Pink Shirt Day is an anti-bullying day in NZ (and in Canada where it first started). Pets often provide a strong sense of comfort and security to those who are being bullied. They can be our best friend or beloved companions but also provide vital support as therapy and assistance animals.
In this article, PD looks at some of the key facts around Pink Shirt Day. This includes how it started and why, as well as when this anti-bullying day happens in NZ. Of course, since we’re all about pets, we’ve rounded up some fun ways to have your fur baby join in on supporting this important cause.
In this article
What is Pink Shirt Day and why is it celebrated?
Pink Shirt Day is an annual event that raises awareness about bullying and promotes kindness, inclusion, and respect. It began in Canada in 2007 after two students stood up for a peer who was bullied for wearing pink.
This anti-bullying day is not just supported in NZ and Canada but has widened to become a world event. People wear pink to take a stand against bullying and to spread a message of empathy and unity.
Have a look at the PD team, dressed in pink in celebration of Pink Shirt Day:
When is Pink Shirt Day?
In 2007, the first ever Pink Shirt Day took place in Canada. Ever since then, Canada has celebrated it on the last Wednesday of February.
Although Kiwis have taken up this day and we celebrate with great gusto, we’ve chosen a different day on the calendar to mark this anti-bullying day in NZ.
New Zealand is celebrating Pink Shirt Day on Friday May 16th, 2025.
In New Zealand, Pink Shirt Day is celebrated on the 3rd Friday of May every year. This anti-bullying day is a way to help raise awareness and support in NZ, and of course, that’s a practice worth carrying through to every other day too.
What is Pink Shirt Day in NZ?
In New Zealand, Pink Shirt Day is led by the Mental Health Foundation. By supporting inclusivity, diversity and kindness, Pink Shirt Day is all about ways to stop bullying.
The Mental Health Foundation’s website offers definitions of bullying, personal stories and oodles and oodles of helpful and interesting downloadable resources. You can also launch a campaign, get an event pack, and get your own Pink Day T shirt – all to help support the cause.
Now, let’s take a look at the value of diversity, inclusivity, and kindness…
Diversity
In nature, the more diverse an ecosystem is, the healthier it is. For example, a small gene pool can sometimes lead to health issues. That’s why ethical breeders of pedigree dogs take added steps to help ensure healthy puppies. For example, by carrying out health screening and dog DNA tests (watch our vlog below for more on this).
Inclusivity
Likewise, in social systems, diversity (and inclusivity of that diversity) promotes a healthy culture. Bullying often targets social attributes like gender or religion for example. Having a good understanding of how these attributes help to make a diverse and therefore healthy society can help change attitudes and stop bullying.
Kindness
Kindness can be life-changing, especially to someone who is experiencing bullying. Read our article on Random Acts of Kindness Day. We look at 10 ways to be kind on Pink Shirt Day and every other day too!
Check out our Pet Care vlog with Dr Cath, where she goes into more detail about how dog DNA tests can help prevent genetic conditions:
Mental health and pets
Bullying can impact mental health, making it something worthwhile to take a stand against. Dogs and cats are naturally supportive when it comes to mental health.
They are our friends, families, emotional support and more. Many pets even train to become therapy animals. Our disability assist interview article follows pups who support a range of disabilities. These types of service dogs can help people with limited mobility, PTSD, autism and more.
Pink Shirt Day T-shirt: Can pets wear pink?
Clothing can be dangerous for pets since they can’t just remove it if they heat up. Laces, buttons, and other dangling bits can also be a strangling or ingestion hazard.
However, some types of pet-specific clothing are designed for comfort or protection. For example, things like pet life jackets, jerseys (for the cold), booties (for the cold and for hot surfaces) and thunder vests can help pets stay safe or comfy.
Some pets, like hairless cats and smaller dogs for example, can also be more prone to getting cold and sometimes benefit from an added layer. Always supervise your pets when they have clothing items on.
If you’re unsure, read more in our Dress Your Pet Up Day article. Besides outfitting, there are plenty of pink items your pet can safely enjoy for Pink Shirt Day, like toys, bedding and bowls to name a few!
Here are some fun ideas for pets this Pink Shirt Day… Let’s get PINK!
Pink pet blanky
Pink bedding
Pink pet carrier
Pink pet harness
Pink pet toys
Pink cat tunnel
Pink dog jackets and raincoats (to stay warm and dry)
Pink pet massage roller
Pink collar
Pink dog lead
Pet insurance for pink pets
Now that we’ve explored ways to support this anti-bullying day with your pets in NZ, let’s turn to another essential topic – protecting pet health. Pet insurance allows you to provide your pet the vet treatment they need in their hour of need.
Whether it’s a bite wound, a broken leg or something more serious, PD has three pet insurance plans. These provide a range of cover for accidents, illness, and dental treatment (all include third party liability). Choose from cover that gives you up to $20,000 annual benefit limit (take note of sub-limits and per-claim limits when reading the policy disclosure statement).
Get your plan and enjoy your first month free! Click below and get a quote.