Cats and calories – how cooler months ahead means watching their waistlines

Pet ownership comes with a myriad of responsibilities, from ensuring their well-being to providing them with a loving home. In New Zealand, we love our cat companions – with 41% of the population owning at least one feline pet. But are we keeping a close enough eye on their weight?  

When the cooler months hit, our cats can sometimes prefer to keep closer to home and stay warm, just like us. This means we are moving less and need to watch what we eat – only our cats rely on us to do that for them.  

With one in four New Zealand cats classified as overweight or obese, there is a need to better understand the factors influencing these trends.  

Nutrition plays a crucial role in cat welfare, influencing their overall health, disease susceptibility, and longevity. Obesity is linked to various feline health issues like osteoarthritis and diabetes. Global trends show a concerning rise in cat obesity, mirrored in NZ. In 1993, 26% of NZ cats were overweight or obese, rising to 63% in 2007. 

A 2019 study identified two key factors contributing to obesity in companion cats in NZ – firstly owner misperception of their cats' body condition, and secondly, feeding them a varied diet, complicating calorie control.  A healthy weight for your animal is key to them having a Good Life, so it’s critical you keep an eye on their dietary habits. 

What cat owners can do  

Understanding cat obesity requires recognising the signs and taking appropriate action. But this is sometimes easier said than done. Many cat owners struggle to accurately assess their pets' body condition, often underestimating their weight.  

What you can do: 

• Talk to your veterinary professional about your animal’s weight and get advice on their diet – firstly understanding where their body condition is 

• Ensure there is consistency in their diet so calorie control is easier to manage 

• Be careful of treats – and in particular, educate any children interacting with them on how important it is not to overfeed cats 

• Get creative with ways to play with your cat and get them moving! Stimulating their body and mind is a great way to burn up excess energy. 

Need visuals on what is an ideal weight? The WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee have a great Body Condition Score sheet with visuals to assess the ideal weight for a feline companion. 

Click the link above to see this PDF online

What lies ahead? 

Moving forward, we are prioritising future research initiatives and educational activities. One big thing to tackle is the gap between owners’ and vets’ perception of cats’ body condition scoring (BCS). Plus, there is a need to understand the correlations between activity levels, dietary patterns, and BCS perception. 

Finally, further investigation into guidelines for maintaining a balanced diet in cats is essential, given the prevalent practice of offering cats a variety of foods and treats. Veterinary professionals and pet store personnel hold significant potential in disseminating this information, as well as signage in the supermarket aisles, particularly to households with children who may be unknowingly feeding more food and treats to their animal via the children.  

As we creep closer to winter, it's the perfect time to prioritise your cat’s weight management to ensure they lead a Good Life. Take action now to monitor their diet and activity levels, setting the stage for a happier and healthier winter season for your beloved feline companions. 

More on the 2019 Study 

The 2019 study, conducted from January 2019 to March 2019, surveyed residents aged 18 years and above to gather insights into the feeding habits and owner-related risk factors contributing to feline obesity. Among the key findings, it was revealed that 65.5% of respondents owned cats, with female, rural, or households with children being more likely to have feline companions. 

Diving deeper into feeding practices, the survey uncovered that a significant portion of cat owners relied on biscuits from supermarkets (63%) and wet food (57%) as primary dietary sources. Additionally, approximately 45% opted for specialized pet shop or veterinary clinic foods, while 31% incorporated raw meat into their cat's diet. This variety in feeding habits poses challenges in estimating appropriate caloric intake, potentially leading to excess weight gain in feline companions. 

Furthermore, the study highlighted discrepancies in owners' perceptions of their cat's body condition, with nearly 30% disagreeing with the correct body condition statement. This underscores the importance of education and awareness campaigns to empower  

These findings underscore the critical need for further research and interventions to address feline obesity in New Zealand. By understanding the behavioural patterns of pet owners and identifying key risk factors, we can pave the way for innovative approaches to promote healthy weight management and enhance the overall well-being of our feline companions.  

 *The Diets of Companion Cats in Aotearoa New Zealand: Identification of Obesity Risk Factors (squarespace.com)  

World Frog Day: What do frogs need from us?

