Companion animals are an essential part of life in New Zealand. They bring us joy, companionship, and unconditional love, and they deserve recognition, protection, and care.

This National Pet Day (Friday, 11 April) and the weeks following, we invite you to stand up for companion animals by signing the National Pet Day Pledge. Together, we can ensure that New Zealand leads the way in companion animal welfare.

In early May, we will present this pledge—along with the number of collected signatures —to the New Zealand Government to push for companion animals to be a stronger focus in the political space.

✍️ Sign the pledge to add your support today.

New Zealand Companion Animal Pledge 

As a proud New Zealand pet owner, I recognise the vital importance of companion animals in our society and their significant contribution to the wellbeing of New Zealanders. 

My Commitment:

I commit to advocating for companion animals as valued members of New Zealand communities, giving my animal a ‘Good life’ (providing proper healthcare, nutrition, exercise, and emotional support to my companion animal) and being a responsible animal guardian (ensuring my companion animals are properly identifiable through microchipping and registration).

I call upon the New Zealand government to increase focus on:  

• National frameworks: Develop and maintain world-leading companion animal policies, codes of welfare and regulations that position New Zealand as a recognised global leader in companion animal welfare.

• Pets in rentals: Implement rental housing protections for pet owners, recognising the importance of the pet-human bond. 

• Pets in emergencies: Ensuring well resourced emergency management plans include provisions to evacuate, rescue, shelter and reunite companion animals. 

• Microchipping requirements: Implement and enforce comprehensive microchipping requirements for all companion animals supported by accessible national databases. 

• Shelter Support: Establish a NZ Animal Shelter database for local animal shelters and rescue organisations to provide accurate unowned pet population information.  

• Desexing accessibility: Establish free or low-cost spay/neuter programmes to help reduce the unowned pet population.  

By filling out the form below, I add my name to those of my fellow New Zealanders who believe in the intrinsic value of companion animals to our national identity, our communities, and our individual wellbeing. 

Together, we call on the government to acknowledge and protect the special place of companion animals in Aotearoa New Zealand and to establish policies and practices that make our nation a world leader in companion animal welfare. 

💡Did you know? Microchipping and registering on the NZCAR can help lost pets find their way home. After signing, take a moment to check your pet’s details here.

Spread the word

Help us make an impact! After signing, share the pledge with your friends and family on social media.

Help us make an impact! After signing, encourage your friends, family, and fellow animal lovers to sign too. The more voices we have, the stronger our message to the government.

How you can help:
✅ Post about the pledge on social media (Copy & share the message below!)
✅ Tag 3 friends who care about animal welfare and encourage them to sign
✅ Use the official hashtags to join the conversation:

• #NationalPetDayNZ

• #PledgeForPets

Copy and share:

I just signed the National Pet Day Pledge to support companion animals in New Zealand! Join me in standing up for stronger animal welfare protections, responsible pet ownership, and making sure every pet is microchipped and registered. 📢 All signatures will be sent to the government in May 2025 —make sure yours is included! 🖊 Sign the pledge here: https://www.companionanimals.nz/national-pet-day-pledge

#NationalPetDayNZ #PledgeForPets