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SPCA advocates for the use of low-stress, force-free training methods, which focus on positive reinforcement.

SPCA is concerned about the use of dazers due to their potential to cause welfare compromise. SPCA advocates that alternative techniques are used to control and/or train dogs, such as reward-based training methods to address barking and other unwanted behaviours.

SPCA advocates that bite sticks should only be carried or utilised by people who follow strict procedural guidelines, are properly trained, understand the circumstances that are appropriate for the use of bite sticks, and who are at risk of encountering aggressive animals.

SPCA advocates for a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks in New Zealand due to the distress and harm they cause to animals. SPCA advocates that fireworks, pyrotechnics and gas-fired explosions should never be permitted to be used at events involving animals due to the distress they cause animals.

SPCA advocates fish must only be kept as companions when a person has the knowledge, ability, and means to provide them with a Good Life where they experience positive welfare and meet their physical, health and behavioural needs.

SPCA advocates that the freeze branding of animals must only ever take place when easily visualised permanent identification of an animal is mandatory and when microchipping is not a valid alternative.

SPCA advocates that aggressive behaviour in dogs must not be encouraged as this poses a significant, avoidable, and indiscriminate risk to people and other animals. SPCA opposes the use of dogs specifically for the purposes of guarding commercial or private properties.

SPCA is concerned about animal hoarding and recognises that it is a complex issue which encompasses mental health, animal welfare, and public safety concerns.

SPCA advocates that all persons involved in the breeding, keeping, or use of horses, ponies and other domesticated equines must have the facilities, skills, knowledge, and resources to provide them with a Good Life where they experience positive welfare and meet their physical, health and behavioural needs throughout their life.

SPCA advocates that owners of a companion animal ensure that the animal is appropriately identifiable.