The 9th International Association of Veterinary Social Work (IAVSW) Summit will convene thought leaders, practitioners, researchers, and advocates from across disciplines to explore the future of the human-animal bond. With the theme “Interwoven Futures: Designing Sustainable Systems for Human and Animal Well-being,” this summit will take a macro, interdisciplinary approach to programming, focusing on systemic change, innovative programming, and long-term solutions.
Through keynote addresses, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and wellness activities, participants will explore the four pillars of the human-animal bond: mental health, animal welfare, veterinary medicine, and community advocacy. This year's summit will emphasize collaboration across sectors, highlighting models and strategies that promote sustainable, inclusive, and integrated approaches to enhancing both human and animal well-being.
Whether you are a veterinary professional, social worker, researcher, animal welfare advocate, or policymaker, this summit provides a unique platform to network, learn, and contribute to meaningful systemic change.
Join us in-person in Toronto to help shape the future of the human-animal bond!
Submit Your Abstract
Proposal submissions are now being accepted for the 9th International Association of Veterinary Social Work (IAVSW) Summit, taking place on October 14–16, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. All submitted proposals will be reviewed by the Summit Planning Committee. The submission site will close on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Presenters will be notified of their submission status by March 2026.
The IAVSW Summit provides a unique platform for professionals across disciplines to advance the field of veterinary social work and the broader human-animal well-being movement. This is a valuable opportunity to share your knowledge, research, and expertise with an international audience.
We encourage proposals that:
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Highlight intersections between disciplines (e.g., social work + public health, sheltering + veterinary ethics)
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Address system-wide impacts and implementation strategies
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Foster cross-sector collaboration and innovation
Session Types
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Student Posters
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Round Table Discussions (30mins)
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Workshops (1-Hour or 1.5-Hour)
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Extended Trainings (3-Hours)
Focus Areas
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Advocacy – advancing systems and policies supporting human-animal relationships
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Community Building – strengthening interdisciplinary networks and partnerships
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Research – expanding evidence-based knowledge in veterinary social work
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Education – advancing teaching, training, and professional learning
Additional Guidelines
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Workshops and extended trainings should be interactive and practice-oriented.
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Proposals may be submitted individually or as panels (recommend no more than four presenters for panels).
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Student posters are especially encouraged and provide a forum to highlight emerging research and practice.
By submitting a proposal, you agree to be available to present on any day of the Summit in person (October 14–16, 2026).
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: December 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST
Please make sure you can receive emails from iavswsummit@iavsw.org, as all notifications regarding the call for proposals will come from this address.