Each year, frogs all over the world are celebrated on 20 March – World Frog Day. But do you know what it takes for a frog to have a Good Life? Haven't the froggiest? Here we outline a few key aspects to keeping these web-footed, leaping companions content.  

Frog facts  

New Zealand has three native frog species (or four, depending on if you group Maud Island Frog with Hamilton’s Frog). These frogs are endangered and must not be kept as pets.  

For people keen to have a companion frog, there are three Australian frog species available (southern bell frog, green and golden bell frog, whistling/southern brown tree frog). These frogs can be long lived (5 – 15 years, depending on the species), so it is important that their captive homes are well setup, and allow them to perform natural behaviours. 

While not all specific to the species kept as pets in NZ, frog research exists that demonstrates the benefits of improving housing environments.  

Key Elements for Frog Housing  

• Enriching environments that promote natural behaviours. Shelters should allow frogs to hide, particularly during the day if they are nocturnal. It also helps to cover insects with leaves that will promote natural frog foraging behaviour. (1)  

• Appropriate social structure. Both southern bell, and green and golden, frogs are typically solitary, territorial and sometimes cannibalistic, yet each species naturally congregate during the mating season and call to one another. (2) Therefore, keeping a single frog without providing the opportunity to communicate with another frog may compromise its welfare. Make sure you do your research on the species of frog you’ll be bringing home and how they prefer to interact – or not – with other frogs. 

• Background surroundings are important. We tend to focus a great deal about what is on the inside of a pet’s enclosure, so often the outside gets forgotten. For instance, research into largely water-dwelling frog shows that surrounding their enclosure with a dark coloured background reduces stress and weight loss. (3) It is important to know what kind of colours and images your frog species would naturally encounter and try to mimic that.  

• Be conscious of noise. A study of southern brown tree frogs experiencing traffic noise reported that these frogs increased the pitch of their calls. As this work aimed to evaluate mating success, the authors did not reflect on overall frog welfare, nonetheless this (and other) work demonstrates that frogs are sensitive to noise, and therefore we should be cognisant of the ambient noise of pet frogs’ enclosures. (4) 

A Final Note 

It's crucial to remember that pet frogs should remain as pets and never be released into the wild. This is vital for the welfare and future of New Zealand's native frogs. To learn more about these fascinating creatures and conservation efforts, visit NZ Frogs, a charity dedicated to frog conservation: https://nzfrogs.org 

We hope you found this a ribbiting read – now hop along and enjoy international frog day! 

References: 

1. Michaels CJ, Roger Downie JR, Campbell-Palmer R. 2014. The importance of enrichment for advancing amphibian welfare and conservation goals: A review of a neglected topic. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 8(1):7–23. https://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_8_no_1/ARC_8_1_[Gen_Sec]_7-23_e77_low_res.pdf 

2. Introduced Frogs. 2021. The New Zealand Herpetological Society. https://www.reptiles.org.nz/herptetofauna/introduced-index 

3. Holmes AM, Emmans CJ,  Jones N, Coleman R, Smith TE, Hosie CA. 2016. Impact of tank background on the welfare of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis (Daudin), Applied Animal Behaviour Science 185:131–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2016.09.005 

4. Parris KM, Velik-Lord M, North JMA. 2009. Frogs call at a higher pitch in traffic noise. Ecology and Society, 14(1). http://www.jstor.org/stable/26268025 

Companion Animals NZ hosts prestigious Assisi Awards Ceremony recognising animal welfare excellence

Every two years, passionate animal welfare advocates are celebrated at the esteemed Assisi Awards ceremony, hosted by Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) to honour individuals whose dedication advances animal welfare globally. 

The Award, named in honor of the Patron Saint of Animals, St. Francis of Assisi, serves as recognition of the achievements of those whose goals echo the principles of excellence in animal welfare. This year, four exceptional individuals were honored at a gala dinner held in Hamilton on March 12. 

