World Animal Day: Give all your pets a saintly and special Sunday

A World Animal Day celebration gives pets a perfect excuse to expect extra attention on Sunday, 4 October.

After all, why should humans have all the fun with special days?

This year, Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary invites animals and their people to celebrate together.

The occasion combines St Francis Day, remembrance and a blessing of the animals. It also marks 800 years since St Francis of Assisi died.

WHAT MAKES WORLD ANIMAL DAY SO SPECIAL?

World Animal Day has a surprisingly organised pedigree for something involving animals. German writer and animal welfare activist Heinrich Zimmermann launched the first celebration in Berlin in 1925.

Organisers originally held the event on 24 March, then moved it to 4 October in 1929.

The date matches the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, animals’ patron saint. Animal welfare organisations later adopted 4 October as the universal date in 1931.

So, World Animal Day offers more than another excuse for pet photographs. It encourages people to consider animal welfare, protection and the responsibilities that come with loving animals.

WHO WAS ST FRANCIS, AND WHY THE ANIMAL CONNECTION?

St Francis lived in Assisi around 1181 or 1182 and died in 1226. He embraced a life of simplicity and developed a deep affection for nature and its creatures.
His famous Canticle of the Creatures celebrates the natural world and its living inhabitants. 

That connection explains the tradition of blessing animals around his feast day. In other words, your dog does not need theological qualifications to attend. A reasonably well-behaved tail and four paws should suffice.

This year carries extra significance because 2026 marks 800 years since Francis died. That makes this year’s World Animal Day particularly meaningful for animal lovers.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON WORLD ANIMAL DAY?

For those pets lucky enough to live near McGregor, a special occasion awaits at Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary. It will host its St Francis Day gathering at 10:30.

The sanctuary has provided refuge for abused, neglected and elderly donkeys since opening in 2007. 

The morning will include readings, prayer, song, special music and a Blessing of the Animals. Revd Mark Stephenson will lead the blessing, with the donkey herd providing the long-eared backdrop.

Pet owners can bring their beloved animals, provided they keep dogs on leads and others under control.

Afterwards, visitors can stroll along Adam’s Walk towards the Memorial Cairn. 

The sanctuary invites people to remember animals and humans who have left lasting hoofprints. And, naturally, World Animal Day deserves refreshments too.

Visitors can stay for lunch and enjoy a special menu prepared for the occasion.

Eseltjiesrus also encourages visitors to honour departed loved ones at its Memorial Cairn. 

So, on World Animal Day, give your pet some extra attention.

Give a rescued donkey some thought, too.

And if your cat expects a blessing, simply remember who really runs the household.