South Africa’s largest official World Animal Day event returns to Sea Point Promenade on 4 October, bringing together animal welfare groups, pet owners and families for a day of adoption, education and entertainment.

The free event will run from 9:00 to 15:00 and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. More than 20 animal welfare organisations will participate alongside veterinary professionals, businesses and the City of Cape Town.

Non-profit Paws-A-While organises the celebration, with global pet-care company Mars as headline sponsor. The event appears on the international World Animal Day calendar and has grown into one of the region’s biggest annual animal welfare gatherings.

Adoptions and practical pet care

Animals looking for homes will be available to meet throughout the day. Visitors can connect with organisations working to place them in suitable homes.

The programme includes talks, presentations and demonstrations on sterilisation, vaccination, preventative healthcare, nutrition, training and responsible ownership.

Dr Amir from Vets2Pets will share practical advice on pet health, preventative care and everyday ownership.

New national data on pet ownership

Organisers will present findings from the 2025 General Household Survey, which provides new insight into companion animal ownership across South Africa.

The survey found that 23.5% of South African households own a dog or cat. This represents an estimated 7.4 million dogs and two million cats nationally.

The data helps inform planning around veterinary care, vaccination, sterilisation and disease control, including rabies.

Entertainment and demonstrations

The day’s activities include a 10-category Rescue Dog Show, the Paws-A-While Rescue Organisation Parade, demonstrations by the City of Cape Town Metro Police K-9 Unit and Armand K9, Downward Dog for Dogs yoga, Zumba with ZIN Candice, and music and entertainment.

Visitors can enter a lucky draw and meet representatives from participating animal welfare organisations.

Turning enthusiasm into action

Carolyn Dudgeon of Paws-A-While says the event aims to channel public affection for animals into practical support.

“There is enormous love for animals in Cape Town, but love has to translate into responsible action,” Dudgeon says.

“World Animal Day gives us a chance to put adoption alongside education, sterilisation, preventative healthcare and responsible ownership, because these issues are connected. As the event grows, we can bring more people into those conversations and introduce them to the organisations doing the work every day.”

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Mars has supported Paws-A-While World Animal Day for several years through education, expert participation, product donations and practical initiatives.

The company’s Petcare business includes brands such as PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, DREAMIES and ROYAL CANIN. Mars Petcare operates across pet nutrition, veterinary care, science and diagnostics under the purpose “A Better World for Pets”.

The event is free and open to all. Dogs are welcome but must remain on leash.

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