Led by Victoria's Edgar's Mission and supported by Little Oak Sanctuary near Bungendore - both of which are homes for rescued farm animals - the week aims to demonstrate how simple steps can have an enormous impact on all the furred, feathered, fleeced, and finned friends.

"The week does what it says on the tin - it's to be kind to animals," says Canberra's Lisa Green, who volunteers at Little Oak Sanctuary.

"But it's also focusing on getting people to make commitments and changes in their lives and also being mindful of the impact their decisions have on animals.

"It has a particular focus on farmed animals given the foundation so encouraging people to think about how much meat they eat and making those steps but it incorporates all animals. So considering our wildlife and considering our companion animals."

Now in its 11th year, the week Be Kind to Animals Week - which ends on Thursday - hopes to exceed 5000 pledges from people wanting to commit to plant-based recipes for the week, use products that don't have any animal products in them and aren't tested on animals or even commit to random acts of kindness.

To support participants in their pledge, participants are sent free Kindness Kits, along with daily emails filled with plant-based recipe inspiration and other kindness tips. There is also the chance to win a hamper full of ethical goodies.

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"I know, from personal experience, we weren't aware of what was happening to animals in Australia before starting the sanctuary," Little Oak Sanctuary founder Kate Luke says.

"It was just a gradual process of us educating ourselves and there's so much information out there.

"Once you know the information, people can make informed choices about what they choose to support. But for us, that led us to become vegan and to start running the sanctuary just because there's so much suffering involved in animal agriculture.

"And it's just so easy these days to be happy and healthy without animal products. But you can do it as gradually as suits for you."

In addition to reflecting on the different choices people can make every day, Be Kind to Animals Week aims to show the many ways people can make a positive impact on animals' lives.

"You can support your favourite animal welfare charity by volunteering or donating, organise a beach or park clean up, leave water out for local wildlife and so much more," Edgar's Mission founder and director Pam Ahern says.

For more information go to bekindtoanimalsweek.org.au.

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