Companion Animals New Zealand Board Chair, Steven Thompson, expressed his pride in hosting the awards ceremony and acknowledging outstanding service to animals. "These winners demonstrate incredible dedication to animal welfare and serve as a shining example of the profound impact that one person can have on the lives of countless animals," said Mr. Thompson. "In a world where compassion for all sentient creatures is paramount, we are truly fortunate to have such individuals in our communities. Their work to ensure a ‘Good Life’ for animals is aligned to our work at Companion Animals New Zealand and for that, we are forever grateful for their efforts and are so proud to have celebrated them this week." 

2024 Assisi Award winners: 

Hartley Holder - Auckland 

Driven by her passion for animal welfare, Hartley Holder founded Auckland Cavy Care at 14. Now at 25, she, alongside her mother Raylene Holder, transformed their home into a sanctuary for abandoned guinea pigs and other animals. They work together to ensure each animal receives necessary care and finds loving homes, building a strong public profile through media and educational outreach efforts. Hartley embodies exceptional dedication to animal welfare. Her dedication extends beyond guinea pigs, as she also cares for stray cats, rabbits, and other animals in need, working tirelessly to ensure their well-being. 

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Julia Stevenson-Renwick - Bay of Plenty 

Julia Stevenson-Renwick is a beacon of compassion in Kawerau. As founder of KTown Community Animal Welfare Society, she's rallied a community of animal lovers into a formidable force for good. Julia inspires the team who rescue and provide care to many animals in need.  For eighteen years, Julia has dedicated her life to caring for and rehoming needy animals, serving as a volunteer for the SPCA for fifteen of those years. She has made a profound impact on the eastern Bay of Plenty, with KTown CAW desexing more than 700 animals since its inception in December 2020. She is truly an unsung hero in the community.  

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Dr Helen Beattie - Dunedin 

Helen's lifelong commitment to animal welfare, showcased through her diverse career spanning clinical practice, animal welfare advocacy, and leadership roles, has positioned her as a prominent figure in the veterinary community. Helen founded Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA) and her appointment as Managing Director underscores her dedication to advancing animal welfare in New Zealand, cementing her status as a leader in the field. Helen's work drives meaningful change and champions the pursuit of A Good Life for animals across New Zealand. 

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Dr Hayley Squance – Palmerston North 

Hayley's exceptional expertise and dedication in emergency management have earned her international recognition and admiration. With a background as a qualified veterinary technologist, she has made significant contributions as an emergency management practitioner, researcher, and educator. Hayley's leadership is evident in her founding of the Massey University Veterinary Emergency Response Team and in her work for the Ministry for Primary Industries on disaster response efforts. she has coordinated animal welfare interventions in over 50 disaster events, including earthquakes, floods, wildfires, terrorist attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her collaboration with international organizations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) further exemplifies her impact and leadership in the field of emergency management. 

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More on CANZ Awards 

The Assisi Awards are held every two years, and are one of two series of Awards held by Companion Animals New Zealand. The other, Te Tohu Maimoa (Te Tohu is te reo for 'award' and Maimoa, as a verb means 'to cherish or care for' and as a noun means 'companion animal') recognise the contribution of people involved in the well-being of Companion Animals in New Zealand. These awards are held twice a year (except in Assisi award years) and nominations focus on achievements in the previous six months. The awards are open to everyone working with companion animals: volunteers, staff, educators and officers who have improved the lives of animals. 

Equine Welfare: Understanding horse emotions

Expert blog: Professor Nat Waran 

The field of Animal Welfare Science took a big step forward with the unveiling of the 'Brambell Report' in the UK in 1965. This report, along with the establishment of the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council and the inception of the 'Five Freedoms,' marked the birth of a new era in animal welfare. Professor Brambell emphasised the importance of understanding animal ethology and acknowledging the emotional experiences of animals in assessing their welfare. 

Fast forward to today, and the conversation surrounding animal welfare has evolved significantly. Alongside scientific developments, there's a growing public concern regarding the treatment and use of animals, including horses. While horses hold a unique position between pets and production animals, their welfare often receives less attention, especially in recreational and sporting contexts. 

