Our history

“A nation that values, respects and responsibly cares for companion animals”.

CANZ is a respected national organisation representing a diverse range of animal welfare groups, including our key stakeholders and trustees which include the SPCA, New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), Dogs NZ, New Zealand Cat Fancy, the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) and the New Zealand Institute of Animal Management (NZIAM)

Our History

In 1990 the Auckland SPCA initiated a forum which brought together the many and varied animal groups, individuals and official bodies actively involved within the welfare and control of companion animals.

Under the name of ‘Companion Animal Workshop’, the event was an open meeting for an exchange of views and ideas, and the soon the meetings developed into a world class conference.

As the conferences grew in importance, the discussions developed into meaningful welfare concerns for companion animals. It became apparent that the participants craved a structure whereby the resolutions of the meetings could be more actively pursued and topics raised could be further advanced.

As a result, the New Zealand Companion Animal Council (now ‘Companion Animals New Zealand’ or CANZ) was established in February 1996 with the aim of being a forum for the facilitation of a harmonious relationship between companion animals, people and the environment.