2026 Pet Industry Conferences & Trade Shows
Explore our curated list of 50+ pet industry events that cater to a diverse range of pet professionals. Whether you're a passionate pet groomer, a visionary entrepreneur in the pet tech space, a dedicated veterinarian, or a retail aficionado specializing in pet products, there's a special event tailored just for you.
Discover the latest trends, innovations, and insights that are shaping the future of the pet industry. From cutting-edge technology in pet healthcare to the trendiest pet accessories hitting the market, these conferences offer a unique platform to network with like-minded professionals, gain industry knowledge, and foster collaborations that can take your career or pet business to new heights.
Why Attend a Pet Trade Show?
- Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with industry colleagues, industry leaders, and potential collaborators who share your passion for pets. Networking opportunities at major pet industry conferences include special events, after-hours receptions, and the trade show floor.
- Education and Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with sessions led by experts, covering topics ranging from pet nutrition to retail strategies and everything in between. Educational sessions at these events cover market trends, marketing, merchandising, and specialized tracks like pet sustainability. Data and insights are crucial for identifying market gaps and refining strategies in the pet industry.
- Product Showcases: Explore the latest and greatest in pet products and services, gaining firsthand exposure to innovations that can set your business apart. Innovative ideas in pet retail are being transformed into practical strategies to enhance customer loyalty. The pet industry is also witnessing a rise in consumer spending and market consolidation as key financial trends.
- Business Growth: Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the industry, these events provide invaluable opportunities to grow your business, attract new clients, and stay competitive. Technology and innovation are accelerating growth and efficiency in the pet industry through AI and automation.
Select Your Pet Business
Pet Industry Expos & Trade Shows
A pet care trade show and expo is a specialized event that brings together professionals, businesses, and enthusiasts from the pet care industry. These events serve as platforms for networking, education, and the showcasing of products and services related to pet care. The primary goal is to create a collaborative environment where individuals and companies within the pet care sector can connect, exchange ideas, stay informed about industry trends, and explore the latest innovations.
| Pet Industry Leadership Summit | Jan. 26-28 | Phoenix, AZ |
| Global Pet Expo | Mar. 25-27 | Orlando, FL |
| Animal Care Expo | Apr. 7-10 | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Best Friends National Conference | May 7-9 | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo West | May 25-28 | Phoenix, AZ |
| SuperZoo | Aug. 12-14 | Las Vegas, NV |
| Colorado Animal Welfare Conference | Aug. 18-20 | Lakewood, CO |
| IBPSA Flow Business Conference | TBD | TBD |
| Pet Connect USA | October | Los Angeles, CA |
| Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo | Nov. 3-6 | Hershey, PA |
Veterinary Conferences & Trade Shows
A veterinary conference and trade show is a specialized event designed to bring together professionals in the field of veterinary medicine, offering a unique blend of education, networking opportunities, and exposure to the latest products and services in the industry. These events are crucial for veterinarians, vet technicians, and other veterinary professionals who are committed to staying informed about advancements in veterinary science, technology, and best practices.
Veterinary professionals are typically required to renew their licenses periodically. Attending conferences that offer accredited continuing education allows veterinarians to accumulate the necessary credits for license renewal.
| Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) | Jan. 17-21 | Orlando, FL |
| Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) | Feb. 15-18 | Las Vegas, NV |
| Fetch Charlotte | Mar. 13-14 | Charlotte, NC |
| Pet Health Expo | Mar. 25-27 | Orlando, FL |
| UVSA Annual Conference | Apr. 20-22 | Savana, GA |
| Chicago Vet Show | TBD | Chicago, IL |
| Fetch Nashville Veterinary Conference | May 29-30 | Nashville, TN |
| ACVIM Forum | Jun. 10-13 | Seattle, WA |
| AVMA Convention | Jul. 10-14 | Anaheim, CA |
| ASPCA Shelter Medicine Conference | Jul. 10-12 | Ithaca, NY |
| Fetch Kansas City Veterinary Conference | Aug. 28-30 | Kansas City, MO |
| VHMA Annual Meeting & Conference | Sep. 10-12 | Reno, NV |
| AAHA Con | Sep. 17-19 | Portland, OR |
| Fetch National Harbor Veterinary Conference | Sep. 18-19 | National Harbor, MD |
| AHVMA Annual Conference | Oct. 3-6 | San Diego, CA |
| Wild West Vet Show | Oct. 14-17 | Reno, NV |
| New York Vet Show | Oct. 29-30 | New York, NY |
| Fetch Long Beach Veterinary Conference | Dec. 4-5 | Long Beach, CA |
| Access to Veterinary Care Conference | TBD | Virtual |
Dog Training & Behavior Conferences
A dog training and behavior conference is an event that brings together professionals, enthusiasts, and experts in the field of canine training and behavior. These conferences serve as platforms for individuals involved in dog training, behavior modification, and related disciplines to exchange knowledge, share insights, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the industry.
