Hi Gillian,

Saturday 11 April is National Pet Day - a chance to celebrate the animals who make our lives better every day. To mark the occasion, we’re asking pet guardians across New Zealand to take a moment to log in to the NZ Companion Animal Register and check that their contact details are up to date.

It only takes a minute. Simply log in, make sure your details are current, then tick the new checkbox and hit save. 

Why does this matter?
If your pet ever goes missing, their microchip can help reunite you - but only if your contact details are correct. Without up-to-date information linked to their microchip, you may not be able to be contacted. It’s a small action that can make a huge difference in bringing lost pets home.

To say thank you for taking part, everyone who confirms their details will go in the draw to win Animates vouchers:

🏆 1 x $500 Animates voucher
🎁 10 x $50 Animates vouchers

Thank you, Animates! Not sure what you’d spend your Animates voucher on? From food and treats to toys, grooming and even vet care - there’s plenty to choose from for your pet at New Zealand’s leading pet specialty retailer. So make sure you're in the draw to win!

Read the competition terms and conditions here. You have until Thursday 30 April to tick the box and go in the draw!🐾

Competition terms and conditions apply.

A success story

Nova's journey home

Nova went missing from her home on Thomas Road when she was just one year old. Despite searching nearby properties, contacting their vet, and checking social media for months, her family couldn’t find her and eventually feared the worst. 

After being missing for four long months, Nova was found around 2km from home and taken to a local vet by a kind member of the public. Thanks to her microchip and up-to-date details on the NZCAR, her family received the call they had been hoping for. 

“It was a very emotional day,” says her guardian, Amanda. Now, Nova is finally back where she belongs - home!

Te Tohu Maimoa

Awards nominations now open

Maimoa - as a verb means 'to cherish or care for' and as a noun means 'companion animal'. 
Te Tohu -is te reo for 'award'

Te Tohu Maimoa recognises the contribution of people involved in the well-being of Companion Animals in New Zealand. The awards are held once a year (except in Assisi award years) and nominations should focus on achievements in the previous 12 months. 

The awards are open to everyone working with companion animals: volunteers, staff, educators and officers who have improved the lives of animals by demonstrating at least one of these core values:

1.     Collective & Effective (Working together to create a Good Life)
2.     Quality & Integrity (Striving for excellence)
3.     Respect & Compassion (for pets, the planet and other people)

✨ Nominations are open until 18 May 2026 - anyone can nominate! You can read more about this in our CANZ website page about Te Tohu Maimoa.

Latest website articles

Read our latest articles below

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Random gloves, socks… even stranger things turning up at your door? You might have a furry little thief. It’s often funny — but can also signal something more. Find out why in our latest article.

Review of Dog Control Act - what does it mean?

We welcome the long-overdue review of the Dog Control Act 1996, signalling important changes for dog owners and community safety. 

10 Everyday Ways Pets Make Life Better

To celebrate National Pet day on 11 April, we’re discussing 10 ways our companion animals make our lives better - backed by science. 

In Memory of Dr Lindsay Skyner

Honouring her contribution to companion animal welfare

Lastly, we want to pay tribute to the passing of Dr Lindsay Skyner, who contributed greatly to our organisation. A highly respected lecturer in animal behaviour and welfare, Lindsay worked across the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand with both exotic and companion animals. She was contracted by CANZ to develop our accreditation programme and played a foundational role in its establishment, continuing to support it as an independent panel member until her passing in February 2026.

We are deeply grateful for her expertise, integrity, and the lasting contribution she has made to our work and to the field of animal welfare. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.