Chandigarh: Chandigarh emerged as a vibrant hub of global veterinary expertise this past weekend, hosting over a thousand veterinary professionals, distinguished scientists, and international policymakers. They gathered for the 23rd World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Continuing Education India Program and the 16th FSAPAI National Symposium International Conference, held from November 14 to 16, 2025.
The three-day seminal event, organized by the Small Animal Clinicians’ Association, Chandigarh (SACA) under the esteemed aegis of the Federation of Small Animal Practitioners Associations of India (FSAPAI), took place at The Lalit Hotel. The core focus of the conference was the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies with compassionate small animal care. Experts engaged in extensive discussions on a diverse array of critical subjects, ranging from groundbreaking diagnostic methodologies to advanced surgical innovations and enhanced welfare protocols. These discussions were meticulously designed to elevate the standards of small animal treatment across India.
International Stalwarts Share Expertise
A significant highlight of the conference was the active participation of two internationally acclaimed veterinarians from Australia. These luminaries included Associate Professor Christopher Tan, a highly respected specialist surgeon and co-hospital director at SASH Vets in Sydney, and Dr. Ellie Leister, a distinguished critical care specialist and Director of the Pet Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Brisbane. Both speakers, celebrated leaders in their respective fields of advanced surgery and critical animal care, shared invaluable insights and presented pioneering research. Their contributions profoundly enriched the learning experience for Indian veterinary practitioners. Their expertise is widely recognized and highly regarded by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS).
Compassion at the Core of Veterinary Practice
Addressing the esteemed gathering, a prominent member of the organizing committee eloquently stated, “This conference is about more than just science and technology; it’s about the very essence of our profession: compassion. The knowledge shared this weekend will directly shape the future of animal well-being and underscore our ethical responsibility to advocate for their welfare.” This statement resonated deeply with the attendees, reaffirming the humanitarian aspect of veterinary science.
The conference successfully fostered an environment of robust collaboration and the free exchange of innovative ideas. This interactive setting enabled attendees to significantly broaden their global perspectives and critically rethink conventional approaches to animal healthcare. With experts from diverse corners of the world sharing their unique experiences and research findings, the conference achieved its objective of cultivating a unified and impactful outlook towards improving animal health, transcending geographical and national boundaries.
The organizers expressed unwavering confidence that the insightful discussions, shared knowledge, and collaborative spirit fostered during the three-day symposium would make a substantial contribution to establishing a stronger, more compassionate, and technologically advanced veterinary ecosystem in India. This event is expected to leave a lasting legacy, inspiring future advancements in small animal healthcare.