These conferences cater to a diverse audience, including professional dog trainers, behavior consultants, veterinarians, shelter and rescue workers, and passionate dog owners. Whether someone is a seasoned professional looking to expand their knowledge or a novice seeking foundational skills, attending a dog training or behavior conference can be an enriching and inspiring experience. These events play a crucial role in advancing the field, promoting positive training methods, and fostering a community dedicated to the well-being and understanding of our canine companions.
| Clicker Expo Virtual | Jan. 23-25 | Virtual |
| Clicker Expo | Mar. 20-22 | Westchester County, NY |
| Dog Behavior Conference | Apr. 17-19 | Virtual |
| Psychiatric Service Dog Partners Peer Convention | TBD | TBD |
| IAABC Foundation Animal Behavior Conference | Apr. 24-26 | Burlington, VT |
| Working Dog Search & Rescue Conference | Apr. 7-9 | Paducah, KY |
| National Service Dogs Conference | TBD | St. Charles, MO |
| Canine Science Biannual Conference | Jun. 4-6 | Vancouver, Canada |
| CANIS Conference | Oct. 7-10 | Schaumburg, IL |
Dog Grooming Shows & Expos
A dog grooming show and expo is a specialized event that brings together professionals, enthusiasts, and businesses involved in the dog grooming industry. These shows provide a platform for groomers, stylists, pet care professionals, and suppliers to showcase their skills, products, and services. The primary focus is on grooming techniques, industry trends, and the latest innovations in grooming tools and products.
One of the highlights of these events is grooming competitions where talented groomers showcase their skills in various categories such as breed-specific grooming, creative grooming, and speed grooming.
| Barkleigh's Pet Pro Cruise | Jan. 5-10 | Western Carribean |
| Groom Expo West | Feb. 19-22 | Pasadena, CA |
| GROOM'D | Mar. 13-15 | Atlanta, GA |
| Northwest Grooming Show | Apr. 16-19 | Tacoma, WA |
| Intergroom | May 14-17 | Secaucus, NJ |
| PetQuest | Jun. 18-21 | Wilmington, OH |
| World Groom | Jul. 28 | Virtual |
| Groom Texas | Jul. 16-19 | Houston, TX |
| All American Grooming Show | Aug. 13-16 | Schaumburg, IL |
| Groom Expo | Sep. 10-13 | Hershey, PA |
| New England Grooming Show | Sep. 25-28 | Springfield, MA |
| Fun in the Sun Grooming Show | Oct. 1-4 | Orlando, FL |
Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Conferences
A pet sitting conference is an event specifically designed for professionals and individuals involved in the pet-sitting industry. Pet sitting refers to the practice of temporarily caring for someone else's pets, typically in the pet owner's home, when they are away for work, travel, or other reasons. These conferences serve as a platform for pet sitters, pet care professionals, and related businesses to come together, share knowledge, network, and stay updated on industry trends.
| Focus Summit | Feb. 4 | Virtual |
| Texas Pet Sitters Association Conference | Feb. 20-22 | Austin, TX |
| National Association of Professional Pet Sitters Conference | Feb. 27 - Mar. 1 | Raleigh, NC |
| PSI Annual Education Conference | Nov. 6-8 | Albuquerque, NM |
Attending a conference or trade show in the pet industry holds immense value for professionals and enthusiasts alike. These events serve as dynamic platforms for networking, knowledge exchange, and staying abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the pet sector.
The opportunity to connect with industry leaders, experts, and like-minded individuals fosters collaboration, idea generation, and potential business partnerships. Additionally, workshops, seminars, and product showcases provide valuable insights, enabling attendees to enhance their skills and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Overall, participating in such events not only contributes to individual professional growth but also plays a pivotal role in advancing the collective development and sustainability of the pet industry.
Joseph Schifano
Joseph Schifano is the President of The Academy of Pet Careers and the Founder of DogNerdly.
With over 20 years of professional pet experience, Joseph began his journey as the owner/operator of a successful seven-figure pet care business. He later acquired The Academy of Pet Careers, aiming to elevate the quality of care provided by industry professionals. This position enabled him to connect with leading experts in the field and deepen his knowledge in all aspects of pet care.