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Under the Animal Welfare Act, use of animals in research, testing and teaching (RTT) is only permitted for an organisation or person who has a Code of Ethical Conduct (CEC) approved by the Government. An organisation or person with a CEC must set up a special committee called an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) to review any proposed use of animals in RTT. Use of animals can only happen if approved by an AEC.

During extreme weather scenarios such as flooding, it is vital for households to be prepared in the case of an emergency. Prepare to best care for your animals during these stressful times.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

The topic of cat management in New Zealand can be controversial and emotive. When discussing cat management, it is important to distinguish between feline categories, which hugely impact these discussions, and guide SPCA’s approach.

Crayfish, crabs, rock lobster and kōura are sentient animals, meaning they can feel pain and distress, and they are covered by New Zealand’s Animal Welfare Act 1999. If these animals are captured, handled, transported and killed for human consumption, it is critical that this is done so humanely.

Puppy socialisation is the process of introducing a puppy to a variety of different experiences, environments, people, and other animals in order to help them become confident and friendly adult dogs.

​Kitten socialisation is the process of introducing a kitten to a variety of different experiences, environments, people, and other animals in order to help them become a confident and friendly adult cat.

This article covers useful information to consider when planning for the future for your pets. These are important things to consider, in case a time comes when you are no longer able to care for them.

Male deer (stags) grow and shed antlers each year. ‘Velvet antler’ refers to antlers that are still growing – during this stage, they are covered with a velvet-like covering of soft fine hair. While growing, velvet antler receives a full blood supply and contains nerve endings. In New Zealand, deer velvet is surgically removed from farmed red deer (wapiti) and is sold as a health supplement or traditional medicine and often exported.

Learn how to help a timid or shy cat settle in, build trust, and feel safe with tips on creating a calm space, gentle interaction, and routine. Whether you’ve adopted a timid cat from a shelter, taken in a stray, or inherited a pet from a friend or relative, helping them feel safe is the first step to forming a deep, rewarding bond.