Best Friends National Conference

Join us for the 2025 Best Friends National Conference

Join us at the Best Friends National Conference, happening February 20-22 in Palm Springs, California, and let’s make history. #bring2025home

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

You will hear from presenters from different backgrounds and 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.

Beyond the 90+ sessions to choose from, you’ll have access to the Hub to enjoy delicious food, mingle with exhibitors and sponsors, score some awesome conference swag, 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 outdoor activities, and you can attend our closing party with plenty of scrumptious food stations, drinks, music, and games.

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

Group photo of people with conference lanyards on

Registration opens in mid-November.

Hear from leading experts in animal welfare and beyond

We are working hard to build a speaker lineup that ensures a diverse range of perspectives, actionable insights, and innovative strategies to help your organization and community reach or sustain no-kill status in 2025.

Here’s a look at some of our engaging and informative speakers from 2024:

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

Watch select sessions

Volunteer and help save lives

Want to have fun while making a difference? Volunteer at the 2025 National Conference in Palm Springs.

Volunteering is a great way to help the animals, all while having fun and meeting new people who also have an interest in animal welfare. If you would like to volunteer or have questions about volunteering, please email nationalvolunteers@bestfriends.org today.