2026 Exotic Pet Conference
Event Information
Vet Nurses get 50% off tickets, just email rainingrabbitsrescuenz@gmail.com for the code.
The 2026 Exotic Pet Conference is a unique event bringing together exotic veterinarians, expert guest speakers, rescue and welfare organizations, and passionate pet businesses from across New Zealand.
Spend the day learning from industry experts, connecting with fellow animal lovers, meeting rescuers, and discovering the businesses that actively support animal welfare. Browse pet products, ask questions, gain practical knowledge, and be part of a community dedicated to better care for exotic animals.
Whether you’re a pet owner, rescuer, professional, or simply passionate about animals — there’s something for everyone.
All proceeds from this event go directly to supporting the rescue work of Raining Rabbits Rescue NZ.
Note - There will not be any animals at the conference.
Expert Vet Speakers
Dr Kezia BVSc & MANZCVS - Bunny Vet Nz
Dr Kezia -CareVets Mt Wellington (BVSc & MANZCVS, Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets) is a highly respected exotic animal veterinarian. As one of Auckland’s trusted vets for rabbits, guinea pigs and other exotic companion animals, she works closely with pet owners and rescue organisations to improve welfare standards and promote evidence-based care. Dr Kezia will be speaking about key aspects of exotic pet health and welfare, sharing practical veterinary insights to help owners better understand the needs of rabbits, guinea pigs and rats. Her talk will focus on improving everyday care, recognizing health issues early, and ensuring these animals receive the specialized treatment they require.
Dr Allen BVSc, MANZCVS Avian Health - Pet Doctors St Lukes
Dr Allen – Pet Doctors St Lukes (BVSc, MANZCVS – Avian Health) is an experienced veterinarian with a strong interest in avian medicine and the care of exotic companion animals. He works closely with bird owners to support the health and welfare of companion birds through preventative care, accurate diagnosis, and specialised treatment. Dr Allen will be speaking about key aspects of bird health and welfare, sharing practical veterinary insights to help owners better understand the needs of companion birds. His talk will focus on improving everyday care, recognizing early signs of illness, and ensuring birds receive the specialized veterinary attention they require.
Dr Linda DVM & MANZCVS, Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets - Pet Doctors St Lukes
Dr Linda – Pet Doctors St Luke’s (DVM & MANZCVS, Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets) is an experienced veterinarian with a strong interest in reptile medicine and the care of exotic companion animals. She works closely with reptile owners to promote better understanding of their unique needs and to ensure they receive appropriate veterinary care. Dr Linda will be speaking about reptile health and welfare, with a focus on the importance of correct environments and adequate space. Her talk will cover essential aspects of reptile husbandry, including heating, habitat setup, and how proper environmental conditions play a vital role in maintaining reptile health.
Welfare Organisations
SPCA
SPCA is New Zealand’s leading animal welfare charity, dedicated to preventing cruelty and improving the lives of animals through rescue, advocacy, education, and enforcement of animal welfare laws. They will be discussing the current lack of a specific Code of Welfare for exotic companion animals in New Zealand, what this means for their protection, what progress may be happening in this space, and what animal owners, rescuers and advocates should be aware of moving forward.
Auckland Council
Auckland Council works to support animal welfare and responsible pet ownership across the region through animal management, community education, and public safety initiatives. They will be speaking about practical ways rabbit owners can better protect their animals, as well as why reporting incidents is important in helping authorities identify issues, respond appropriately, and improve protections for animals across the community.
Animal Justice Party
Rob McNeil Animal Justice Party Aotearoa New Zealand is a political party dedicated to advancing stronger protections for animals through policy, legislation, and advocacy. They work to ensure animal welfare is represented in political decision making and to give animals a voice within government. They will be speaking about how exotic pet guardians and animal advocates can push for stronger legal protections, including the development of a Code of Welfare for exotic companion animals. With 2026 being an election year, the talk will also explore how public engagement and political advocacy can help bring these issues into the national conversation and drive meaningful changed protection under the law.
Animal Rescues
Raining Rabbits Rescue
Raining Rabbits Rescue NZ is a New Zealand rabbit rescue dedicated to improving the lives of domestic rabbits through rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Education is a core part of the rescue’s work, with a strong focus on promoting high standards of rabbit care and helping owners better understand rabbits’ behavioural, dietary, and environmental needs. Alongside rescuing and rehoming rabbits, Raining Rabbits Rescue advocates for improved welfare standards and works closely with veterinarians, rescues, and the wider community to raise awareness about responsible rabbit ownership across New Zealand. They will be attending with a stall where visitors can learn more about rabbit welfare, responsible rabbit ownership, and the work being done to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome rabbits in need
Auckland Cavy Care
Auckland Cavy Care is a dedicated rescue and advocacy organization focused on the welfare of guinea pigs across Auckland. Through rescue, rehabilitation, education, and support for owners, they work to improve the lives of cavies and promote better standards of care for these often overlooked companion animals. They will be attending with a stall where visitors can learn more about guinea pig care, the work the rescue does in the community, and how people can support or get involved in helping cavies in need.
Happy Rescue
Happy Rescue NZ is an Auckland-based animal rescue dedicated to helping small companion animals through rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming. They work closely with the community to give vulnerable animals a second chance while also promoting responsible pet ownership and better standards of care. They will be attending with a stall where visitors can learn more about the animals they help, the work they do in the rescue community, and how people can support or get involved.
Businesses
Pet.Kiwi
Pet.Kiwi is a New Zealand owned online pet store committed to supporting animal welfare. Alongside providing quality supplies for companion animals, they work closely with rescues through initiatives such as rescue wish lists and a vaccination incentive program that helps make essential veterinary care more accessible. They will be attending with a stall where attendees can meet the team and learn more about the work they do to support both pet owners and animal rescues across New Zealand.
The Bunny Bach
The Bunny Bach is a New Zealand small animal supply business focused on providing quality hay and essentials for rabbits and guinea pigs. Alongside supporting pet owners, The Bunny Bach actively supports the rescue community by supplying hay to five rescues, helping ensure animals in care always have access to the most important part of their diet. They will be attending with a stall where visitors can learn more about rabbit and guinea pig nutrition, quality hay, and the work being done to support rescues and small animal welfare.
Bunny BnB
The Bunny BnB provides specialised boarding for rabbits and Guinea pigs in a safe, enriched environment designed around their unique needs. Focused on high welfare standards, they ensure rabbits and Guinea pigs receive proper care, space to exercise, and attentive monitoring while their owners are away. They will be attending with a stall where visitors can learn more about rabbit/guinea pig boarding, and how to ensure rabbits stay safe, comfortable, and stress free when owners are travelling.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity