Welcome to 2025! In our first issue of the year, we explore our latest 2024 NZ Pet Data Report, the growing conversation around cat welfare with our expert panel discussion video and an update on the proposed Domestic Cat Microchipping Bill. We also celebrate your generosity in our Giving Tuesday campaign from December, share our Summer "Pet-iquette" video series, as well as our latest website articles (inclusive of why animals do the 'zoomies'!). |
Our 2024 NZ Pet Data Report is now out! |
New Zealanders' love for their pets remains as strong as ever! The latest 2024 NZ Pet Data Report from Companion Animals NZ reveals that nearly two-thirds (63%) of households share their lives with a pet, with cats leading the way at 40% and dogs close behind at 31%. Notably, more than half of those who don’t currently own a pet would love to have one—highlighting just how deep our connection with animals runs.
The report also sheds light on key trends, from pet ownership patterns to growing commitments in responsible pet care, such as microchipping and desexing. However, barriers like housing restrictions and costs still prevent many from welcoming a pet into their home. As our society evolves, so does our relationship with animals, and this data provides valuable insights into how we can continue to support pet welfare in Aotearoa. Dive into the full report below. |
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Cats have been a hot topic in the media lately, sparking plenty of debate and conversation. At Companion Animals NZ (CANZ), we’re all about supporting responsible cat guardianship and helping companion cats live their best lives.
To dive deeper into this complex issue, we brought together a panel of experts, including Dr. Arnja Dale (SPCA), Dr. Natalie Lloyd (Companion Animal Vet), and Dr. Gosia Zobel (CANZ), for a chat facilitated by our own Professor Nat Waran. They share insights into cat welfare, containment challenges, and the bigger picture of cats in our communities. It’s a must-watch if you’re curious about the latest on cats in New Zealand!
It’s an hour long, but absolutely worth it—schedule some time to watch or tune in like you would a podcast! |
From the bottom of our hearts... thank you! |
We were overwhelmed by the response to our Giving Tuesday campaign on 3 December last year! You may recall we asked for donations towards important desexing and microchipping funds for shelters around the country.
We aimed for $6000 and with your support, we absolutely smashed that goal and raised over $15,000!!
Thank you for your incredible generosity—we look forward to sharing the difference these additional funds have made to deserving shelters in our Annual Impact Report later this year.
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In our last newsletter we told you we'd be sharing a series of summer videos with information targeted at dog guardians, named our 'Summer Pet-iquette' series. If you didn't spot them yet, then you can catch up on them below. Many of the tips are relevant into the cooler months as well. |
Video 1: Beach Behaviour Basics with Shivaun Statham, Animal Training Instructor, looks at how to find dog-friendly beaches, practice good beach etiquette, manage interactions with other dogs, spot hazards, and more!
A big thank you to Shivaun, a CANZ Accredited Professional from Kiwi Vet Behaviour.
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Video 2: Long Lines and Safe Play with Lisa Sturm, Behaviour Consultant, dives into the benefits of long lines, common mistakes, tips for dogs of all sizes and temperaments and harness recommendations.
Special thanks to Lisa, a CANZ Accredited Professional from Sit Happens and Kiwi Canine.
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Video 3: Top tips for travelling with pets and exercising safely in hot weather focuses on tips for travelling with pets and exercising safely in hot weather.
Thank you to Rachael, a Companion Animals NZ Accredited Veterinary Behaviourist, at Tail Therapy for sharing her insights.
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Domestic Cat Microchipping Bill |
In December, a new bill launched by Green Party MP Celia Wade Brown, looks to establish national requirements for microchipping and registering of domestic cats.
Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) strongly supports this proposed 'Domestic Cat Microchipping Bill'. As the custodian of the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR), the country's leading microchip database with over 1.4 million registered pets, we emphasise the importance of microchipping as a proven tool for reuniting lost pets and reducing the burden on shelters. |
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The Bill also proposes empowering local councils to enforce stricter bylaws, such as roaming restrictions, to better protect both cats and native wildlife. |
Results coming soon from recent cat study |
You may recall we were working on a research collaboration with the University of Adelaide, which has been exploring how cats and their guardians adapt to their cats living indoors. This study wrapped up in December and tracked 16 cats transitioning from outdoor to indoor lifestyles, measuring activity levels and behavioural changes. |
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While we can’t share the results just yet as the information is being analysed as we speak, we will report back on these as soon as we can! What we can say is each animal and guardian definitely had their own unique experience! Missed the info about this? Read about why we worked on this in our article below. |
Why microchipping and registration is essential
An obvious action to many of our NZCAR Guardians, we're reminding the NZ public why it is so important to microchip and register your pets.
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A Global Call for Positive Welfare for All Equids
In December, we shared the 'Good Welfare for Equids' white paper, a framework setting high standards for equine welfare. While focused on EU legislation, its insights have global relevance.
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The year technology unlocks the secrets of animal emotions?
Imagine having a simple, science-based tool to assess your pet’s emotional state in real time? This technology could be on the horizon in 2025.
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Why do dogs chew your shoes?
While no one wants their favourite shoes destroyed, there are often understandable reasons—at least from a dog’s perspective—for this common behaviour.
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It's tax credit time - have you donated?
With the end of the tax year approaching (31 March), it’s the perfect time to donate—support a great cause and benefit from a tax credit!
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What do the 'zoomies' really mean?
If you've seen your dog or cat racing around in bursts of energy, you've witnessed the "zoomies." But what do they really mean for our animals, and are they always a good sign?
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Your privacy is important to us. We are committed to protecting your personal information and will not share it with third parties without your consent. |
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