World Animal Day 2024: A catch-up on social media coverage
Every year, October 4 is celebrated as World Animal Day – a global event dedicated to raising awareness for the welfare of animals. It unifies animal lovers, activists, organisations, and others to come together and shine a spotlight on critical issues affecting animals around the world.
It’s the only day of the year that’s dedicated to all animals!
In 2024, social media was once again key, amplifying the cause across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and more. World Animal Day reached over 32 million people on October 4 this year!
Here’s a glimpse into how World Animal Day 2024 was covered on social media!
A spotlight on global animal issues
As always, animal welfare organisations of all sizes were important contributors on October 4. It’s a chance for them to recruit new volunteers, protest, educate, encourage donations and, crucially, raise awareness of their work. Organisations highlighted the plight of the animals they advocate for, and encouraged followers to participate in their World Animal Day events.
Social media platforms were flooded with posts from organisations including:
- Animal Aid
- Born Free Foundation
- Dogs Trust
- IFAW UK
- International Animal Rescue
- RSPCA (England & Wales)
- Sheldrick Trust
- SPANA
- Whale and Dolphin Conservation
- World Animal Protection
- World Horse Welfare
- WWF
Of course, World Animal Day wouldn’t be complete without our 90+ ambassador organisations, who work tirelessly all year round to raise the status, and living standards, of animals in their regions.
Despite their heavy workloads, they still find time to add events to the website and spread the word on social media. We saw lots of fantastic posts, including messages from:
- Animed Arad (Romania)
- Animals Asia
- Animals Lebanon
- Edgar’s Mission (Australia)
- HART (Nepal)
- Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue
- LSPCA (Malawi)
- Montego Bay Animal Haven (Jamaica)
- PAWS (Philippines)
- Sava’s Safe Haven (Romania)
- SPANA (Syria)
- Spay Panama
- Swaziland Animal Welfare Society
- The Pawtectors (USA)
Naturewatch Foundation donated 72 dinners!
World Animal Day coordinators, Naturewatch Foundation, launched a ‘Donate a dinner’ appeal, asking animal lovers around the globe to provide much-needed meals for their local shelters, who often struggle to make ends meet.
The UK-based charity got the ball rolling by delivering 72 dinners to their local rescue centre, Cheltenham Animal Shelter, who recruited Master the greyhound to accept the donation on behalf of his friends and shared a photo on their channels.
Read more about Naturewatch Foundation’s ‘Donate a Dinner’ appeal. (We know that times are tough for many of us, but please consider dropping off a small food donation to your local shelter at any time throughout the year when you can.)
Influencers and celebrities joined the cause
World Animal Day was an opportunity for celebrities and influencers with large followings to use their platforms to champion animal welfare and show they care, including:
- American singer-songwriter, Carole King
- American actor, Kyra Sedgewick
- British actor, Dan Richardson
- Indian actor, Wamiqa Gabbi
- Sri Lankan actor, Jacqueliene Fernandez
- Venezuelan actor and model, Maritza Bustamante
- British TV veterinarian, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick
- The Welsh Rugby Union team
The #WorldAnimalDay hashtag
#WorldAnimalDay, and its many translations, were popular topics in many countries, as millions of people shared heartwarming stories, photos of companion animals, and important messages about animal welfare.
Across Instagram and Twitter, posts featuring impactful statistics, endangered species, and animal adoption stories reached a global audience. Advocates used the hashtag to call for action against animal cruelty, promote conservation efforts, and support sustainable living to protect the habitats of wild animals.
While much of the content was educational or focused on serious issues, there was also an abundance of light-hearted posts that celebrated the joy animals bring to our lives. Memes featuring companion animals circulated widely, providing a fun and approachable introduction to World Animal Day for many users. These posts often carried messages of love and appreciation for animals, adding a feel-good element to the day.
But did you know that World Animal Day isn’t just a hashtag?
Although it’s clear that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of animal advocacy, October 4 isn’t just about using a hashtag on one day of the year.
Thousands of people around the world also organised events on and around the day to draw attention to some of the most pressing global animal welfare issues.
Using the World Animal Day logo, and adding their events to the website, showed that we are all united in our goal to get animals the kindness and respect they deserve.
Check out highlights from this year’s events!
Will YOU get involved on October 4, 2025?
World Animal Day is for everyone, not just our ambassadors, other animal welfare organisations and celebrities.
You can be a voice for animals too – whoever you are and wherever you live! We encourage individuals, schools and colleges, businesses, vet practices, social groups and others to speak up for animals on October 4!
Browse the website to be inspired and find out how you can play your part on World Animal Day 2025:
Keep in touch!
Sign up for our occasional emails for updates on competitions, ambassador news, ideas and inspiration… and more!