World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Congress in Poland

The 50th World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) World Congress was successfully held from September 25 to 27 at the Riocentro Convention Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Hosted by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, this year’s congress was themed “Heritage and Innovation” and, for the first time, co-organized with the Brazilian National Association of Small Animal Veterinarians and the Federation of Ibero-American Veterinary Associations. It stands as the most significant annual academic and commercial event in the global small animal veterinary field.

Record-Breaking Attendance and Exhibition Scale. Marking both the 66th anniversary of WSAVA’s founding and the 50th edition of the congress, this event drew over 5,200 veterinary professionals, industry experts, and corporate representatives from more than 100 countries worldwide. Additional data indicate that total attendance exceeded 16,000. The congress featured more than 300 academic lectures, hands-on workshops, and specialized forums, covering cutting-edge topics such as veterinary oncology, medical imaging, anesthesiology, and dentistry. The exhibition area spanned 12,018 square meters, hosting 218 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest diagnostic equipment, pharmaceuticals, and intelligent management systems. Notably, the congress introduced a dedicated “One Health” thematic zone for the first time, exploring collaborative governance among human, animal, and environmental health, while cultural exchange activities highlighted Rio’s rich diversity.

First Comprehensive Sustainability Assessment Sets New Global Benchmark for Veterinary Conferences. This marked the inaugural comprehensive sustainability and impact assessment undertaken by WSAVA. For the first time, the congress measured its complete carbon footprint, establishing a baseline of 5,173.64 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. Organizers implemented numerous eco-friendly measures: eliminating carpets in exhibition halls, substituting fresh flowers with rented greenery, reducing single-use plastics, promoting plant-based menus and whole-fruit service options. Digital electronic posters replaced traditional printed ones, significantly cutting down on paper waste while simultaneously uploading content to the conference app for easy access by attendees. These initiatives have positioned WSAVA 2025 as a new benchmark for sustainable practices in the global veterinary community.

Chinese Companies Show Strong Presence, Significantly Enhancing Internationalization. With 218 exhibitors participating in the congress, Chinese firms stood out prominently. Leading Chinese medical device manufacturer Mindray showcased high-end imaging equipment. Shanghai GlinX Biotechnology participated under the theme “Shaping the Future of Pet Health Diagnostics,” creating a booth that seamlessly blended clinical rigor with warm pet-centric care. The company presented innovative products such as highly sensitive canine virus test kits and intelligent animal health management systems, securing preliminary cooperation agreements with several international buyers.

Substantial Social Contributions and Community Engagement. In collaboration with exhibitor VETNIL, the congress launched a pet food donation campaign, collecting over 7.5 tons of pet food to support local communities. Additionally, paid Zumba classes were organized to raise funds for Pro Salus, an international non-profit organization dedicated to veterinary welfare. The congress achieved gender parity among speakers, introduced AI-powered meeting summary features to enhance content accessibility, and established family-friendly spaces, deeply embedding social inclusivity into the overall conference experience.

Positive Feedback from Exhibitors and Industry Participants. WSAVA President Jim Berry remarked in his annual summary: “2025 was a year of remarkable progress—strengthening educational programs, launching new resources, and deepening partnerships. With over 5,200 colleagues gathered in Rio, your enthusiasm and energy made this event an unforgettable celebration of our profession.” Exhibiting companies widely praised the high quality of professional buyers and the vibrant atmosphere for technical exchanges. Attendees agreed that WSAVA, as the most influential professional gathering in the global small animal veterinary sector, has become a strategic platform for companies to showcase technology, connect with clients, gain insights into emerging trends, and expand their global market reach. The next WSAVA Congress will take place in Warsaw, Poland, from October 13 to 15, 2026.