Horse welfare under the spotlight 

In recent years, increased public awareness and access to information, thanks to the internet and social media, have placed horse welfare under closer scrutiny. There's a rising expectation for equine sports and activities to prioritise the well-being of horses, ensuring they lead fulfilling lives. 

Understanding equine emotions poses a significant challenge. While horse owners often attribute emotions to their animals, these interpretations can be subjective and anthropomorphic (described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes). Misreading or ignoring a horse's emotional state can have detrimental effects on both the horse and the human involved. 

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has emphasised the importance of a "happy equine athlete," but determining a horse's happiness is complex. Absence of certain behaviors, like tail swishing or teeth grinding, is not sufficient evidence of a positive emotional state. Measuring and interpreting animal emotions requires robust, evidence-based methods, which is particularly challenging given that animals cannot self-report their feelings. 

Pairing observation with science 

While horse owner observations are valuable, they come with limitations. Owners may struggle to remain objective due to their emotional attachment and vested interests. Objective assessments of equine quality of life demand evidence-based methodologies that consider both positive and negative emotional states. 

Developing such methodologies involves exploring horses' preferences and behavioral expressions under various circumstances. Behavioral tests and qualitative assessments offer promising avenues for understanding equine emotions and well-being. However, funding for equine behavioral research remains a challenge, with horses often being a low priority compared to other animals. 

Despite these challenges, there's a collective aspiration to provide horses with a good life. Recognising and rewarding practices that prioritise positive emotional states in horses could transform training and competition across disciplines, ultimately benefiting both horses and humans alike. As we continue to unlock the secrets of equine welfare, the journey towards ensuring horses lead fulfilling lives remains ongoing. 

At Companion Animals New Zealand, we’re excited to lead more initiatives and research about this subject as part of our A Good Life for Animals Centre. Our activity includes leading the development of research to discover indicators of equine emotion and develop effective human behaviour change approaches, as well as delivering education opportunities via conference and presentations. Some examples include: 

• Collaborating with two international teams: 

• developing robust indicators of positive emotions in horses with support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and 

• Working with the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (FORMAS) on ‘How to facilitate Human Behaviour Change regarding equine welfare' 

• Taking part in a new research collaboration with a team in Brazil to use AI to develop improved ability to recognise signs of positive and negative emotions in horses when they are being ridden.  

• Driving the change via involvement with International Federations responsible for equine welfare – Chairing the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission and producing a report proposing A Good Life for Horses 

• Organising the international Society for Equitation Science Conference in NZ -with the theme of A Good Life for Horses 

• Chairing a new Eurogroup for Animal Welfare –Policy Development Committee to produce a White paper – a comprehensive document describing equine welfare needs for a Good Life for all horses. 

Today, the discourse on animal welfare concerning horses, has expanded significantly and we're excited to spearhead initiatives and research endeavors in New Zealand and with organisation overseas aimed at advancing equine welfare. 

Professor Nat Waran BSc (Hons), PhD (Cantab)

Director - A Good Life for Animals Centre

The science of dog training: three key building blocks

Our beloved dogs hold a special place in our hearts, with around a third of New Zealand households welcoming these faithful companions into their homes. However, ensuring that our canine friends become valued members of society requires more than just affection; it involves understanding their needs and behaviors to promote responsible ownership and training.  

Here we explore three building blocks for effective and humane dog training, shedding light on how owners can cultivate strong bonds and positive behaviors in their canine companions. But first, let’s step back in time to look at the history of our bond with dogs. 

History of "man's best friend”  

The human-animal bond is considered to be over 12 thousand years old and was likely to be originally based on a mutually beneficial relationship. The dog was one of the first animals to be domesticated – transitioning from being tolerated as a scavenger around the early human settlements to being valued as a human companion, in a relatively short time. The domestic dog (Canis familiaris), one of 38 species in the canine family (Canidae), shares behavioral tendencies with its relatives such as wolves, coyotes, and foxes.  

Yet despite selective breeding for various traits and the length of time we’ve had with them as companions, dogs retain many behaviors common among canines. Behavioral problems often stem from a lack of understanding of normal dog behavior and the variability among breeds and individuals. In many areas, we as humans are falling short in terms of meeting their welfare needs. 

