Our Research

We’re focused on the big issues important to the health and welfare of Kiwi pets. Our research increases the scientific body of knowledge that helps to improve care, and results in new and better diagnostic investigation and treatment options for Kiwi pets. We also support studies into the value of pets to society, the human-pet bond, and we aim to communicate our findings to the public.

Our Objectives

  • To promote better public understanding of companion animal welfare, breeding, nutrition, management, health, diseases and performance.
  • To encourage the study and understanding of companion animals in New Zealand.
  • To foster project or welfare work in connection with companion animals.
  • To assist with projects related to advancing the wellbeing of all companion animals.

Current Projects Underway

2024

  • Grant: Research in Practice
  • Recipient: Rhea Jagdhane 
  • Project Title: Lavage Volume in Blind BAL: Catheter Size vs. Body Weight
  • Status: Underway

2023

  • Grant: Discretionary
  • Recipient: Rene Corner-Thomas 
  • Project Title: Impact and duration of novelty of environmental enrichment for colony dogs
  • Status: Underway

2022

  • Grant: Research in Practice
  • Recipient: Kelsey Renner
  • Project Title: Pharmacokinetics and observational study of remdesivir in cats with FIP
  • Status: Underway

2022

  • Grant: Human-Animal Bond
  • Recipient: Elysha de Rybel
  • Project Title: Oxytocin responses to domestic dog-handler interactions in a doggy-daycare environment
  • Status: Underway

2022

  • Grant: Discretionary
  • Recipient: Hayley Hunt
  • Project Title: Episodic Collapse and Abnormal Movements in German Shorthair Pointer puppies
  • Status: Underway

2022

  • Grant: Human-Animal Bond
  • Recipient: Marc Wilson
  • Project Title: Is pet ownership associated with better health and wellbeing?
  • Status: Underway

2021

  • Grant: Research in Practice
  • Recipient: Joon Seo
  • Project Title: Feline Cardiomyopathy in New Zealand cats
  • Status: Underway

2021

  • Grant: Research in Practice
  • Recipient: Lorna Hardy
  • Project Title: Echocardiographic measurements and cardiac biomarker concentrations in dogs presenting with diarrhoea.
  • Status: Underway