2026 NATIONAL SERVICE DOGS CONFERENCE

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ROOM BLOCK @ EMBASSY SUITES

 

 

ASDP Receives IACET Accreditation for Continuing Education

We are excited to announce that the Association of Service Dog Providers (ASDP) has received accreditation from the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This prestigious recognition demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful training programs. As an IACET-accredited provider, ASDP is now able to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for our educational sessions and workshops, ensuring that participants can earn recognized credit for their professional development. This accreditation will not only enhance the value of our courses but also support the ongoing growth of service dog providers by offering access to credible, industry-recognized learning opportunities. We look forward to offering CEUs for future programs, helping individuals and organizations in the service dog field advance their knowledge and skills.

2026 National Service Dog Conference

Join us for the 2026 National Service Dog Conference, a dynamic two-day event designed for professionals, veterans, first responders, mental health advocates, and dog trainers. Attendees can choose from a variety of specialized tracks, including administration, veteran support, mental health, and dog training. Your ticket includes lunch both days and an opening night reception to kick off the event.

In addition to the main conference, we’re offering valuable pre-conference events, including a one-day workshop on Reconnecting the Dog: How Natural Behaviors Resolve Modern Problems Presented By Stephanie Vichinsky of Method K9, PetTech CPR & First Aid Certification, and Mental Health First Aid training.

Venue: St. Charles Convention Center
One Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles, MO 63303

Room rate at connecting hotel Embassy Suites is $179 per night. Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis~St. Charles Hotel
Two Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles, MO 63303

For vendor inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or ticketing questions, please contact Conference Committee Chair Amanda Baity at amandabaity@servicedogs4vets.org.

CEUs: IACET, More Pending

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Who should attend?

While our annual conference is open to all who wish to attend, we craft our program to the following audiences:

  • Service Dog Providers to Disabled Veterans & First Responders
  • Service Dog Providers Who are Interested in Working with Veterans & First Responders
  • Service Dog Trainers
  • Veteran & First Responder Serving Organizations Who Want to Learn More about Service Dogs
  • Veteran & First Responder Serving Organizations That Partner with Service Providers
  • Businesses or Organizations Who Need Policy Guidance for Disabled Veterans, First Responders & Service Dog Handlers
  • Foundations & Corporations That Offer Funding to Service Dog Providers & More
  • Dog Breeders That Want to Connect with Service Dog Providers
  • Volunteers of VSOs or Individuals Interested in Volunteering to Support Veterans & First Responders
  • Veterans/First Responders and Family Members Interested in Learning More About Service Dogs
  • Any Agency That Wants to Learn About the Benefits of Service Dogs to Disabled Veterans & First Responders

2026 ASDP National Service Dog Conference – Service Dog Etiquette

Welcome, and thank you for attending the 2026 ASDP National Service Dog Conference. While attending the conference, please be advised that the following service dog etiquette will be enforced. Only service dogs are allowed at the conference. Therapy dogs and ESA dogs are not allowed access to ASDP conferences & events

You will be asked to remove your service dog from the premises if they:

  • Make a mess on the floor
  • Bite, bark at or jump on another patron
  • Wander away from their owner
  • Are disruptive

Etiquette for Interacting with People Using Service Dogs:

  • Speak to the person, not the animal.
  • Cooing at, whistling at, or otherwise distracting the dog is not appropriate.
  • Do not touch the service dog without receiving permission.
  • Do not offer food to the service dog.

Service dog public etiquette:

  • The dog must always be leashed and within 24 inches of the handler unless performing a task that requires them to be further away.
  • Never leave the dog unattended in public or hotel.
  • The dog must be properly groomed.
  • Make sure your service dog is appropriately positioned under a table and/or out of the way of foot traffic.
  • Make sure your service dog does NOT go nose to nose with other service dogs.
  • Your service dog must keep its attention on the handler, not other service dogs.

2026 Conference Committee Members

Chair

Amanda Baity

Semper K9 Assistance Dogs