A unique opportunity to learn about canine science from the scientists themselves

An information-packed applied science conference with the latest research about canine behavior, training, sheltering, & welfare. Perfect for practitioners who value & use evidence-based interventions to improve the lives of dogs

2 days, 14 presentations, 1 Emerging Scientists Session, 1 All-Speaker Roundtable, plus…

Breakfast, lunch, & afternoon breaks that facilitate networking with other evidence-based sheltering, behavior, training, & welfare professionals. Conversations with our Speakers & Emerging Scientists where you can speak one-on-one about their work. Dog-related products you can purchase & programs that you can learn more about from our sponsors.

We have flipped our registration costs!

Traveling for continuing education is expensive & time intensive. We value the impromptu discussions & connections that are so valuable in our field. This year, we are making it more affordable to attend at San Francisco State University. Come join us in this experiment!

For folks that want to attend via Zoom, please do so! We love that you can do this from anywhere in the world & learn about the latest in canine science. As the Symposium has included more Zoom options, we have incurred additional costs - but they are well worth it as our goals are science communication & access to education. This year, the full Symposium will be live streamed and recorded. (In previous years, we only provided the morning presentations and roundtable on Zoom.)

We hope if you are interested in attending this year’s Canine Science Symposium that you consider doing so in-person; but if that’s not an option, we hope to see you on Zoom. Questions? Email Dr. Lisa Gunter directly at lisagunter@vt.edu.

Location

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

dates

Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18, 2025

registration

Early Bird (Register before Jan 21)

*In-Person* Weekend: $199, 1-Day: $100

*Zoom* Weekend: $275, 1-Day: $138

ceus:

CCPDT, IAABC, KPA, PPG (14 CEUs)

Emerging scientists session

The aim of the Emerging Scientists Session is to share up-and-coming research by new scientists with Symposium attendees & connect these scientists with shelter & behavior practitioners that can utilize their findings – & possibly become future collaborators! 

Abstract Submission Deadline: March 17, 2025

registration

Early bird: until 1/20, Discounted: Until 3/31, Regular: 4/1 on

IN-PERSON: Early Bird Weekend ($199), 1-Day ($100) | Discounted Weekend ($275), 1-Day ($138) | Regular Weekend ($375), 1-Day ($188)

ZOOM: Early Bird Weekend ($275), 1-Day ($138) | Discounted Weekend ($350), 1-Day ($175) | Regular Weekend ($449), 1-Day ($225)

Zoom recordings are included with Zoom registration. In-person attendees can opt-in at check-in for Zoom recordings

Please remember to click Apply a Discount on our Virginia Cooperative Extension page to receive Early Bird & Discounted pricing

Refund Policy

CEUS (In-Person, Zoom): CCPDT, IAABC, KPA, PPG (14 CEUs)

sponsorship

Your company will have the unique opportunity to engage with the top scientists in the field of companion animal behavior, as well as animal trainers, behavior consultants, veterinary professionals, animal shelter staff and volunteers. With our many sponsorship opportunities and levels of involvement, your brand visibility and connection with attendees can live on long past the event itself

This year’s Symposium speakers are experts from Dogs Trust, University of British Columbia, Monmouth University, Texas Tech, Oregon State University, and Virginia Tech

By sponsoring the 2025 Canine Science Symposium, you will be supporting scientific inquiry, science-based decision-making, and professional education

Sponsorship levels: Depending on the level you choose, your organization will receive placement in our program, on our website, recognition during the welcome presentation, inclusion in our attendee swag bag, complimentary registration, an exhibit table at the Symposium, & much more!

Reach out to Grace Phillips at gracep23@vt.edu for more information about our sponsorship opportunities.

Our 2025 Canine Science Symposium Sponsors

location

San Francisco State University

Morning & afternoon sessions will be held in the Seven Hills Conference Center. City Eats will host our lunches each day (which is included in registration)

Use this address when mapping to the Seven Hills and Towers Conference Centers: 796 State Drive, San Francisco, CA 94132. This is also the same address for the nearby SFSU Parking Garage

For accommodations, check out these options near campus, presented by San Francisco State University

ask us anything!

Submit your question here for the Ask Us Anything Speaker Roundtable at this year’s Canine Science Symposium.

Contact Us

If you have questions, send us a message. We’re happy to answer them. We’re looking forward to seeing you at this year’s Canine Science Symposium!