World Animal Day is Oct. 4: its history and blessing of the animals
World Animal Day began in Berlin in 1925 and moved to October 4, the feast of St. Francis. Many churches hold pet blessings this weekend.
Tomorrow, Sunday, October 4, is World Animal Day, an international day of action for animal welfare. For many people with pets, it is also a weekend for blessing of the animals services.
The day has a long history. Heinrich Zimmermann, a German dog expert, organized the first World Animal Day at the Sport Palace in Berlin on March 24, 1925, and more than 5,000 people attended. The event moved to October 4 in 1929, and in 1931 an international animal protection congress in Florence, Italy, agreed to make the date universal. October 4 was chosen because it is the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
That connection is why many churches hold a blessing of the animals on or near October 4. Dogs, cats and sometimes horses, rabbits and birds come with their people for a short blessing. NPR Illinois, for example, reports that St. Agnes is welcoming all animals on October 4. Check your local parish or community calendar to see what is nearby.
If you bring a pet, keep dogs leashed and cats in carriers, bring water, and give nervous animals some space from the crowd.
If you do not have a pet, the day can be a good time to donate supplies to a local shelter or share an adoptable animal's listing. Small acts add up for animals waiting for homes.
Sources
Facts were checked against these sources when the post was written. Details can change, so check them for the latest.