Abstract submissions

ABSTRACTS INVITED

Companion Animals NZ would like to invite animal welfare scientists, veterinarians, veterinary nurses and other relevant professionals to submit an abstract for the 2027 “Turning the Tide’ CANZ Conference, to be held at Harbourside Function Venue, Wellington, on 2 March 2027.  

This conference will bring together leading voices in the companion animal space to explore what animals need for a good life and the challenges influencing pet welfare in Aotearoa. The event will have a particular focus on how we can shift from reactive responses to prevention-focused solutions. Through discussions spanning welfare science, dog and cat management, community wellbeing, and future-focused policy, the programme will examine what meaningful, prevention-based change could look like for animals and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.  

 Further information about the conference, content and location can be found here.

Abstracts are invited for oral presentations. If you have submitted an abstract for consideration by the Committee and it is accepted, you must also register to attend the Conference. 

Submissions can be made either via email or the online submission form below.

DEADLINES

  • Abstract Submission Open: 17 August 2026 

  • Abstract Submission Close: 1 December 2026 

  • Notification of Outcome: By 31 December 2026 

  • Early Bird Registrations Open: 1 August 2026 

  • Early Bird Registrations close: 15 November 2026 

  • Standard ticketing period: 16 November – mid Feb 2027 

ABSTRACT PROCESS

Abstracts should be related to our conference theme: Turning the Tide for companion animals

Turning the Tide explores how Aotearoa New Zealand can shift from reactive responses to prevention-focused solutions that improve the lives of companion animals and strengthen communities. We invite abstracts that challenge current thinking, share evidence, innovation or practical experience, and contribute to meaningful change across companion animal welfare, science, policy and practice.

GENERAL ABSTRACT INFORMATION

1. Abstracts presenting both theoretical and empirical work related to the conference theme will be considered for presentation at the Conference.

2. Abstracts must contain a clear statement of the purpose of the work, the methods used, the results, and conclusions. Results should be presented in sufficient detail to support the conclusions drawn. Except for theoretical contributions and review papers, submitted abstracts must contain data, indicate the method(s) of analysis, and provide information about test statistics.

3. Each presenting author may present only one oral paper.

4. Abstracts must not exceed 400 words in length. Abstract must include a lay person's message not exceeding 75 words in length. This is a simple summary of the work suitable for a lay audience to understand.

Email abstract Submission Guide

Contact

If you have questions about the process, please email conference@companionanimals.nz.