World Kindness Day is November 13.
Most of the ideas you'll see are about people: a kind note, a compliment, holding the door. All good. But animals can't ask for kindness, so kids have to notice when it's needed.
Here are five small ways kids can be kind to animals today, and every day after.
1. Ask first
Before petting any dog, ask the owner, then wait for the dog to come over. It's the first of our five dog safety rules, and the easiest kind thing a kid can do. For the full set, read our guide: How to Teach Kids to Be Kind to Dogs.
2. Give them space
Animals need rest too. A dog that's sleeping, eating or tucked away in its bed is taking a break. Kindness here means letting it be. Older kids can learn to spot the signs that a dog wants space, like turning its head away or walking off. With little ones, that watching is the grown-up's job.
3. Be a quiet neighbor to wildlife
Birds, squirrels and bugs are part of the neighborhood too. A few ways kids can help:
Set out a shallow dish of fresh water for birds
Watch from a distance instead of chasing
Leave nests, webs and burrows alone
4. Help a shelter
Shelter animals are waiting for a family. Kids can make a card for the staff, collect old towels or blankets, or color a sign for a donation drive. Call the shelter first and ask what they need most.
5. Speak up, kindly
If a friend is pulling a dog's tail or chasing the cat, a kid can say, "I think she doesn't like that." Kindness is also helping other people be kind.
Dog Safety Guide printable for kids
Part of the FREE Dog Safety Pack
Keep it going past today
World Kindness Day is one day, but these habits work all year. Pick one and practice it this week.
Got the holidays coming up?
Here are more Christmas kindness activities for kids, with one just for animals.
Want a simple place to start?
The FREE Dog Safety Activity Pack has a printable guide, a checklist and a reward chart for kids.
Or meet the whole Be Kind series: coloring books that teach kids kindness to animals, one page at a time.