Effective training is one area where there is much room for improvement. Even with the correct use of positive reinforcement methods (often called reward–based training), there are often problems, such as: with the timing of the reward, the clarity of the signals and other factors that can cause problems for the dog in making the correct associations. This can sometimes cause a breakdown in training success - which can be frustrating for both dog and human.  

Sadly, this often leads to inappropriate use of aversive training and handling techniques and even the use of inhumane methods to force the animal to perform (or not) the behaviour.  

A way to overcome this is for dog owners is to understand more about how animals learn most effectively, how they are motivated and how they are different from us.  

1. Understanding Canine Ethology (the science of animal behaviour):  

Dogs are dogs, people are people. It seems a simple statement, but it is very important to understand that what matters to them is different to what matters to us.  

Dogs have evolved from ancestors who were predators, social pack animals and with senses far superior to humans. Making the time to understand them and the way they perceive the world, can not only help us to train in a more canine-centred way but also to appreciate the amazing animals that they are. 

Dogs, though descended from wolves, have been unintentionally bred for a more juvenile appearance, known as paedomorphosis, affecting their communication abilities compared to wolves. This altered physical appearance can affect dogs' communication abilities compared to wolves, with breeds like brachycephalic dogs experiencing limitations in facial expressions. As social beings, dogs thrive in modified pack systems, relying on effective communication for social interactions, underscoring their enduring bond with humans. Despite this bond, issues like relinquishment to shelters due to perceived behavioral problems highlight the need for better understanding and management of canine behaviour, emphasising the importance of education and support from professionals in the field. 

In short, we need to apply science to practice when looking after our canine friends. 

2. Intentional modification of behaviour (AKA “training”) 

Dog training can be defined as the ‘intentional modification of the frequency and/or intensity of specific behavioural responses’. This may sound like a mouthful, but it is crucial to know this isn’t about learning commands – it is about reinforcing a particular desired response to a signal in a consistent and timely manner. This is key to your dog making a good connection between the signal or cue you use and the behavioural response you want. 

Dogs learn through making associations between their actions or inactions and the consequence these actions have for them. Successful and humane training relies upon the trainer having a good understanding of the application of learning theory, dog behaviour and a clear understanding of the goals and the limitations of the training approach being used.  

Reinforcers - from theory to practice: 

• Types of Reinforcers: Reinforcers can be positive, such as treats or praise, or negative, like the release of pressure on a leash (not to be confused with punishment techniques), and are effective in shaping desired behavior. Choosing the reinforcer to use will need to take into account the individual character of each dog, since some will be food motivated, but others prefer to work for toys or attention. 

• Secondary Positive Reinforcement: Techniques like clicker training utilise secondary positive reinforcement, conditioning dogs to associate a specific signal with a reward, facilitating training even at a distance. 

• Reinforcement Schedules: There are also different types of reinforcement schedules that can be used to keep your dog motivated. Once the dog has learned the association between a cue/signal because he/she has been rewarded after every correct response using a continuous reinforcement schedule –some trainers will switch to a more variable schedule so that the dog maintains his or her motivation to perform the response, or even get better at it. The differential reinforcement (DR) schedule is where the dog is given different valued rewards that reflect the quality of their performance of the response. For example, the dog only gets rewarded for above-average responses, getting better rewards for better responses. 

 Punishment-based methods, like loud noises or shouts should be avoided. These may temporarily stop unwanted behavior but can lead to fear and anxiety in dogs. Responsible guardians should prioritise reward-based or positive training methods, emphasising the need for humane and ethical treatment in achieving successful behavior modification in dogs. Developing good timing, whatever method you use, is key to reward the response you want consistently and immediately.  

3. Asking for help 

Finally, it is absolutely fine to ask for help when you need it. Asking for help when you need dog training is not only acceptable but highly encouraged for several reasons. Firstly, every dog is unique, with its own personality, temperament, and learning style, making it challenging for novice trainers to navigate training complexities effectively.  

