Coming Together, Moving Forward: Highlights from the 2025 NACA State Association Summit

The 2025 NACA State Association Summit brought together over 120 passionate professionals from 39 states for 1.5 days of powerful conversations, collaborative problem-solving, and inspiration to push our profession forward. Held during National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, the Summit was a vibrant reflection of what happens when leadership, connection, and shared purpose come together.

Opening with Impact
The Summit kicked off with a dynamic keynote on leadership and teamwork—setting the tone for the entire event. The message was clear: the future of animal care and control depends on how we lead, how we collaborate, and how we show up for one another.

Workshops and Panels That Delivered
The Summit offered a variety of content-rich sessions that sparked meaningful conversations and practical takeaways. One highlight was the launch of a new disaster response initiative designed to equip agencies with the tools and strategies needed for effective planning, response, and recovery in a rapidly changing world. This session introduced attendees to a national framework for coordination and support, laying the groundwork for stronger disaster preparedness across jurisdictions.

A panel on Return-to-Owner strategies showcased innovative field-based approaches and tools that are helping agencies reunite more pets with their families—often without ever bringing them into the shelter. The session emphasized creative, community-focused solutions that improve outcomes while strengthening public trust.

Another standout was the legislation panel and follow-up presentations, which walked attendees through how to navigate existing laws, influence new ones, and use advocacy to drive policy changes that support humane, effective animal care and control. The discussions were engaging, empowering, and packed with actionable insights.

A Keynote That Moved the Room
Day two closed with a keynote that will be remembered for years to come. Through powerful storytelling and heartfelt lessons on leadership, the speaker left the room tears reminded us that the work we do matters and so does how we do it. It was the kind of message that didn’t just land—it lingered, inspiring attendees to go back to their communities committed to being better and doing better.

Connection, Inclusion, and Amplifying State Voices
At the heart of the Summit was a deep commitment to inclusivity and collaboration with the state associations leading the way across the country. These organizations are closest to the officers, field staff, and local leaders doing the work every day, and they play a critical role in driving change within their communities. At the national level, NACA’s role is to provide the platform and support needed to strengthen those efforts, offer connection points between states, and amplify the voices of those who are too often unheard.

This Summit was a space for state representatives to share successes, confront challenges, and build stronger relationships with one another. It was a reminder that we are stronger together—and that unifying across state lines strengthens us all.

Looking Ahead
The 2025 Summit was more than an event—it was a movement. One that reminded us that when we come together with intention and purpose, we can create lasting changes in our communities, our profession, and ourselves.

Thank you to all who attended, spoke, and supported this year’s State Association Summit.
We can’t wait to see what we’ll build together next.