Amazing Animals

World Animal Day is a time to celebrate our animal companions.

World Animal Day was first launched in 1931 at a convention of ecologists to draw attention to the plight of endangered species. Its scope has since developed to encompass the animal kingdom in general. 4th October was chosen for the day because it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. In recent years the day has grown into World Animal Week, from 4th to 10th October this year.

World Animal Day is intended as a day of celebration for anyone in the world who cares about animals. World Animal Day is celebrated annually in many countries, including Singapore, Malta, Lithuania and Australia.

Look out for fundraising events, open days, vet clinics and other events near you. Here are some ideas for celebrating animals.

Pamper Your Pet
It's a special day for animals so make sure your own enjoys it. Treat your cat to a catnip toy, take your dog on a nice walk and play games together, or give your rabbit, rodent, bird, fish or snake a new feature for its cage. The Mayhew Animal Home in London will be living up to its motto - helping animals and their carers - by offering a low-cost vet nurse clinic every weekday, between 2pm and 4pm. Give your pet an MOT with microchipping for only £9, worming, de-fleaing, dental checks, nail-clipping, weight checks, dietary advice and so on. By appointment, call 020 8969 0178.

Bless Your Pet
Animal blessings are taking place at places of worship across the UK. Animal Welfare Sunday is on 1s October, and the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals is encouraging churches and groups to do something special. On Saturday 7th October there will be an Animal Blessing at St Martin's Church, Mortimer Road, NW10. Rev Graham Noyce will be leading the blessing at 2pm. All well-behaved pets are welcome (dogs on leads) or bring a photograph of your pet if you'd prefer. Afterwards there will be tea and a tour of The Mayhew Animal Home, 3pm.

Adopt A Pet
If you have been thinking about getting a pet, why not this week? Of course you should only adopt after careful consideration and if you are sure you can commit to a pet. There are lots of animals in shelters who need a good home, why not arrange to visit a reputable one. The animal should be neutered and vaccinated, and a member of shelter staff might want to visit your house.

Sponsor An Animal
You may live with a tiny tiger, but how about owning a real big cat? Of course you can't share your house with a lion, but lots of wildlife organisations offer sponsorship schemes, where you can donate money for an animal in their care. You will receive regular updates and photos, and may even be able to visit the animal.

Help Animals In Need
Volunteer at your local animal shelter or charity. There are jobs for every kind of person, whether you fancy grooming, office admin, sorting clothes or working on the till in a charity shop. When you're at the supermarket pick up some extra cans of pet food, or clear out your cupboards for spare blankets, toys and dishes. You can donate these to your local animal shelter. You could fundraise by holding a coffee morning or selling unwanted possessions. Another way to help is to raise awareness by holding an information stall in your local town, library or shopping centre.

Stay In With Your Pet
You can celebrate World Animal Day without leaving the house! Animal books and documentaries can teach us about animals. You can also bid in a celebrity memorabilia auction on Ebay, held by Naturewatch Foundation to raise funds for animal welfare work in Eastern Europe. Donations include a signed t-shirt from Sir Steve Redgrave and signed CDs from Katie Melua, Phil Collins, Status Quo, Steve Harley and many others. At the World Animal Day website you can send e-cards and sign the pledge board to say what you are going to do to mark the occasion.

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