An international day of action for animal rights and welfare, the day is celebrated on October 4th every year as this is the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
The first one was held in 1925 and since then the day is observed globally. We are a nation of animal lovers and we asked you to send in pics of your pets, from pampered pooches and moggies to animals you yourself may have rescued to give them a better life.
And here is a selection of the cutest pets ever!
17. 21 photos of Burnley pet lovers' cherished furbabies to mark World Animal Day
Rio belongs to Caitlin Grime Photo: s
18. 21 photos of Burnley pet lovers' cherished furbabies to mark World Animal Day
Ziggy, another cute feline owned by Imogen Porter Photo: s
19. 21 photos of Burnley pet lovers' cherished furbabies to mark World Animal Day
Mamma cat Nala looks protectively over her four kittens. None of them have names yet except for the little one at the front who is called Pumba ( Elizabeth Chapman) Photo: s
20. 21 photos of Burnley pet lovers' cherished furbabies to mark World Animal Day
Millie Midge owned by Robbie Dixon Photo: s