Join the global celebration: How veterinary practices can get involved in World Animal Day on October 4!
Are you a veterinarian, vet nurse or vet technician? Or perhaps you work in another role in a veterinary practice – maybe you’re an office manager or a volunteer? Veterinary practices just like yours get involved in World Animal Day every year!
World Animal Day, held annually on October 4, is an initiative that bonds animal welfare professionals and their communities worldwide. Hundreds of events, large and small, show the world that we’re uniting to raise the status of animals, regardless of who we are or where we live.
It’s the only day on the animal welfare calendar that recognises all animals, from companion animals to wildlife to farm animals. And it’s a day for everyone around the globe to speak up for them.
Take part in the World Animal Day Display Challenge!
The word ‘event’ seems like it might involve quite a lot of work, doesn’t it? Well, don’t worry, it doesn’t have to – your activity could be as simple as creating a World Animal Day display in your reception area.
This year, we’re inviting you to take part in our first-ever ‘World Animal Day Display Challenge’!
Do you have empty walls or a notice board? Use your reception area to promote World Animal Day itself, raise awareness of welfare issues that you feel strongly about, or even create a fun display for kids! Add your display event here.
(You won’t be able to include your own photos on the website – please tag us on social media instead.)
We can’t wait to see what you come up with for your display! You can find the logo, certificates, a poster and other downloadable resources here.
Join us on social media!
World Animal Day reaches over 50 million people online on October 4! If you’ve only just decided to take part, one of the easiest ways to get involved is on social media.
We’ve put together some quick ideas for you…
- Share educational content
Do you add blogs to your practice’s website? Education is so important – share a previous blog that’s still relevant on your social media channels and add the #WorldAnimalDay hashtag. Share common health issues in pets, tips for proper care, or the importance of vaccinations and routine check-ups. You could create short videos, infographics, or carousel posts highlighting how simple changes can improve the lives of animals. For instance, a post explaining the importance of neutering or adopting from shelters can reach people who might not be aware of the impact these actions have on the animal population.
- Meet the team (and their four-legged friends)
Post photos of your team and/or their furry, feathered or scaled friends using the #WorldAnimalDay hashtag. Download one of our selfie signs here – you can print it or just show it on a phone or tablet – or even on a computer, like Nepean Animal Hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Don’t forget to tag us!
- Spotlight your practice’s success stories
Everyone loves a good story! Share a few heart-warming cases of animals you’ve helped heal or rehabilitate. You could post before-and-after photos or short videos showing the journey of recovery. These kinds of stories are highly shareable and emphasise the life-changing work your practice does daily.
- Engage with your community
Run interactive campaigns to involve your followers in the day’s events. You could ask them to share photos of their pets using the #WorldAnimalDay hashtag, run a poll on animal welfare issues, or create a Q&A session where pet guardians can ask for advice.
- Partner with local animal charities
World Animal Day is a great time to highlight any partnerships with local animal shelters, rescue organisations, or conservation efforts. Promote fundraisers, share information about adoptable animals, or organise a social media campaign encouraging donations. These partnerships reflect your practice’s dedication to animal welfare beyond the clinic and inspire your audience to get involved as well.
- Follow us!
Follow World Animal Day on social media and share any of our posts that are relevant to you and your community.
You’ll find us here:
- Facebook | TAG US: @WorldAnimalDayInternational
- X | TAG US: @worldanimalday
- Instagram | TAG US: @worldanimalday
- Linkedin | TAG US: @world-animal-day
- And we’re now on TikTok too! TAG US: @worldanimaldayhq
So, mark your calendars for October 4 and get ready to make a difference for animals – one social media post at a time!
Why not get even more involved next year?
Many vet practices are already keen fundraisers for good causes. However, not all events are about fundraising – you can also encourage compassion and improve attitudes on October 4.
Be inspired by other vet practices…
In the UK…
- Sundean Veterinary Clinic supported two local organisations with a cake and homemade treat sale. Animals at the Cats Protection League and Forest of Dean Dog Rescue also benefited from blankets donated at the clinic.
- Severn Veterinary Centre held a similar event. Some of their team members also volunteered with local organisations!
- Vets for Pets Halifax organised a display in their practice, dedicating a board to World Animal Day throughout the month.
And further afield…
- Kurdistan Organisation for Animal Rights Protection (Iraq), is a World Animal Day ambassador. As well as vaccinating and treating stray animals and shepherd dogs, Dr Sulaiman raised awareness of animal welfare issues widely on TV, radio, in the media and at meetings.
- UrbanVet Veterinary Practice (Romania), offered free consultations on October 4, along with a gift for every patient!
- Nowzad (Afghanistan), took their Working Animal Programme to the outskirts of Kabul, where they treated working horses and donkeys and vaccinated them against rabies and tetanus. They also provided free water troughs and a portable stable, and educated equine handlers.
- SAARC Regional Veterinary Association (India), held an online webinar on “Veterinary Homeopathy: Blessings for the animal kingdom”. They collaborated with other organisations in the area, which was a great idea!
- AnimedCare Veterinary Clinic (Bangladesh), offered any pets who visited them on October 4 and 5 a check-up and special health card to help keep them happy and healthy.
Free flag and bandana!
When you add your event to the website, we’ll offer you a free World Animal Day logo flag and colourful dog bandana– they’re fantastic for photo opportunities!
There’s no need to do it alone!
With an increasing number of practices opening seven days a week, time might seem too scarce to organise an event.
If that’s the case, think about getting your community involved! Many retired, part-time or non-working clients may relish the chance to make a difference by joining your voluntary ‘events team’!
‘Pete the Vet’ supports World Animal Day
Pete Wedderburn is a British veterinary surgeon with a passion for communicating his love of animals through writing, radio television and the internet.
He says, “I’m delighted to support World Animal Day: my mission in life is to work as an advocate for animals, and this event is the ideal global opportunity for everyone to work together on behalf of those creatures who can’t speak for themselves.”
Start getting organised for 2025!
Sign up for World Animal Day emails and we’ll send you plenty of ideas for October 4 throughout the year!
*The World Animal Day ambassador programme
Did you know that many of our World Animal Day ambassadors are veterinarians?
We really appreciate them giving their skills and knowledge to improve the lives of animals around the world. From Australia to Zimbabwe, they organise events every October 4 to spread kindness in their communities.