Join us at the Best Friends National Conference, happening July 11-13 in Orlando, Florida, and bring lifesaving home.

At the Best Friends National Conference, you’ll learn the latest actionable tools and data-driven techniques to take home and immediately start saving more dogs and cats in your community to reach or sustain a no-kill status in 2025.

You will hear from presenters from different backgrounds and organization types, including leaders in advocacy and community engagement, field and animal services, shelter medicine and animal care, fundraising and development, and more.

Beyond the 90+ sessions to choose from, you’ll have access to the Hub to enjoy delicious food, mingle with exhibitors and sponsors, and shop for human and pet gear.

You can also join us in the Well-Being Room and designated outdoor areas to treat yourself to plenty of well-being activities, and you can attend our closing party with delicious food stations, drinks, music, and games.

Plus, you’ll make meaningful connections with fellow animal welfare volunteers and staff members from across the country.

Hear from leading experts in animal welfare and beyond

This year’s exciting speaker lineup ensures you’ll hear about the latest and most thought-provoking innovations for your organization to reach or sustain a no-kill status in 2025.

Here's a sneak peek at our list of engaging and informative speakers:

Dr. Aziza Glass, Veterinarian

Jackson Galaxy, Cat Behaviorist/YouTuber

Misty Valenta, Director at Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter

Jill Henke, Operations Director at Gateway Pet Guardians

Scott Trebatoski, Director at Hillsborough County Pet Resources Center

Shelley Delahoussaye, Shelter and Care Center Supervisor at Lafayette Animal Shelter

Meet more speakers

Learn how to save more lives

The conference schedule is designed to provide you with the latest actionable and practical lifesaving strategies you can take home to fast-track lifesaving at your organization.

You can learn how to increase live outcomes, reduce intake, be an advocate for change in your community, and much more. No matter which sessions you attend, you’ll discover the latest, most proven methods to help your organization reach or sustain no-kill status in 2025.

See the schedule

What to expect

Whether it’s your first time attending our conference or you’re a conference connoisseur, we’d be thrilled for you to join us in Orlando. Learn more about what it means to be an attendee and the inclusive spaces for all.

Attendee Experience

Volunteer and help save lives 

Want to have fun while making a difference? Volunteer at the Best Friends National Conference! 

As a volunteer, you’ll not only be giving a helping hand, but you’ll also be able to connect and swap stories and cute animal photos with fellow volunteers. If you would like to volunteer or have questions about volunteering, please email bfvolcoord@bestfriends.org today.

Volunteer opportunities

Planning your trip 

From exclusive lodging rates to travel and parking information, we’ve compiled all the information you need to plan your trip to the conference at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando.

Plan Your Trip

Earn continuing education credits at the conference.

Continuing Education opportunities

Strengthen your brand by becoming an exhibitor

Exhibiting at the Best Friends National Conference gives you the opportunity to interact with attendees face to face, generating visibility and credibility for your company. 

You can showcase your products or services to hundreds of highly passionate animal welfare leaders and gain exposure with leading decision-makers.

Become an exhibitor

Conference participants watching presentation

Show your company’s compassion and dedication to saving lives by sponsoring the Best Friends National Conference.

As a Best Friends National Conference sponsor, you’ll boost awareness of your brand among an engaged audience (including animal welfare leaders) who are ready to share their thoughts and experiences with you.

Become a Sponsor

Still not convinced you should join us this year?

Check out these highlights from last year's conference.

Best Friends National Conference

Join us at the Best Friends National Conference, happening July 11-13 in Orlando, Florida, and bring lifesaving home.

Hear from leading experts in animal welfare and beyond

This year’s exciting speaker lineup ensures you’ll hear about the latest and most thought-provoking innovations for your organization to reach or sustain a no-kill status in 2025.

Here's a sneak peek at our list of engaging and informative speakers:

Learn how to save more lives

The conference schedule is designed to provide you with the latest actionable and practical lifesaving strategies you can take home to fast-track lifesaving at your organization.

What to expect

Volunteer and help save lives

Want to have fun while making a difference? Volunteer at the Best Friends National Conference!

Planning your trip

Earn continuing education credits at the conference.

Strengthen your brand by becoming an exhibitor

Exhibiting at the Best Friends National Conference gives you the opportunity to interact with attendees face to face, generating visibility and credibility for your company.

Show your company’s compassion and dedication to saving lives by sponsoring the Best Friends National Conference.

Still not convinced you should join us this year?

A special thank-you to our 2024 sponsors!

Volunteer and help save lives 

Want to have fun while making a difference? Volunteer at the Best Friends National Conference! 

Planning your trip 

Exhibiting at the Best Friends National Conference gives you the opportunity to interact with attendees face to face, generating visibility and credibility for your company. 