Collage of images of happy people with pets in blocks

Best Friends National Conference

Animals connect us. Lifesaving leads us.

Save the date: March 31 - April 3, 2027 | Charlotte, North Carolina

This spring, the animal welfare community is coming together to spark new ideas, share practical strategies and take lifesaving to the next level. Whether your community is working to achieve no-kill, maintain it or return to it, you'll leave Charlotte with fresh tools, new connections and the momentum to save more pets back home.

You'll learn from presenters with different backgrounds and from all types of organizations, including leaders in advocacy and community engagement, field and animal services, shelter medicine and animal care, fundraising and development, and more. Let's build what's next for homeless pets, together.

Learn More

Speaker submissions are closed

Thank you to everyone who submitted a session idea! We're hard at work pulling together content for everyone to enjoy in Charlotte. Stay tuned for the full lineup.

Julie Castle addressing the 2026 Best Friends National Conference attendees with giant slides of the moon landing and Angels Canyon behind her

Notable facts from the 2026 Best Friends National Conference

At the 2026 Best Friends National Conference in Salt Lake City, we welcomed:

  • More than 1325 attendees from 49 states 
  • Over 55 exhibitors and sponsors showcasing their latest products and services to help take lifesaving to the next level nationwide
  • 192 volunteers who worked over 475 shifts and contributed 1,873 hours to make this remarkable event possible

Person on stage addressing 2026 Best Friends National Conference attendees

2026 session recordings

Recordings of all general sessions and 10+ breakout sessions are available on the Best Friends Network Partner YouTube page.
Subscribe now
Best Friends volunteers talking with 2026 Best Friends National Conference attendees beside signage with a cat

We hope to see you at the 2027 conference

Stay up to date on the latest conference details and other educational events by signing up for our email alerts.
Sign up now
Exhibitors at a booth at the Best Friends National Conference talking to an attendee

Interested in exhibiting or sponsoring?

Connect with more than 1,300 animal welfare professionals and help power lifesaving nationwide. Email us at conferences@bestfriends.org to learn about 2027 exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities.

2027 conference volunteer opportunities

Interested in volunteering at the 2027 Best Friends National Conference, happening March 31 - April 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina? Email us at nationalvolunteers@bestfriends.org for more information.