Be Kind to Animals Month – May 1, 2027

Be Kind to Animals Month
Categories:
Tags:
PetWildlife
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every May
Holiday emoji:
🐾

Be Kind to Animals Month takes place every May, recognizing the vital need to treat all animals with respect. This month raises public awareness about safeguarding natural habitats and promoting humane treatment for creatures great and small. Join the movement by volunteering at a local shelter, donating to animal welfare organizations, or advocating for stronger animal protection laws.

Want to sponsor Be Kind to Animals Month? Learn how

Expected Be Kind to Animals Month Deals

Throughout Be Kind to Animals Month, many animal welfare organizations and their corporate partners launch special fundraising initiatives. Look for donation match programs from brands like Petco and PetSmart, where purchases can trigger contributions to local shelters. Organizations such as the ASPCA and The Humane Society of the United States often promote merchandise sales, with proceeds directly supporting their rescue and advocacy efforts. Cruelty-free beauty brands like Lush Cosmetics highlight their ethical sourcing. Check local animal shelters for adoption drives and discounted microchipping events. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.

Platform Guide for Be Kind to Animals Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BeKindToAnimalsMonth. Share heartwarming photos or reels of rescued animals and highlight local adoption events.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BeKindToAnimalsMonth. Post educational content about animal welfare issues and ways to get involved in your community.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #BeKindToAnimalsMonth. Share news and updates from animal advocacy groups, encouraging followers to retweet and engage with important calls to action.

Social Media Tips for Be Kind to Animals Month

Individuals

Volunteer at a local animal shelter, donate old blankets or food, or simply spend extra time with your pets. Consider adopting a rescue animal or fostering one in need.

Creators

Produce content that educates viewers on responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying/neutering, or the impact of factory farming. Interview local shelter staff or animal rescuers.

Brands

Launch a donation-matching campaign for an animal welfare charity, highlight cruelty-free products, or sponsor local adoption events. Use your platform to raise awareness about animal protection.

Organizations & Brands for Be Kind to Animals Month

  1. ASPCA

    Founded in 1866 by Henry Bergh, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the first humane society in North America. It works to prevent cruelty to animals throughout the United States.

  2. The Humane Society of the United States

    Established in 1954, the HSUS is one of the largest animal protection organizations in the world. It works through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs to fight cruelty and promote the welfare of all animals.

  3. Petco

    Founded in 1965, Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that offers a wide range of products and services. The company is committed to animal welfare, regularly partnering with local shelters for adoption events and fundraising.

  4. Lush Cosmetics

    A global cosmetics retailer founded in 1995 in the UK, Lush is renowned for its ethical stance against animal testing. The brand actively campaigns for cruelty-free practices and sustainable sourcing.

  5. Best Friends Animal Society

    Founded in 1984, Best Friends Animal Society operates the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless animals. It is a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of pets in America's shelters.

  6. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

    Established in 1961, WWF is a leading organization in wildlife conservation and endangered species protection. It works in nearly 100 countries to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.

  7. Maddie's Fund

    A family foundation established in 1994, Maddie's Fund is dedicated to revolutionizing the status and well-being of companion animals. It provides grants and resources to shelters and rescue organizations across the U.S.

Be Kind to Animals Month Hero

Henry Bergh

Henry Bergh (1813-1888) was a prominent American diplomat and social reformer who founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in 1866. Witnessing animal abuse in Russia inspired his lifelong dedication to animal welfare. He successfully lobbied for the first anti-cruelty laws in the United States and tirelessly worked to raise public awareness about the humane treatment of animals, laying the groundwork for modern animal protection movements.

History of Be Kind to Animals Month

Throughout history, human beings have coexisted with a variety of animals, regardless of where they lived on the planet. It is fair to state that any narrative of the history of human civilization would be inadequate if it did not include information on the involvement of animals. All animals, from domestic animals who provide us with companionship to animals in the wild that we have the opportunity to witness in their natural settings, deserve our care and respect.

