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REGISTRATION

SUMMARY

Old problems, new solutions: breaking silos and building bridges to support ethical, sustainable sourcing of dogs and the human-dog bond

Meeting public demand for dogs while ensuring their welfare needs are met requires knowledge and insights about the scientific, ethical, and economic considerations that must be balanced now and in the future. This program will illustrate the power of shared learning, collaborative problem-solving, and civil discourse by bringing together leaders within the breeding, pet industry, sheltering, academic and veterinary communities to examine how different stakeholders think about and approach canine welfare. Participants will discuss common needs and challenges, such as rehoming, welfare-friendly kennel design, and canine behavior management. An introduction to the sciences of animal welfare and their applications to evidence-based assessment of dog welfare and responsible practice and policy will be offered. Attendees will gain a foundation that empowers them to envision and test new solutions while cultivating the compassion, new partnerships and leaders needed to create a better world for dogs and the people who love and care for them.

The program is open to all with interests in the topic. New and previous program attendees are welcome and encouraged to attend. All participants who attend the entire duration of the conference will receive a certification of completion of animal welfare science credits.

Please call to register: (866) 515-0023

Speakers include: Dr. Candace Croney (Purdue), Valerie Benka (Ad Meliora Consulting), Dr. Sara Bennett (North Carolina State), Mike Bober (NSAM), Mark Dunn (WPA, AKC), Dr. Kendall Houlihan (AVMA), Bernadette Juarez (USDA), Robert Mast (Flat Rock Kennels), Katelyn McCullock (AVMA), Freeman Raber (Rebar Puppies), Traci Shreyer (Purdue), Dr. Judi Stella (Purdue), Stephen Stoltzfoos (Playtime Puppies), John Troyer (ICAW/Family Affair Puppies), Cole Wakefield (Good Shepherd Humane Society), Dr. Clive Wynne (Arizona State).

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The program will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, May 29 with a reception following. The Conference will conclude on Saturday, May 30 at 4:00pm. Refreshments will be served. We look forward to an exciting and engaging conference!

 

Click HERE for the 2026 Tentative Agenda 

Click HERE for the 2026 Conference Flyer

 

Questions regarding registration, please contact confreg@purdue.edu or call (866) 515-0023

 

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, a limited number of scholarships are available to help cover registration and other costs of attendance. Scholarships will be awarded based on need on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested in a scholarship? Please email crg@purdue.edu to learn more.

 

VENUE LOCATION & LODGING (ROOM BLOCK)

 

Venue and Lodging Information - Click HERE

The conference location and hotel block are located at the Courtyard by Marriott–Lafayette. 

We have a room block at the Courtyard by Marriott-Lafayette at a special Purdue rate of $149. Reservations can be made via the link above or by phone with Marriott Reservations at (765) 449-4800. To receive the conference room block rate, you must book your room by Friday, May 1, 2026 and be sure to mention the Canine Welfare Science Conference.

Courtyard by Marriott 150 Fairington Ave Lafayette, IN 47905

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For questions regarding registration please contact confreg@purdue.edu.

Purdue is committed to making its programs accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation or special assistance for this program due to a disability, please contact us at confreg@purdue.edu. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity university.

Purdue is committed to making its programs accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation or special assistance for this program due to a disability, please contact us at confreg@purdue.edu.

Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity university.

 

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WHEN

May 29, 2026 – May 30, 2026

WHERE

Courtyard by Marriott

150 Fairington Ave
Lafayette, 47905

PLANNER

WEBSITES

Purdue Conferences