Join us for our next international face-to-face AASI International Conference since the COVID-19 Pandemic! We are itching to return to in-person experiences and connecting with each and every one of you outside of Teams Meetings & Zoom calls.

This conference will be a full 3 days of practical hands-on learning!

The Humane Society of Broward County has generously offered their organization to host this exciting event!

Event: 2026 AASI In-Person International Conference

Dates: Friday, 20 February to Sunday, 22 February 2026

Location: The Humane Society of Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA)

About Humane Society of Broward County:

The Humane Society of Broward County (HSBC) has been serving the community since 1944 as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to advocate for and improve the lives of animals through adoptions, community services, and education. Over the last 80 years, HSBC has expanded beyond pet adoption, offering low-cost spay/neuter services, a vaccine clinic, and support programs for veterans, seniors, and the unhoused community. Additionally, their Education Department reaches over 150,000 people annually through camps, humane education, partnerships, and Animal Assisted Therapy.

Note: 

The event will be held at a shelter, and we recommend that you please keep your canine partners at home for the safety of all. Thank you!

Service Dogs

Due to liability and objectives of free-roaming shelter dogs, service dogs are not permitted inside areas with off-leash shelter dogs that participate in hands-on sessions. Please note that the grounds are not free of parasites and illness, and you will be bringing your dogs at your own risk. 

Confirmed Speakers & Topics:

• Aubrey Fine
  • Keynote: Reflecting and Looking Forward: Where Will the Future of AAS Take Us?

• Suzanne Clothier
  • Keynote: SEE THE DOG

• Christine Olsen
  •  Assessing Animal Suitability for Animal-Assisted Services: The PADA Test

• Amy Johnson Binder
  • Sit Happens: What Shelter Dogs Wish You Would Know

• Jennifer Rogers
  • Integrating Science, Practice, and Presence in AAS

• Anice Nascimento
  • AATx with Dog in Neurofunctional Physiotherapy Treatment: A Single Subject Design Study of a Child with Cerebral Palsy and Autism 

• Whitney Romine & Lindsey Wallace
  • Evaluation Tools & Methods in AAS

• Adeline Wong
  • The Science and Soul of Redemption: AAS in the Journey from Incarceration to Community

• Janus Moncur
  • Canines Are Our Connection Conduits To Those We Serve

• Kathleen Hong & Lynn Belkin
  • Incorporating AAS Data into Electronic Health Records

• Maja Kraguljac
  • New frontiers in Complementary Treatments: AAS Combined with Holistic Practices 

• Melissa Winkle & Phoebe Yam
  • Creating Profiles: Matching Handler, Dog, & Job

• Janet Bonds
  • Taking Animal-Assisted Crisis Response to Others

• Dilion Dodson
  •  Nurturing Resilience and Intentional Well-Being: Commitment to Self is a Commitment to Your Craft

• Stephanie Peebles & Susan Tyson
  •  Enhancing Enrichment: Innovative Strategies for Canine Wellbeing and Performance
• Shelter Dog Observations
  •  Hands-On Breakout Groups, moderated by Suzanne Clothier, Melissa Winkle, Jen Rogers, Amy Johnson Binder, and Christine Olsen