Animal Sciences
The Croney Research Group to host Annual Canine Welfare Science Conference
Join the 2026 Annual Canine Welfare Science Conference, presented by the Croney Research Group from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Agriculture, on May 29-30 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Lafayette, Indiana, to explore the power of shared learning, collaborative problem-solving and civil discourse to advance canine welfare. (Croney Research Group/Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine graphic) In-person and virtual options available to engage on ethical dog sourcing and the human-dog bond
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The 2026 Annual Canine Welfare Science Conference, presented by the Croney Research Group from Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Agriculture, will take place May 29-30 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Lafayette, Indiana. The event will showcase the power of shared learning, collaborative problem-solving and civil discourse by bringing together leaders from various communities — dog breeding, pet industry, sheltering, academic and veterinary — to explore how they understand and work to advance canine welfare.
The Canine Welfare Science Conference will be offered in both in-person and virtual formats. Programming begins at 11 a.m. ET Friday, May 29, and concludes at 4 p.m. ET Saturday, May 30.
Originally developed to support the Canine Care Certified Program, the conference now helps all attendees who work with dogs strengthen their practices and achieve the best possible outcomes for dogs in their care.
“A key part of that work is to improve responsibility relating to meeting dogs’ needs and to serving the people who actually welcome these dogs into their homes,” said Candace Croney, director of the Center for Animal Welfare Science and professor of animal behavior and well-being. “We recognize the concerns of those in sheltering and advocacy who worry about overpopulation and the potential for breeding that reverses progress on animal welfare if not done thoughtfully. The goal is to bring people together to learn about topics such as animal welfare science, applied behavior science and applied ethics.”
The conference will also introduce the science of animal welfare and its application to evidence-based assessment, responsible practice and solutions, while also exploring shared needs and challenges such as rehoming, welfare-friendly kennel design and canine behavior management. Across two days, attendees will gain a foundation for envisioning and testing new solutions that foster the compassion, partnerships and leadership needed to improve outcomes for dogs and the people who care for them.
The lineup of speakers is:
- Abbie Moore, Docupet
- Bernadette Juarez, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- Candace Croney, Center for Animal Welfare Science and Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine
- Clive Wynne, Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University
- Cole Wakefield, Good Shepherd Humane Society
- Freeman Raber, Rebar Puppies
- John Troyer, Indiana Council for Animal Welfare and Family Affair Puppies
- Judi Stella, Croney Research Group, Purdue University
- Katelyn McCullock, American Veterinary Medical Association
- Kendall Houlihan, American Veterinary Medical Association
- Mark Dunn, World Pet Association and American Kennel Club
- Mike Bober, National Service Animals Monument
- Robert Mast, Flat Rock Kennels
- Sara Bennett, North Carolina State’s College of Veterinary Medicine
- Stephen Stoltzfoos, Playtime Puppies
- Traci Shreyer, Croney Research Group, Purdue University
- Valerie Benka, Ad Meliora Consulting
Whether you are an academic studying canine behavior, welfare or health; a policy regulator; a professional in sheltering or rescue; a student; or lifelong learner interested in the ethical treatment of dogs, the conference is open to all.
“We value creating a safe opportunity for different groups who do not normally work together because of perceived or real differences in values or general concerns about engaging to have a different, positive experience that potentially leads to new ideas and solutions,” Croney said. “This conference is for anyone committed to understanding how we can collectively support healthy, sustainable and ethical dog breeding to meet public demand while keeping the welfare of dogs at the center of those efforts. The best part of the program is seeing attendees leave with a sense of hope and purpose — and even more importantly, with a plan and new connections that can drive tangible improvements for dogs.”
To register and view lodging information, please visit the event’s website. For questions about registration, scholarship information or other accommodations, please contact confreg@purdue.edu.
About Purdue Agriculture
Purdue University’s College of Agriculture is one of the world’s leading colleges of agricultural, food, life and natural resource sciences. The college is committed to preparing students to make a difference in whatever careers they pursue; stretching the frontiers of science to discover solutions to some of our most pressing global, regional and local challenges; and, through Purdue Extension and other engagement programs, educating the people of Indiana, the nation and the world to improve their lives and livelihoods. To learn more about Purdue Agriculture, visit this site.
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a public research university leading with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities in the United States, Purdue discovers, disseminates and deploys knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 106,000 students study at Purdue across multiple campuses, locations and modalities, including more than 57,000 at our main campus locations in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its integrated, comprehensive Indianapolis urban expansion; the Mitch Daniels School of Business; Purdue Computes; and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.
Media contact: Devyn Ashlea Raver, draver@purdue.edu
Sources: Candace Croney, ccroney@purdue.edu
Agricultural Communications: Maureen Manier, mmanier@purdue.edu, 765-494-8415
