World Animal Day is an international day of action for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

World Animal Day, however, has now gone beyond being the celebration of a Christian saint and is today observed by animal-lovers of all beliefs, nationalities and backgrounds. Animal blessings are held in churches, synagogues, and by independent animal chaplains in parks and fields.

Animal rescue organizations hold fundraising events and open days, wildlife groups organize information displays, schools undertake animal-related project work and individuals and groups of friends or co-workers donate to animal charities or pledge to sponsor a shelter animal.

Since 2003, World Animal Day has been sponsored by Nature-Watch, a provider of educational animal and nature activities. ATTENTION TEACHERS: The Nature-Watch Website includes many World Animal Day including opportunities to appear on social media.

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