People on stage at the Best Friends National Conference holding flags and banners

Best Friends National Conference

The Best Friends National Conference equips attendees with the latest tools and data-driven techniques to take home and save more lives in their communities.

The Best Friends National Conference brings together animal welfare members and volunteers from across the country to gain lifesaving knowledge and practical strategies to fast-track lifesaving at their organizations.

Best Friends CEO on stage at the Best Friends National Conference

2026 Best Friends National Conference

The Best Friends National Conference is happening May 7-9, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

At the Best Friends National Conference, the attendees will learn about the latest tools and data-driven techniques to help immediately start saving more dogs and cats in their communities — everything needed to reach or sustain no-kill status. They heard presenters from diverse 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 other animal welfare topics.

Smiling Best Friends National Conference attendee holding a Save Them All T-shirt

Why attend the Best Friends National Conference?

Come and be inspired, educated, and empowered to take your communities no kill, and make a positive impact on the lives of animals.

  • Attend sessions on a wide range of animal welfare topics to help your organization save more animals and reach or maintain no-kill status.
  • Make meaningful connections with fellow animal welfare staff members and volunteers from across the country.
  • Earn continuing education credits (CEs) or continuing education units (CEUs) to further your professional development.
  • Explore the Hub to enjoy delicious food, mingle with exhibitors and sponsors, grab conference swag, and shop for human and pet gear.

People in the audience at a Best Friends National Conference holding orange flags that say, 'Making history for homeless pets'

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Person wearing a Best Friends orange volunteer T-shirt holding a sign that says, 'How can I help?' and speaking to a Best Friends National Conference attendee

Volunteer at the 2026 national conference in Salt Lake City!

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 us at nationalvolunteers@bestfriends.org today.