In April, more than 11,000 passionate pet lovers joined us in calling for stronger protections and better policies for companion animals — and we’ve taken that message to the Government. In this issue, you’ll find an update on the pledge, free behaviour webinars, highlights from our latest Impact Report, inspiring award winners, and helpful resources for pet guardians. |
On National Pet Day (11 April) we made a call out for pet lovers across the country to sign our pledge and call for the Government to place greater importance on pets in NZ. Pets bring so much to our lives, yet we believe they are not given the appropriate amount of importance in political decision making.
More than 11,000 people signed, helping us call for more focus on:
🐾 National frameworks (policies and codes of welfare etc)
🐾 Pets in rentals
🐾 Pets in emergencies
🐾 Microchipping requirements
🐾 Shelter support
🐾 Desexing accessibility.
We’re pleased to share that our letter has been acknowledged by the Government, and we’re still hopeful a meeting request will be confirmed so we can further discuss these critical issues for companion animals. We're also sharing our report with the animal welfare representatives of other political parties.
We will keep you informed of this progress. We know there are many competing priorities in society - but our pets matter. We won’t stop speaking up on the issues that affect the wellbeing of our beloved animal companions.
To everyone who signed and stood with us – thank you. |
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Following the overwhelming success of our 2024 series, we’re thrilled to announce the return of 'Misbehaviour or Misunderstood?' – a webinar series exploring the complex world of companion animal behaviour.
Presented by accredited behaviour consultants and veterinary behaviourists, this season continues the conversation: Are we misinterpreting our pets' actions? What truly drives their behaviour? And how can we better support their emotional and behavioural needs?
From recall struggles to facial expressions in cats, emotional cues in horses, and more, each session is packed with expert insights from accredited trainers, consultants, and veterinary behaviourists.
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Register for free today
Whether you're a pet guardian or an animal care professional, there's something in every talk to deepen your understanding and strengthen the bond with your animals.
📅 Series Details:
🔹 Start Date: 16 July
🔹 Frequency: Fortnightly
🔹 Duration: ~60 minutes
🔹 Cost: Free (with optional donation!)
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Won't make it along to a live webinar? Never fear - our recordings will be made available on YouTube afterwards. However, we very much recommend attending live as there may be time for questions with the experts!
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We're proud to share our latest Annual Impact Report with stories and our progress from the past financial year.
The 2024–25 year has been transformational for Companion Animals New Zealand and our A Good Life Centre, as we continued to turn research into action for pets across Aotearoa. From research and education to community outreach and advocacy, we’re proud to be building a better future for companion animals. |
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Some key highlights:
🐾 1.4 million pets are now protected in the NZ Companion Animal Register, helping more animals get home safely.
📊 Our 2024 NZ Pet Data Report revealed nearly 2 in 3 households have pets – underscoring the need for informed, pet-friendly policies.
🐈We contributed more than $180,000 to the NZCAT Trust, helping more than 20 animal shelters desex more than 750 animals (cats, dogs and guinea pigs) and microchip 2000 animals.
🎓 Our education content, including the Misbehaviour or Misunderstood webinar series, season 1, reached over 54,000 views.
🧠 Over 3,400 pet guardians shared insights into their animals’ emotions in our 'Good Life' survey.
🌏 We partnered with global leaders like UC Davis and Lyon College to bring world-class research to Kiwi pet owners.
🐎 We expanded our EQuiChip® events, promoting responsible horse ownership and microchipping.
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Twice a year, Companion Animals NZ honours individuals making a real difference for animals through Te Tohu Maimoa – awards that recognise those who go above and beyond to improve the lives of companion animals. Maimoa, as a verb means 'to cherish or care for' and as a noun means 'companion animal'. Te Tohu is te reo for 'award'.
Our June 2025 recipients – Maria Alomajan, Rukmini (Mini), and Charlotte Koppes – have each demonstrated extraordinary commitment through education, rescue, and community support.
⭐Maria Alomajan (Auckland) – Owner, Canine by Nature
Awarded for: Commitment to education and canine behaviour training
⭐ Rukmini (Mini) (Manawatū) – Owner, Māmā Mini's
Awarded for: Tireless community rescue and support work
⭐ Charlotte Koppes (Bromley, South Island) – DogWatch
Awarded for: Dedication to enhancing foster environments and mentorship
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Ensuring a Good Death for our companion animals |
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This article discusses pet loss, euthanasia, and end-of-life decisions for animals. If you’re grieving or sensitive to this topic, please take care while reading or skip this altogether.
As pet guardians, ensuring a good life for our animals is our responsibility – but so too is providing a good death when the time comes. In our latest article, we explore the difficult conversation of how timely decisions, proactive care, and compassion can help minimise suffering and honour the trust our pets place in us.
It’s never easy, and sometimes we don’t even get the chance to make a choice at all. When our beloved pets pass away there is very little that can ease the pain of their loss. |
This article gently explores what a “good death” means – from recognising when quality of life is declining, to making compassionate, timely choices and understanding the grief that follows.
We know how much pets mean to people, and at a time when many may be planning ahead for ageing or unwell animals, we hope this resource provides support and guidance for whatever lies ahead. |
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Why cats hunt: Beyond hunger
Domestic cats are skilled hunters – but their urge to hunt doesn't always stem from hunger. Even well-fed cats will stalk, chase, and pounce on prey.
Read more> |
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Preventing dog bites: Why education matters
Understanding canine behaviour and how to respond to a dog’s communication signals is one of the most important steps we can take to keep both people and dogs safe
Read more> |
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Understanding anxiety in cats
Understanding the signs of feline anxiety and how to address them is crucial for responsible pet ownership and ensuring your cat's wellbeing.
Read more> |
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Helping dogs cope with separation anxiety
With nearly a third of Kiwi households sharing their lives with a dog, it’s important to understand how our daily routines might be impacting their wellbeing – especially when it comes to time spent alone.
Read more>
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Why do cats scratch furniture?
Scratching is a normal and important behaviour for cats, but when it’s your furniture on the receiving end, it can be frustrating.
Read more> |
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From Santa Fe to Aotearoa: A Positive Future for Horse Training
In late May, Professor Nat Waran, Director of our A Good Life for Animals Centre, attended a specialist workshop hosted by Via Nova Training in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Read more> |
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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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