Seeking guidance from experienced professionals ensures that training approaches are tailored to your dog's individual needs, maximizing effectiveness and minimizing frustration for both you and your pet. Additionally, professional trainers possess a wealth of knowledge in canine behavior and training techniques, offering valuable insights and strategies to address specific issues or challenges you may encounter during the training process.  

Moreover, seeking help demonstrates responsible pet ownership, prioritising your dog's well-being and development by investing in proper training and socialisation.  

You can get expert help from one of the Companion Animals New Zealand Accredited Animal Trainers and Animal Behaviourists who only use humane training methods that are based on an understanding of the way animals learn. Follow the link below for more information about who you can approach in your area.   

More about responsible pet ownership 

In New Zealand, regulations outlined in the Dog Control Act 1996 establish legal obligations for dog owners, emphasising care, control, and registration. Companion Animals New Zealand advocates for microchipping and registration, promoting initiatives like the New Zealand Companion Animal Register to enhance pet safety and reunification in case of emergencies or straying. 

Tolerance for our pets by others in our community requires that they be trained and contained so that they do not become a public problem. Being a good animal citizen is essential, and since the dog doesn’t know the rules, it’s up to the responsible owner to ensure that they provide their dog with the correct socialisation and good training to ensure they are an asset rather than a liability. 

Exploring the future of pets in New Zealand: conference to tackle big questions of changing attitudes, environment and cost of living

Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) is thrilled to be hosting its upcoming March conference, “Companion Animals in a Changing World”, set to address critical issues impacting companion animals and bring together passionate advocates for animal welfare. 

Among the topics covered in the conference hosted by the national charity will be the ever-evolving discourse on cat management, environmental challenges and the economic impact on pet owners.  

The conference, which takes place 12-13 March, will bring together international speakers and leading animal experts such as vets, scientists, SPCA, shelters and other animal welfare organisations from around the country.  

Professor Nat Waran from CANZ, says New Zealanders might be considered a pet-loving nation (with more than two thirds of households being home to one or more companion animals), but changing societal values are driving questions concerning the role and acceptability of pets-keeping, and impacting how we care for our animals.   

"This is the perfect time to consider how, in a rapidly changing world, we can maintain our commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of our pets” says Professor Waran.  

“There has been a lot of debate relating to the management of cats, for example. This is only going to increase. As are conversations about dog management, and where they can exercise freely or be present in our community – as there is a need for more parks and spaces for dogs to exercise off-leash. From a risk perspective, we hear about many dogs found to be roaming which is of concern. Expectations are changing and responsible pet ownership is understandably under the spotlight. 

“Adding to this, how are we considering our pet’s impact on the environment? And how are we learning from last year’s weather in relation to emergency preparedness? Ultimately, we are wanting to address the question of how we ensure animals in our homes are experiencing a good life now and into the future.” 

The timely conference follows the anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle which had disastrous consequences for so many animals. It also comes after a year of coverage around companion animal overpopulation across the country, as shelters struggle being inundated with unwanted animals, as well as heightened calls for a national legislation involving mandating the desexing and microchipping of companion cats. 

CANZ, the custodian of New Zealand's pet microchip database (NZCAR), is uniquely placed to host this vital conversation, as it regularly works with a diverse range of animal welfare groups across the country. The conference will build on CANZ’s recently launched initiative – ‘A Good life for Animals’ Centre – a collaborative effort to fill knowledge gaps and elevate animal welfare standards across the country. 

“Even people with the best intentions might not have the knowledge needed to be confident that their pet’s wellbeing is optimised,” continues Professor Waran. “A ‘Good Life’ means maximizing positive experiences and emotions, and minimising negative ones. I’m honoured to be directing this new Centre, helping define what a ‘Good Life’ for companion animals is within the New Zealand context.” 

Tickets are still available for the March Conference and the conference is open to all who want to learn about the latest research and best practice.  

More information: 

• “Companion Animals in A Changing World” Conference information https://www.companionanimals.nz/conference  

• A Good Life web page: https://www.companionanimals.nz/a-good-life-for-companion-animals  

Animal charity emphasises pet loss prevention one year on from Cyclone Gabrielle

Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ), national charity and custodian of New Zealand's Companion Animal Register (NZCAR), is calling for more animals to be microchipped as a way of ensuring they can be reunited with their owners, should another tragedy such as the cyclone take place.

