Backing those who back pets
By standing alongside vets, vet and animal advocates and behaviourists, we can make a difference to our Kiwi pets, helping them live longer, happier, healthier lives.
New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA)
NZVA are the voice of New Zealand’s veterinary profession. They raise awareness of vets’ vital contribution, and drive change to improve the wellbeing of both vets and the animals they care for. Their expert advice helps make our insurance cover and products even better.
We’re proud to have partnered with NZVA since 2017 to support vets in having open, informed conversations with pet parents about pet insurance, so that no pet needs to miss out on treatment because the cost is out of reach for their owner.
How we support NZVA:
- Promoting joint initiatives that help keep pets safe, like the food safety campaign, PawsOff!
- Creating resources to help vets talk confidently about pet insurance and why it's important
- Sharing trusted healthcare guidance for pet owners across New Zealand
- Providing support to vet clinic teams through access to online counselling services
Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs
Guide dogs are life-changing for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. They offer companionship, encourage confidence, and help build independence.
As New Zealand’s sole provider of professionally trained guide dogs, Blind Low Vision NZ covers the costs of breeding, raising and training each pup. Keeping puppies healthy and in their best condition as they progress through their training is where Southern Cross Pet Insurance comes in – providing insurance to help make their health care easy and fuss-free for guide dog trainers and puppy raisers.
How we support Blind Low Vision NZ:
- Since August 2024, we’ve insured every new guide dog puppy, helping to reduce the cost of healthcare for these remarkable dogs
- Our financial contribution helps more puppies make it through to be fully trained guide dogs
- We also promote and support key fundraising events, like PAWGUST, within our team and to our customers
Pet Refuge
Cruelty to or threats against household pets is heartbreakingly common in situations of family violence. For many, fear for their pet’s safety prevents them from leaving an abusive situation.
Pet Refuge provides safe, temporary homes for pets, with the goal of reuniting them with their families once it’s safe to do so. We’ve partnered with Pet Refuge since 2020, helping to provide over 67,000 safe nights for pets in need of protection.
How we support Pet Refuge:
- Our sponsorship helps Pet Refuge with the cost of providing shelter & care to vulnerable pets – to help them heal physically and emotionally
- We promote and support key fundraising activities
- Our team members volunteer at the Pet Refuge shelter
Mark Vette
Mark Vette is an internationally renowned animal behaviourist, zoologist, trainer, educator, author and TV personality.
His training philosophy is built on a simple but powerful idea: when you truly understand your pet, you can create a loving, balanced, problem-free relationship that lasts a lifetime.
How we work with Mark Vette:
- Mark’s knowledge and experience make him a trusted partner for advice on choosing the right pet and understanding behaviours that help pets thrive
- A well-trained pet means fewer issues for owners (and happier pets!). That’s why Mark offers 15% off his training courses for Southern Cross Pet customers
Mark Vette's advice for happier animals
How to prevent anxiety in dogs
Read Mark’s advice for raising a calm, confident puppy by giving them the right start in life.
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How to prevent your cat from hunting
Mark has some great suggestions to prevent your cat from hunting our native wildlife.
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Bringing an older pet into your home
Read Mark’s helpful tips about how to help an older pet settle in a new home.
Read more