In a heartfelt conversation on Radio Waatea, community advocate Carly Triska spoke about the powerful role that animals play in strengthening human wellbeing – and how one initiative focused on supporting pets is helping to build stronger, more connected whānau and communities.
Triska’s kōrero shone a light on an often overlooked part of community welfare: the bond between people and their companion animals. Her work is rooted in the belief that supporting pets in times of stress not only improves animal wellbeing, but also strengthens the emotional resilience of the people who care for them.
Triska highlighted that pets are more than companions; they are family. For many people, particularly older adults, rangatahi, those living alone or whānau under pressure, animals provide comfort, structure and unconditional support.
Yet when hardship strikes – whether financial strain, housing instability or health challenges – the wellbeing of pets is frequently jeopardised. This can place additional stress on their caregivers, who may feel unable to afford veterinary care, adequate food or even safe accommodation for their pets.
Triska’s work focuses on bridging that gap, ensuring that pets and their people are supported holistically.
A key part of the initiative is practical support – from subsidised or free veterinary care to food assistance and connection with community networks that can help when owners are struggling.
By reducing the practical barriers to keeping pets healthy and in safe homes, the programme aims to prevent avoidable surrender or abandonment of animals – an outcome that Triska notes is traumatic for both pets and their whānau.
Such support also has social benefits. Pets often act as de facto social connectors, helping isolated individuals feel less alone and encouraging engagement in community spaces.
Triska’s kōrero underlined that initiatives supporting pets can have ripple effects beyond individual households.
By recognising the importance of these relationships, organisations and policymakers can better support community wellbeing in ways that are culturally responsive and socially meaningful.
A focus on animal welfare as part of broader social support reflects an understanding that health and wellbeing are interconnected – encompassing emotional, physical and relational dimensions.
When whānau feel supported in caring for their pets, they are more likely to engage with other services, build connections and contribute positively to the community.
Triska also noted that discussions about pets and wellbeing help challenge stigma around who receives support and why.
Too often, people feel their concerns are trivialised – “it’s just a pet” – when in reality, the wellbeing of companion animals is deeply linked to human health and community cohesion.
By advocating for animal-inclusive support services, Triska is encouraging a more compassionate and comprehensive view of social welfare.
The kōrero closed with a call to community and government alike to recognise the value of programmes that support both people and their pets.
Animals are part of our whānau, and ensuring their wellbeing is part of ensuring the wellbeing of the communities we belong to.
As Aotearoa continues to navigate social pressure points – from housing and cost of living pressures to mental health challenges – recognising the role of pets in everyday life offers a fresh lens on resilience, connection and collective care.