The devastating consequences of Cyclone Gabrielle cannot be underestimated and will continue for many years to come. For animals in particular, confronting footage and images showcased how vulnerable they are to being very quickly separated from their guardian’s care.    

Professor Nat Waran, former Chair of the Companion Animals NZ Board and now Director of a new CANZ animal welfare initiative, highlights the need for increased microchipping of animals as a means of facilitating reunification in emergency situations. She emphasises that while microchipping is commonly associated with dogs and cats, it is equally essential for other companion animals, including horses.

“Being from the Hawkes’ Bay and heavily involved in the horse community, I know of many heartbreaking stories involving horses being swept away in front of their owners’ eyes,” says Professor Waran. “There is currently no national equine database, so to address this gap in equine identification, CANZ launched the EQuiChip initiative. This community event aims to microchip and register horses to ensure their safety during crises.”

The initiative has seen significant success, with more than 150 horses, ponies, and donkeys microchipped at no cost during the first three EQuiChip community events in Hawkes’ Bay, thanks to generous sponsorship. Subsequent events have been held in the Wairarapa, with plans for additional outreach efforts to promote equine microchipping and registration.

Professor Waran says, in the aftermath of the cyclone, animal owners were desperately seeking information about their pet’s whereabouts – posting pictures and messages on community Facebook sites, making repeated calls and visits to the emergency rescue centres and travelling around the flooded and silted region trying to spot animals who may have made it to high ground. 

“Having animal details linked to a guardian on a register, accessed by scanning a microchip, is invaluable in an emergency. This not only increases chances of finding your animal, but it also reduces the need for that animal to rely on another facility and staff while displaced. Sadly, in many instances, it is also simply to let the owner have peace if the animal has passed. The stark reality is microchipping ensures a far greater chance of reuniting the animals – either alive or deceased.”

The NZCAR currently holds microchip information for over 1.2 million pets nationwide. In any given month, more than 500 animals are listed as missing and chances of reunition with owners is three times more likely if they are microchipped with registration details up to date. Approximately 700 horses are now registered on NZCAR.   

CANZ General Manager, David Lloyd, says CANZ regularly works alongside several other agencies, such as MPI, to ensure Aotearoa is ready to respond and recover from emergencies - including natural disasters. 

“Following the cyclone, we had a staff presence at the Hawkes’ Bay Racecourse where a temporary companion animal shelter was established,” says Lloyd. “Our role was to help with the positive identification of any animals that were relinquished to the shelter. We also arranged the distribution of 500 microchips and dozens of scanners to assist frontline animal welfare volunteers. We had people working round the clock to support our Lost Pet service and were in regular communication with the 950 authorised users nationwide such as vet clinics, SPCA and rescues, who we work with to help lost pets get home.”  

“This anniversary is a difficult time for many – but it can also serve as an important reminder. We must prepare for these scenarios and microchipping and registering our animals is one very important way we can do this.”  

CANZ is encouraging pet owners around the country to microchip their animal, and if they are microchipped to make sure their pet’s microchip is registered on the NZCAR and details are up to date. People can do this by signing in at www.animalregister.co.nz or if you need some help, call their friendly support team a call on 0508 LOST PET.   

A Christmas message from the teams at Companion Animals NZ

The Companion Animals New Zealand and the NZ Companion Animals Register Team wish you and your companion animal(s) a wonderful, safe and fun festive season

We are almost at the end of 2023 - a year of significant challenge and change for animal guardians and their animals in New Zealand.

The impact of both La Niña and climate change, resulted in the extreme and devastating weather events experienced by so many in New Zealand which demonstrated for all of us, the importance of emergency planning and for these to include how we safeguard our animals. Companion Animals New Zealand and the NZ Companion Animal Register Team mobilised quickly to provide information from our microchip database that was needed by the coordinated emergency rescue services to help identify animals and try to reunite them with their worried owners as soon as was possible. Following the immediate national emergency, we mounted a campaign to support the permanent identification and registration of horses and ponies in New Zealand, to improve the chances of them being quickly and easily identified and traced to their owners. In 2024, we plan to extend the EQuiChip™ Community Events run successfully in Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa to other equestrian communities across the country. If you want to learn more about how to run an event, please get in touch with us, and we will provide a Campaign Guide and our support.

Making it easier for owners to find their lost pets is also why we actively promote the need for all companion species to be microchipped and registered and why we have recently completed the work to merge our LostPet Service with the NZCAR microchip database to create a “super-site” for lost and found animals. This means that if sadly you do lose your pet, you can mark your animal as lost on the NZCAR, then you will also create a free and immediate LostPet listing, that you can share across social media. Guardians who lose a pet that is not yet microchipped or registered, can still create free LostPet listings for their animals. We are proud that as a well-respected animal charity we offer incredible value. The $15 registration fee is a ‘one-off‘ charge covering the lifetime registration of an animal, with the funds used to support animal welfare causes, as well as the development of research and education programmes to improve animal lives in New Zealand.

Apart from managing the NZCAR, Companion Animals New Zealand is actively involved with improving standards of care and training of dogs, cats, horses and other pets through our NZ Accreditation Scheme for Animal trainers and behaviour counsellors. The scheme allows animal owners to select an animal behaviorist or trainer that uses only ethical, humane, positive training and behaviour modification methods, ensuring high standards of welfare. This year we welcomed a good number of new animal behaviourists and trainers to become members of our accreditation scheme. You can find the current list here: See https://www.companionanimals.nz/canz-accredited-ats-atis

Despite all of the challenges of 2023, we are also extremely pleased to have been able to continue with our plans to bring our vision of a Good Life for Animals to life through the creation of a new virtual collaborative Research and Education Centre. The Centre aims to help ‘raise the bar’ for companion animals by proactively promoting the importance of higher standards of welfare, animals experiencing mainly positive emotional states and ensuring that animal guardians have the most up to date sicnece based information about how to provide ‘A Good Life’ for the many different species of pets we enjoy. The ‘A Good Life for Animals Centre’ under the direction of former CANZ Board Chair, Professor Nat Waran, will be formally launched at the Companion Animal Conference in Hamilton in March 2024.

In addition to promoting positive welfare, we also gather information to help inform ourselves and other animal industries about the changing nature of pet ownership. These regular surveys tell us about attitudes towards desexing, microchipping and reasons for acquiring an animal. This year, we have noticed a slowdown in the number of animals being adopted from centres (especially dogs) which appears similar to what is happening internationally. Prior to and during lockdown the numbers of pets being adopted from shelters or purchased through breeders/websites seemed to increase – but we are now seeing a downturn that may be a rebound but is also likely linked with changing socio-economic factors.

So, when you are thinking about your New Year resolutions – we encourage you to think of your pets and their wellbeing.

1. Consider the best way to adopt an animal and try to support animal shelters or ethical breeders.

2. Make sure your companion has permanent, registered identification and that your contact details are always kept up to date. Obviously as the country’s largest pet Database – we recommend that you have all of the microchips of you pets – dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, donkeys in one place, on your NZCAR account. We have learned from the events of 2023 that we can’t afford not to have our animals permanently identifiable and traceable back to us.

3. And finally – Your life is better for the animals you have in it – so it’s worth considering what you can do to make their lives rewarding and happy. Often in our busy lives, we forget that the quality of their life experience is completely dependent upon us being well informed about their species specific behavioural, social, mental and physical needs. Companion Animals New Zealand’s Facebook site aims to provide quality information and you can of course learn more by attending the CANZ ‘Changing Lives for Companion Animals’ Conference on March 12th 2024 in Hamilton – See https://www.companionanimals.nz/conference

Have a great festive break and we look forward to working with you all in an exciting 2024.

Warmest wishes

Nat, David and Sarah

And the rest of the CANZ Board Members, CANZ Staff and of course the CANZ Animal Team!

See our Christmas message video on the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1442476359955560