What is
World Pet Health Month?
World Pet Health Month (WPHM) is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness around keeping pets healthy. It’s an annual celebration launched in February 2026 by PD Insurance alongside international brands.
These include Healthy Pets New Zealand (our charity partner that’s dedicated to funding pet health research) and Blue Badge Insurance (an Australian disability equipment insurance provider that offers Assistance Dog insurance).
World Pet Health Month reminds us that pet lifespans are shorter than ours and they can’t advocate for themselves. We have a special responsibility to keep them happy and healthy and give them the care they deserve.
Research shows
+-2.2 million
The number of pets in NZ
3,470
The number of vets in NZ
996
The number of genetic dog illnesses
464
The number of genetic cat illnesses
80%
The number of NZ dogs and cats aged 3+ with dental disease
12%
The percentage of PD-insured survey respondents who euthanised a pet due to treatment costs before having insurance
Sources below
Why in
February?
Join the movement
You know how much your pet means to you. Celebrate your commitment to their wellbeing. Join the movement and make our pet health promise – simple, meaningful promises that put their health and happiness first.
You'll get your own personalised WPHM certificate sent to your inbox
1900s
The first small animal veterinary practices emerge, sparking a movement dedicated to the health and happiness of companion animals.
1996
Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) is founded, later launching the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR). This national microchip database helps lost pets find their way home – strengthening the bond between people and their animals.
2011
The inaugural International One Health Congress is held in Melbourne, bringing together global experts to champion the interconnected health of people, pets, and the planet – a movement that continues to grow today.
2020
As the world faces lockdowns, a wave of pet adoptions sweeps across New Zealand. In a time of uncertainty, animals become trusted companions and emotional anchors for thousands of Kiwis.
2020
PD Insurance launches in New Zealand, beginning a movement to make pet care simpler, fairer, and more accessible for families everywhere.
2026
World Pet Health Month is born – a global movement led by PD Insurance and international partners to celebrate and support pet health through responsible pet parenting to keep our pets thriving.
How to
get involved
Whether you’re a pet owner, breeder, trainer, work at a shelter or simply love animals, there are plenty of ways to celebrate World Pet Health Month:
Make the pet health promise
Download and share any of our resources online
Raise funds or volunteer at a shelter
Bonus extras
WPHM calendar
A printable calendar for your fridge - to remind you of all those NB days
Dog age calculator
Work out how old your pup is in human years
Facebook banner
A banner image for your profile to show your support
Cat food chart
A handy visual of what your cat can and can’t eat
Pounce into our resources
Rise in pet accidental ingestion cases
Pets often swallow things they shouldn’t, here’s what to do
PD Insurance’s Human-Pet Bond Survey
Our nationwide survey gets to the heart of pet ownership
Managing pet costs while giving the best care
A look at balancing budgets when it comes to pets
Insure them this
World Pet Health Month
A key part of responsible pet parenting is knowing that you’re able to pay their vet bills if they get sick or injured. Pet insurance can help support pet health, and PD Insurance is New Zealand’s pet insurance specialist. We offer three cat and dog plans that cover a wide range of unexpected health issues.
PLUS, you can get 1 month free when you sign up.
Why not check out our plans or get a quote?
Number of pets in NZ: Companion Animals in New Zealand NZ Pet Data Report 2024
Number of vets in NZ: New Zealand Veterinary Workforce Report 2023-24
Hereditary dog + cat illnesses: Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals
Pet dental disease: Vet Voice – Stages of Dental Disease
Pet euthanasia: PD Insurance World Animal Day survey 2023