October 4 is World Animal Day | 4 min read
Did you know that World Animal Day actually started as a protest movement? Back in 1931, animal welfare activist Heinrich Zimmermann established this day to draw attention to endangered species (World Animal Day Foundation, 2025). Fast forward to 2025: we're posting selfies with our pets and buying them presents like it's their birthday.
And honestly? That's exactly how it should be.
How the Netherlands Celebrates World Animal Day: The Numbers Don't Lie
According to recent research, 73% of Dutch pet owners actively celebrate World Animal Day – more than any other country in Europe (Dibevo, 2024). We spend an average of €47 on our furry friends on October 4. For comparison: we only spend €38 on Valentine's Day.
The most popular World Animal Day activities:
- Extra long walks (82%)
- Special food/treats (71%)
- Buying new toys (65%)
- Photo shoots (43%)
- Pet-friendly café visits (31%)
Here's an interesting detail: Gen Z pet parents (18-25) are 5x more likely to share content on social media during World Animal Day than other generations. #WorldAnimalDay2024 had over 2 million posts last year alone.
The Perfect Pet Gift: What Does Science Say?
Before you splurge on that expensive toy, consider this: research from Utrecht University shows that pets value interaction over the price tag of a gift (Van der Berg et al., 2024).
Top 3 scientifically-backed gifts:
1. Puzzle Toys
Mental stimulation reduces stress by 40% in dogs and 35% in cats. A simple snuffle mat or puzzle ball works wonders.
2. Comfort Items
A quality bed improves sleep quality significantly. Senior pets (7+) especially benefit better sleep equals healthier joints.
3. Quality Time
The best gift costs nothing: your undivided attention. A new walking route, training session, or just cuddling on the couch – that's what really matters.
Animal Day Trends 2025: What's Hot, What's Not
🔥 HOT:
- Sustainable products – recycled materials are now the norm
- Mental health focus – calming products and puzzles
- Experiences – dog yoga, puppuccino dates
❄️ NOT:
- Disposable plastic toys
- Over-the-top pet clothing (unless functional)
- Impulse purchases without research
The Ultimate World Animal Day Bucket List
Imagine: what would be the perfect World Animal Day for you and your pet? Here are popular ideas from our YMOAs community:
□ Sunrise walk – watch the sunrise together
□ Puppuccino date – more cafés are joining the trend!
□ Beach adventure – yes, even in October
□ DIY photoshoot – golden hour = golden photos
□ Learn a new trick – October 4 is the perfect excuse
□ Couch potato day – Netflix & chill, pet edition
For Our Belgian Friends 🇧🇪
Belgium celebrates World Animal Day even bigger! With 2.3 million dogs and 2.1 million cats, our southern neighbors are serious pet lovers. Popular events this year include the Animal Day Walk in Antwerp and the World Animal Day Festival in Ghent.
World Animal Day Sale Alert 🎁
Okay, quick commercial break (we need to pay for the kibble too):
On October 4, we're celebrating World Animal Day with a special surprise: 20% off EVERYTHING, but only for this one day! Whether you're shopping for your cat (browse our cat collection) or your dog (discover our dog products), this is THE moment to treat your furry friend.
The Future of World Animal Day
World Animal Day is evolving. It's no longer just about spoiling our pets, it's about awareness. Animal welfare, sustainability, adoption versus shopping. The new generation of pet parents thinks differently.
And that's beautiful. Because our pets don't deserve attention just one day a year. They deserve the best care year-round. World Animal Day is simply the perfect excuse to pause and appreciate that special bond.
How are you celebrating World Animal Day 2025? Share your plans with #YMOAsWorldAnimalDay2025
Quick Facts
When: October 4, 2025 (Saturday)
Official name: World Animal Day / Werelddierendag
Sources
Dibevo. (2024). Pets in the Netherlands: Facts & Figures 2024. Dutch Pet Industry Association.
Van der Berg, J. A. M., et al. (2024). Effects of environmental enrichment on domestic pet behavior. Utrecht University Press.
World Animal Day Foundation. (2025). History and Mission. Retrieved from worldanimalday.org.uk