Attendees at the 2026 Best Friends National Conference

Best Friends National Conference

Thank you for joining us for the 2026 Best Friends National Conference

Best Friends National Conference in Salt Lake City may be over, but our work to save the lives of homeless pets continues. Join us for next year’s conference April 1-3, 2027, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

At the 2026 Best Friends National Conference, we gathered together to spark ideas and share practical strategies to take lifesaving to the next level in our communities — everything needed to achieve, maintain, or return to no-kill.

We heard 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. Now’s the time to put what we’ve learned into action to save more pets back home.

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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.
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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.
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2027 conference volunteer opportunities

Interested in volunteering at the 2027 Best Friends National Conference, happening April 1-3 in Charlotte, North Carolina? Email us at nationalvolunteers@bestfriends.org for more information.