The Conference


Sessions

We're excited to return to the Ajax Convention Centre for two dynamic days of expert-led education and networking! This year's conference features three dedicated session tracks—Animal Care, Animal Services, and Leadership—offering something for everyone in the animal welfare community.

Choose from a wide range of engaging topics, including building better flow in your shelter, supported self-rehoming with Adopt a Pet, dog playgroups, wildlife intake best practices, managing high-risk dog encounters in the field, DOLA and Provincial Offences Act training, using AI in animal welfare, and much more. Our featured panel discussion will explore Mobile Wellness Programs, complete with guided tours of mobile wellness vehicles for a firsthand look at these innovative services in action. 

PetSmart Charities of Canada will once again be hosting their annual Canadian Summit on the 3rd day of the conference. This was a huge success last year and is included for attendees at no extra cost.

Explore the full conference agenda below and get ready to learn, connect and be inspired!

Agenda November 2-4

Meet the Speakers

Important Information

Are you a Registered Veterinary Technician? You can get Continuing Education Credits by attending the conference! Email info@aspo.ca to request a certificate. 

The 2026 Member Awards winners will be announced at the conference on the evening of the first night. Nominations are due by October 11th, click here for full details!

Royal Canin is once again sponsoring 2 scholarships for the conference! Scholarships include free registration, all meals and one night hotel stay. Thank you Royal Canin! Click her for full detail!

Evening Social - Where the Best Networking Happens!


Join us on November 2nd after the day's sessions for an evening of great conversation, and connections that extend well beyond the conference.

Keep the conference energy going by joining us for the ASPO Evening Social! Once the day's sessions conclude, the conference space will be transformed into a vibrant venue where you can relax and connect with our collective animal welfare community. Enjoy a delicious dinner, recognize the outstanding achievements of your peers during the ASPO Member Awards presentation, and take in an evening of fun entertainment (more information on that coming soon!). Whether you're catching up with familiar faces or meeting new ones, the Evening Social is the perfect way to cap off a great day at the conference.

Venue Information


Ajax Convention Centre

550 Beck Crescent

Ajax, ON L1Z 1C9

Canada

https://www.ajaxconventioncentre.ca/

info@aspo.ca


Hotels and Parking


Hilton Garden Inn - Free Parking

The Hilton Garden Inn is on the same site as the Ajax Convention Centre. A limited number of rooms have been reserved at a special price for attendees of the ASPO Conference - book early!

Homewood Suites by Hilton - Free Parking

Homewood Suites by Hilton is on the same site as the Ajax Convention Centre.

Registration


What is Included?

Conference Registration includes access to all sessions (on the days you have registered for), all meals, including dinner on November 2, evening social activity (with 2 drink tickets), and free parking. ​Gluten-free and vegan food options will be offered. ​*Please note: a 3.75% processing fee will apply to all refunds requested prior to the conference.

Not an ASPO Member? Become a Member and save! If you work for an organization that already has at least one ASPO member, you can become a member for $50 and access the member fees for the conference. Your membership will be valid through 2027. 

Register to Become a Member

Register for the 2026 ASPO Conference Here!



Select Tickets


Member Fee - 1 Day: November 2

STARTS: Monday, November 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
ENDS: Monday, November 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Important: If you are registering using any conference ticket, please do not register using PetSmart Charities of Canada Summit ticket. Simply indicate on the checkout page (next) whether you will also be attending the Summit. (The separate free Summit ticket is intended only for those attending the Summit who are not registered for the conference.)

2026 ASPO Conference

$150.00

Member Fee - 1 Day: November 3

STARTS: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM
ENDS: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Important: If you are registering using any conference ticket, please do not register using PetSmart Charities of Canada Summit ticket. Simply indicate on the checkout page (next) whether you will also be attending the Summit. (The separate free Summit ticket is intended only for those attending the Summit who are not registered for the conference.)

2026 ASPO Conference

$150.00

Member Fee (2 days)

STARTS: Monday, November 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
ENDS: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Important: If you are registering using any conference ticket, please do not register using PetSmart Charities of Canada Summit ticket. Simply indicate on the checkout page (next) whether you will also be attending the Summit. (The separate free Summit ticket is intended only for those attending the Summit who are not registered for the conference.)

ASPO 2026 Conference

$200.00

Non-member Fee - 1 Day: November 2

STARTS: Monday, November 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
ENDS: Monday, November 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Important: If you are registering using any conference ticket, please do not register using PetSmart Charities of Canada Summit ticket. Simply indicate on the checkout page (next) whether you will also be attending the Summit. (The separate free Summit ticket is intended only for those attending the Summit who are not registered for the conference.)

2026 ASPO Conference

$200.00

Non-Member Fee - 1 Day: November 3

STARTS: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM
ENDS: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Important: If you are registering using any conference ticket, please do not register using PetSmart Charities of Canada Summit ticket. Simply indicate on the checkout page (next) whether you will also be attending the Summit. (The separate free Summit ticket is intended only for those attending the Summit who are not registered for the conference.)

2026 ASPO Conference

$200.00

Non-Member Fee (2 days)

STARTS: Monday, November 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
ENDS: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Important: If you are registering using any conference ticket, please do not register using PetSmart Charities of Canada Summit ticket. Simply indicate on the checkout page (next) whether you will also be attending the Summit. (The separate free Summit ticket is intended only for those attending the Summit who are not registered for the conference.)

2026 ASPO Conference

$320.00

PetSmart Charities Summit

STARTS: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 9:00 AM
ENDS: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Use this registration option only if you are not attending the conference on November 2 or 3. Conference attendees can add the PetSmart Charities of Canada Summit to their conference registration ticket.

2026 ASPO Conference

Free


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