APRIL 7-9, 2027
Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center
Harrisonburg, Virginia
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Join us in beautiful Harrisonburg for three days of education, collaboration, and networking with animal welfare professionals from across Virginia and beyond.
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Registration, hotel reservation information, conference schedule, exhibitors, sponsors, and additional details will be announced in the coming months, so please check back!
VIRGINIA'S PREMIER ANIMAL WELFARE CONFERENCE
Each spring, the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies brings together hundreds of animal welfare professionals, volunteers, veterinarians, animal control officers, rescue leaders, shelter staff, students, and advocates from across the Commonwealth for several days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
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The VFHS Annual Conference is more than a series of educational sessions. It is an opportunity to exchange ideas, build partnerships, celebrate successes, and strengthen the relationships that make lifesaving possible throughout Virginia. Whether you work in a municipal shelter, nonprofit rescue, veterinary clinic, animal control agency, or another area of animal welfare, you'll find practical tools, fresh perspectives, and a community of colleagues committed to improving outcomes for animals.
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Our conference features nationally recognized speakers alongside many of Virginia's own animal welfare leaders, covering topics including shelter medicine, behavior, animal control, community cat programs, foster and volunteer engagement, fundraising, communications, leadership, legislative issues, and innovative lifesaving programs. Many educational sessions are eligible for continuing education credit.
Why Attend?
Attendees can expect:
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Educational sessions led by respected experts from Virginia and across the country
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Practical, real-world strategies that can be implemented immediately
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Networking opportunities with colleagues from shelters, rescues, veterinary medicine, and animal control
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Exhibitors showcasing products, services, and resources that support animal welfare organizations
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The annual VFHS Awards Gala recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations advancing animal welfare throughout Virginia
Whether you're attending your first conference or your tenth, you'll leave with new ideas, valuable connections, and renewed inspiration for the work ahead.
Conference Scholarships:
Expanding Access to Education
VFHS believes that financial limitations should not prevent animal welfare professionals and volunteers from accessing valuable training, resources, and connections.
Full and partial scholarships may be available to employees, board members, and volunteers affiliated with current VFHS Organizational Member agencies. Scholarships are awarded based on available funding and demonstrated financial need, with priority given to individuals who have not previously attended the VFHS Annual Conference.
A full scholarship may include conference registration and hotel accommodations. Partial scholarships may cover conference registration for one, two, or three days. Travel expenses and meals not included with conference registration are not covered.
CALL FOR SPEAKERS
The Virginia Federation of Humane Societies is currently accepting proposals for educational sessions for the 2027 Annual Conference.
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We're looking for engaging presentations that provide practical knowledge, innovative ideas, and real-world solutions for today's animal welfare professionals. We welcome submissions from experienced practitioners, researchers, veterinarians, shelter leaders, animal control professionals, nonprofit experts, and other subject matter experts.
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Topics may include (but are not limited to):
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Shelter and rescue operations
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Animal behavior and enrichment
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Shelter medicine
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Foster and volunteer programs
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Community cats and TNR
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Fundraising and nonprofit leadership
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Marketing and communications
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Animal control and public safety
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Access to veterinary care
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Diversity, equity, and inclusion
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Community outreach and pet retention
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Emerging trends and innovative programs
Speaker Proposal Deadline: August 31, 2026
NOTE: We do not have it within our budget to compensate our speakers. By submitting this form, you are agreeing to present on a volunteer basis, if selected by the conference committee.​
PARTNER WITH US: CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIPS
The VFHS Annual Conference offers businesses and organizations a unique opportunity to connect directly with animal welfare professionals from across Virginia. Sponsors and exhibitors play an important role in making the conference possible while showcasing products, services, and resources that support the work of shelters, rescues, veterinarians, and animal control agencies.
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Whether you're interested in exhibiting, sponsoring educational programming, or increasing your visibility within Virginia's animal welfare community, we'd love to partner with you.