A water dispenser actuating device for activating flow of water from a dispenser to a bowl includes an actuator that is configured to be selectively coupled to a water dispenser so that the actuator is operationally coupled to a flow valve of the water dispenser. The actuator is configured to be selectively actuated by at least one of a user and an animal, via application of a downward force to the actuator, to actuate the flow valve so that water flows to a bowl of the water dispenser.