Two global not-for-profit pet organisations, focussed on
advancing companion animal veterinary care, nutrition and responsible pet
ownership, announced they will work together to promote global pet
wellness and scientific research that demonstrates the positive roles pets play
in family and community life. The WSAVA and the Global Alliance of Pet Food Associations (GAPFA) have
signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on advancing common
priorities and topics related to pet wellness, nutrition, and clinical care of
companion animals.
The new partnership was celebrated in conjunction with
the annual GAPFA Technical Congress held virtually on 15 June, during which
WSAVA President Dr. Siraya Chunekamrai was invited to share an overview of
WSAVA’s key projects and future plans and priorities with GAPFA members from
around the globe.
Dr Chunekamrai says: “WSAVA members advocate for both the
welfare and wellbeing of animals and of veterinary teams. Promoting the
value of the Human-Animal Bond is one of our key priorities and we do this not
only through our global veterinary community but also in collaborative
leadership with like-minded associations, such as GAPFA. We are delighted
to join forces with GAPFA and look forward to working with them to the benefit
of people and animals in the months ahead.”
“With the common purpose of being advocates for the
health and well-being of companion animals around the world, we are excited to
partner with WSAVA the voice of the global small animal veterinary profession,”
says Robert Kaczmarek, President of GAPFA. “Veterinary care and pet nutrition
go hand-in-hand, and we welcome the opportunity to help promote the well-being
of pets who provide companionship and benefits through the human-animal bond,
as recently demonstrated during the pandemic. We have the opportunity to make a
real change for both pets and the people who love them through this
partnership.”
Both WSAVA and GAPFA have previously signed agreements to
collaborate with a third not-for-profit organisation, the Human Animal Bond
Research Institute (HABRI), which maintains the world’s largest online library
of human-animal-bond research and information. The three organisations
recognise they share many common priorities and a desire to enhance global
awareness of the importance of pet wellness and the benefits of the human-animal
bond and living with pets.
