WSAVA partners with GAPFA
"We are delighted to join forces with GAPFA and look forward ti working with them to the benefit of people and animals in the months ahead" - Dr Chunekamrai.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), and the Global Alliance of Pet Food Association (GAPFA) have announced a new partnership.
Both of the two not-for-profit organisations focus on advancing the welfare of companion animals, with better veterinary care and nutrition, and advocating for responsible pet ownership, and their partnership will focus on collaborating to promote global pet wellness.
The partnership will also promote scientific research that demonstrates the positive and enriching roles that pets play in both family and community life.
In conjunction with the annual GAPFA Technical Congress, held virtually this year, the partnership was celebrated on 15 June. Dr Siraya Chunekamrai, WSAVA president, was invited to share an overview of WSAVA's main projects and plans to the GAFPA members watching across the world.
Dr Chunekamrai has commented on the partnership, saying: “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.”
President of GAPFA, Robert Kaczmarek, also commented: “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.
“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 organisations have also signed agreements previously with a third not-for-profit organisation – the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). All three of the organisations recognise their common priorities and aim to work together to enhance global understanding of the importance of pet welfare, and the benefits of the human-animal bond.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
