prevents suffering but also safeguards ecosystems and creates a more sustainable future for everyone.

Whether you’re a pet owner, animal advocate, or simply someone who cares about the natural world, World Animal Day 2025 is your chance to take part in a century of change — and help shape the next 100 years of animal protection.

This guide is an in-depth look at World Animal Day; including the history, how to celebrate, and ideas to incorporate animal awareness or advocacy into our daily lives. 

Learn more about St Francis of Assisi’s legacy of kindness and advocacy for animals



The history and mission of World Animal Day

World Animal Day was first celebrated in 1925 when Heinrich Zimmermann, a writer and animal lover from Germany, organised the first event in Berlin.

Originally celebrated on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (4 October), the patron saint of animals, it wasn’t until 1931 that the date was officially established during a congress in Florence.

Zimmerman started World Animal Day to raise awareness and improve the welfare of animals – a tradition that’s still going strong 100 years later.

Below are 4 core reasons Zimmerman established this very important and impactful animal awareness day.

4 ways World Animal Day aims to help animals

A century on from the inaugural World Animal Day and the core mission remains the same; including:

✔️ Increase awareness: Spread knowledge about animal cruelty and exploitation.

✔️ Promote change: Draw attention to critical issues facing animals, and encourage policy reform.

✔️ Inspire action: Motivate people to join in and volunteer, adopt, advocate, or join conservation work.

✔️ Create unity: Build a global community with a shared mission of kindness and respect for animals. 


How to help animals: World Animal Day events and celebrations


World Animal Day has become a global movement to improve animal welfare standards and strengthen our relationship with animals.  

Honouring your own pet is a great way to recognise World Animal Day. Spend quality time together with special walks or extra playtime, meals, or host a pet-friendly gathering with fellow animal lovers.

Don’t have a pet? There’s still plenty of ways to join the celebrations; here’s 5 fun ideas:

1. Organise a fundraiser 

Hosting charity events can help raise money for non-profits dedicated to animal care. Consider bake sales, charity runs, or pet shows.

2. Volunteer at an animal shelter

Gather a group of friends together and offer hands-on help with animal care, administration, or fundraising. If you can’t volunteer, consider donating supplies or funds.

3. Social media awareness campaign

Create engaging posts, share facts, or start a hashtag campaign to highlight the importance of animal welfare. Encourage followers to share pet or wildlife photos to spread the message further.

4. Advocate for animals

Organise a petition about a local animal welfare issue, contact local representatives, and support campaigns for stronger animal protection laws.

5. Wildlife-friendly sanctuary tour

Show your support for conservation by visiting a local wildlife-friendly reserve or sanctuary with friends or family.

Get the kids involved!

Being around animals can have a profoundly positive impact of children and, in particular, their emotional development. So, World Animal Day is a wonderful opportunity to get the kids involved in activities or events that help foster a love and appreciation for animals.

Plus, it can be a really fun and educational family bonding experience!

There are so many activities and adventures that you could plan with the kids; the list is endless!

A great idea is to check out the websites of animal organisations like World Animal Protection Australia as they offer a whole range of animal resources for kids and ideas, activities, and toolkits.
Here’s just a few of our personal favourite activities:

  • Visit a local animal shelter- many shelters welcome young visitors and volunteers to help care for animals or learn about the importance of adoption. 
  • Play wildlife bingo – create a bingo card filled with pictures or names of local wildlife. Head out to a park and see who can spot the most animals. It’s a fun way to observe nature and learn about different species.
  • Read animal-themed storybooks – there’s no shortage of educational animal books for kids; one of our personal favourites is (all) of Australian author Myke Mollard’s mollard link)
  • Go on nature walks with a twist –   turn a simple walk into a fun expedition. Give the kids a notebook to jot down any animals, tracks, or interesting sights. Make it exciting by sharing interesting animal facts along the way.

Advocate for endangered species this World Animal Day

Rhino's are a critically endangered species, animal protection Australia
Critically endangered: Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhino. Picture: Glyn Edmunds


World Animal Day is not just a celebration of the animals we know and love. It’s also a reminder about those teetering on the edge of extinction. And there’s far too many of them.

Sadly, endangered species need our attention now more than ever. Wildlife organisations are urging the community to use World Animal Day 2025 to help make a difference.

In Australia alone, we’ve seen many animals added to the endangered list. The northern hairy-nosed wombat, the orange-bellied parrot, and the Murray cod are just a few iconic examples.

Globally, species like the Sumatran tiger and the Vaquita porpoise face dire futures, and there are many other species also in imminent danger of becoming extinct. Why? Well, humans are the main reason.

4 key threats to wildlife

Habitat loss: As cities grow, natural habitats shrink. Animals find it harder to find food, shelter, and mates.

Poaching and illegal trade: Many animals are hunted for their skin, tusks, or as pets, putting immense pressure on their populations.

Climate change: As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, many species can’t adapt quickly enough.

Pollution: Chemical spills, plastic waste, and other pollutants poison their environments.

Discover the world’s most endangered species; and what you can do to help!

Support an animal charity close to your heart

World Animal Day is a special occasion to focus on our furry, feathered, and finned friends around the globe. One of the best ways to support animals, is by showing support to one of the many animal welfare organisations working tirelessly every day of the year to make the world better for animals.

Animal lovers and advocates can actively support these organisations, whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading awareness within their communities. 

There’s thousands of organisations to choose from – and soon we will have a dedicated resources page to help spread awareness – but these are just a handful of Australian and international animal organisations.


Australia

RSPCA Australia: A household name, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is dedicated to preventing cruelty towards animals across the nation. They run shelters, lobby for animal welfare laws, and educate the public on important issues. Learn more about RSPCA’s work.

Animals Australia: Known for their powerful campaigns and investigations, Animals Australia aims to end animal cruelty and inspire kindness. Their efforts often lead to changes in legislation and greater public awareness. Discover their impact here.

Wildlife Victoria: This organisation focuses on the care and rehabilitation of wildlife in Victoria. They respond to emergencies and provide assistance to wildlife in distress. Find out how you can help.

Animal Liberation: An activist group pushing for a broad spectrum of animal rights, advocating against intensive farming and other forms of exploitation. Get involved with their mission.

Global

World Animal Protection: Working in over 50 countries, this organisation aims to create sustainable animal welfare solutions. They work on issues ranging from animal welfare in farming to wildlife conservation. Support their global efforts.

Compassion in World Farming: This group targets the cruelty of factory farming, working to improve the lives of farm animals worldwide. They strive for a kinder farming industry. Learn about their vision here.

The Humane Society International (HSI): With a presence in many countries, HSI fights for animal protection laws, rescues animals in distress, and campaigns for better treatment across various sectors. Join their initiatives here.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals): Known worldwide for their outspoken campaigns, PETA advocates for animal rights in multiple industries, including fashion, food, and entertainment. Explore their campaigns.


Celebrating World Animal Day is a vital opportunity for animal lovers to reflect on the intrinsic value of all creatures. Acknowledging and advocating for conservation, protection, and welfare is instrumental in ensuring an ongoing harmonious coexistence with the animal kingdom.

The key is to continue these actions everyday, not just on October 4.

Whether it’s by supporting local animal shelters, advocating for animal rights, and promoting sustainable practices, it all contributes to ongoing welfare efforts.

By doing this, the global conversation about animal wellbeing evolves, benefiting both humans and animals alike.

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