Because of our failure to equitably share our world and our resources with them, many species of animals have unfortunately become extinct as a result of our actions. Population growth has resulted in habitat degradation, and activities such as excessive hunting have had a devastating impact on the survival of many species.

Overall, while animals have played a beneficial part in the lives of humans, we have, in many cases, played a significant role in their extinction as well. As time has progressed, numerous organizations have been formed to protect the lives of domestic and wild animals. Attempts are being made on a local and worldwide level to promote a culture of compassion and respect for animals. Animals should be treated with respect. The month of April serves as a reminder to people to be friendly to animals wherever they are.

Be Kind to Animals Month timeline

Sixth century
The Biblical Instruction

According to the Third Commandment (Exodus 20), the Sabbath— day of rest — should not only be observed by humans, but also by their labor animals.

1809
The Bill to Protect Animals

A bill is proposed to protect horses and cattle from being intentionally injured, cruelly treated, or beaten.

1866
The Animal Protection Organization is Launched

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the first animal protection organization to be established in the U.S.

1999
The Animal Welfare Act

Experiments with "non-human hominids" are now illegal in New Zealand according to a revision to the Animal Welfare Act.

Be Kind to Animals Month FAQs

When is Be Kind to Animals Month?

In 2027, Be Kind to Animals Month is observed throughout May, focusing on the importance of humane treatment and habitat protection. The entire month is dedicated to advocacy.

How many animals are adopted from shelters each year?

Roughly 4 million shelter animals, including dogs and cats, find their forever homes through adoption each year in the United States. These adoptions are crucial for reducing shelter populations.

Who founded Be Kind to Animals Month?

The American Humane Association, a leading animal welfare organization, initiated Be Kind to Animals Month in 1915. Its long history underscores a century of advocacy for animal protection.

What is the difference between animal welfare and animal rights?

While both concepts aim to protect animals, animal welfare seeks to minimize suffering and provide good living conditions for animals under human care. Animal rights, on the other hand, posits that animals should not be regarded as property or used by humans for food, clothing, or experimentation, emphasizing their inherent right to live free from human exploitation.

How to Observe Be Kind to Animals Month

  1. Buy from ethical sources

    Purchasing products that have been made using humane methods is a great way to celebrate the month. You can make this something to be done every day rather than doing it during a month.

  2. Donate to a worthy cause

    You can donate to charities that are championing the cause of animals. You can also donate your time as a volunteer by amplifying on social media or offline why people should be kind to animals.

  3. Adopt a pet

    You can adopt a pet but only if you are ready. You can decide to adopt from a local shelter rather than a breeder.

5 Facts About Animal Abuse

  1. Millions die in the U.S.

    Approximately 10 million animals are abused to death each year, including birds, fish, monkeys, and pigs, as well as thousands of mice in labs for research that firms do not reveal.

  2. Dog abuse is the most prevalent

    About 65% of all abused animals are dogs.

  3. The circus maltreats animals

    Circuses are notorious for their brutal treatment of animals as many big circuses that use animals as performers have been accused of mistreating them.

  4. The prevalence of abuse is very high

    Every minute an animal is abused, some die as a result of their maltreatment or neglect.

  5. Elephants are the most killed wildlife

    Demand for ivory drives 35,000 elephants to be killed yearly.

Why Be Kind to Animals Month is Important

  1. Encourages all people to be kind

    This day allows people to explain to others the value of treating all living things with reverence. This is important as it encourages people to become kind to all animals.

  2. Animals are kind

    Animals treat us kindly. Selfless and affectionate, they are a source of friendship and happiness in our life. We have a responsibility to treat them with the respect, care, and kindness they deserve.

  3. They are part of nature

    We owe it to animals, who are an essential part of our natural environment, to treat them with respect. Because animals cannot communicate verbally, we kill and interrupt their lives even though they have done nothing to deserve it.

Be Kind to Animals Month dates

Year Date Day
2027 May 1 Saturday
2028 May 1 Monday
2029 May 1 Tuesday
2030 May 1 Wednesday
2031 May 1 Thursday