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November9–15

Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week – November 9-15, 2025

Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week is observed annually in the second week of November. This year, the Week extends from November 9 to 15. It was created to help us realize the importance of the connection we share with our pets and also to promote a safer and more compassionate attitude towards their well-being. In particular, negative interactions can jeopardize the formation of positive human-animal relationships, even if the number of positive interactions far exceeds the negative ones. However, a high-quality level of relationship can withstand deviations from positive interactions or be more resistant to negative.

History of Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week

The Institute of Animals and Society is an organization that explores and promotes respectful relationships between humans and animals. They initiated the idea of celebrating the world’s most anticipated Human and Animal Awareness Week. The weekly event, which first started in November 2016, regularly hosts programs, seminars, joint activities, and efforts to achieve an environment that benefits both humans and animals.

On this day, pet owners try to do something special for their animals. After all, for most of us, our pets are like family members, which greatly improve and enrich our daily lives. Pets are often looking for love and communication with people. Positive relationships between humans and animals can evoke positive emotions and other positive outcomes for well-being.

Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week timeline

1983
The Animals and Society Institute

Kenneth Shapiro founds A.S.I.

1993
“Society & Animals: Journal of Human-Animal Studies”

This peer-reviewed monthly magazine is founded by current editor, Kenneth Shapiro.

1999
“The Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science”

The magazine is published by Taylor & Francis with the support of A.S.I.

2016
The “HAS” Book Series

One of the first academic books on animal research is published.

Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week FAQs

How do animals help us?

Interaction with animals reduces the level of stress-related hormones and lowers blood pressure. Animals can also reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and improve your mood.

Which animal is most loyal to humans?

Dogs are one of the best animals for humans. They are sensitive to human emotions.

Which animal is the most caring?

Dolphins are known to be one of the most altruistic species of animals, helping others in need, including possible predators and even humans.

How to Observe Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week

  1. Spend the week with animals

    Take time for your pet to celebrate Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week. If you do not have a pet, you can visit the zoo or animal shelter.

  2. Donation

    If you do not have time to spend a week with animals but want to help with something, donate to animal protection organizations. Even a small amount helps.

  3. Attend the seminar

    During the seminar, you will be able to learn how to build a reliable relationship with an animal. What factors and actions affect your pet’s attitude toward you will be presented. That’s what the week is for, after all.

5 Interesting Facts About Pets

  1. Cats spend 70% of their lives sleeping

    To save energy, cats spend most of their time sleeping.

  2. Hamsters are banned in Hawaii

    Because if they escape and reproduce, they will destroy plants and other animals.

  3. Guinea pigs make 11 different sounds

    They are very smart and use 11 individual sounds to communicate.

  4. Turtles can live more than a century

    The age of the oldest turtle in history is 190 years.

  5. Goldfish have a good memory

    It was thought that a goldfish could only remember for three seconds, but some studies have found that it can remember things for up to six months.

Why Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week is Important

  1. Well-being

    It’s a week made for the sake of both humans’ and animals’ well-being. Take some time out today to celebrate.

  2. Animals are precious

    Everyone loves animals. They brighten our lives, giving emotions that are hard to describe.

  3. Guidance

    It often happens that it is difficult for people to establish a connection with animals. Experts will point out your mistakes and guide you in building a friendly relationship with your pet.

Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week dates

Year Date Day
2022 November 13 Sunday
2023 November 12 Sunday
2024 November 10 Sunday
2025 November 9 Sunday
2026 November 8 Sunday