United for a No-Kill Nation, Best Friends National Conference to Convene Animal Welfare Leaders and Advocates

Media Contact
Alina Hauptman : alinah@bestfriends.org
Three-day event focused on increasing pet lifesaving in the United States July 11 - 13 in Orlando, Florida

Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters in 2025, is proud to announce the upcoming Best Friends National Conference, scheduled for July 11-13, in Orlando, Florida. This pivotal annual event unites industry leaders, animal welfare advocates, and community and state representatives from around the country to catalyze change and promote humane policies for dogs and cats in U.S. shelters.  

The conference, which will feature an array of speakers, including nonprofit leaders and animal welfare experts, will cover pressing issues such as how to increase pet adoption nationwide in order to reduce the number of dogs and cats being killed in U.S. shelters. Pet adoption has slowed since pre-pandemic and data shows that if just 6 percent more Americans looking to acquire a pet chose to adopt versus purchase, the U.S. would achieve no-kill.  

Other conference topics will include the benefits of no-kill policies to communities, the importance of legislative support in achieving a no-kill nation in 2025, and the role of community programs in sustainable and impactful animal welfare practices. Content is geared toward increasing shelter pet lifesaving capacity at a time when 62 percent of U.S. shelters have achieved no-kill.  

"The Best Friends National Conference is more than just an event—it’s a strategic convening of minds dedicated to transforming animal welfare across the United States," said Julie Castle, CEO, Best Friends Animal Society. "With the support of this community of animal welfare experts and key influencers, we can advance significant changes, policies, and best practices that protect dogs and cats across the nation."

In addition, Best Friends is excited to introduce its inaugural Advocacy Awards at this year’s conference. This special ceremony will celebrate leaders and representatives pushing for a no-kill nation. These awards recognize the dedication and efforts of those who have made significant contributions to advancing no-kill policies and practices, further highlighting the conference's commitment to a future where every dog and cat in America's shelters is given a chance at life.  

"At this critical juncture in animal sheltering, it is essential that we unite to enhance understanding and collaboration across all sectors," said Castle. "This conference serves as an exceptional forum for industry experts and the general public alike to explore and recognize the substantial community benefits of humane animal practices.”

“Best Friends Animal Society invites lawmakers, animal welfare advocates, and members of the general public to participate in this event that brings together people of all ages, backgrounds and politics around our shared love of animals and common goal to protect them,” said Castle. “We urge you to join us, lend your voice, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of animal sheltering in our communities.”  

For more information about the conference and to register, visit here. 

About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in America's shelters and making the entire country no-kill. Founded in 1984, Best Friends runs lifesaving facilities and programs nationwide in partnership with more than 5,000 shelters and rescue organizations. From our headquarters in Kanab, Utah, we also operate the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary — a destination that brings our mission to life for thousands of visitors each year. We maintain the most comprehensive animal sheltering data in the country and make it accessible to the public — empowering communities with critical insights into the needs of their local shelters and how they can help. We believe every dog and cat deserves a home. And we believe that, by working together, we can Save Them All®.