April 11 marks a special day on the calendar for animal lovers everywhere: National Pet Day. This annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour and appreciate the beloved pets that bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives.
From loyal dogs and independent cats to colourful fish and birds, pets come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. National Pet Day is not only a time to pamper our furry (or scaly) friends but also to reflect on the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. It's a reminder to ensure our pets receive the care, love, and attention they deserve every day of the year.
For many of us, our pets are more than just animals; they are cherished members of our families. They provide companionship during lonely times, comfort during difficult moments, and endless entertainment with their antics. National Pet Day offers a chance to celebrate the special bond we share with our pets and the positive impact they have on our lives.
National Pet Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of pet adoption and responsible pet ownership. There are countless animals in shelters waiting for their forever homes, and adopting a pet can be a life-changing experience for both the animal and the owner. Additionally, ensuring our pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and receive regular veterinary care is essential for their health and wellbeing.
One of the best ways to celebrate National Pet Day is by spending quality time with our pets. If your pet isn’t in London, the city offers many small farms we have listed below:
Vauxhall City Farm
Don’t miss a chance to meet the alpacas at Vauxhall City Farm, a conveniently located and popular city farm. Home to pigs, sheep, rabbits and ducks, it has an ecology area, herb and dye garden, a picnic area and a riding school for children and young people.
Where: Vauxhall (165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS)
Surrey Docks Farm
At Surrey Docks Farm, visitors can feed the calves, visit the animals and even purchase produce to feed them. Donkeys, horses and bees are just some of the many animals on the farm. Once there, stop by its wildlife garden, where more than 50 frogs visit each spring.
Where: Surrey Docks (Rotherhithe Street, SE16 5ET)
Mudchute Farm and Park
Explore Mudchute Farm and Park, the largest urban farm in the London area, with 32 acres (12.9 hectares) of open parkland, in the heart of the Isle of Dogs. Take part in horse riding, see farm animals or discover an exceptional range of plants as you experience a different side of London.
Where: Isle of Dogs (Pier Street, E14 3HP)
Kentish Town City Farm
Small but nonetheless amazing, Kentish Town City Farm was the first city farm to be established in the UK. Situated in Camden, you can enjoy pony rides and take the little ones to see the livestock, poultry and horses.
Where: Kentish Town (1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN)
Hackney City Farm
Visit friendly Hackney City Farm to experience farming and learn about sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, calves and bees. Facilities include a farmyard, grazing area, garden, butterfly house and an alternative school where children can take part in a unique curriculum.
Where: Hackney (1A Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QA)
Freightliners City Farm
Experience a working farm in action at Freightliners City Farm, a community farmland in the heart of Islington. Stop by to visit the animal village and see rare breed animals, plus check out the solar dome, straw bale building, bee hive and sensory garden.
Where: Islington (Sheringham Road, N7 8PF)