Virtual sessions are available on-demand exclusively to registered conference attendees. Login credentials can be found in the registration confirmation email.
Recognizing & Managing Compassion Fatigue for Animal Welfare Professionals (available now)
Compassion fatigue is a possible consequence of distress resulting from caring for and helping traumatized or suffering people or animals. This pre-recorded, one-hour presentation guides participants through the definition, symptoms, and causes of compassion fatigue, and will discuss strategies and techniques to help participants embrace a lifestyle and outlook that lowers compassion fatigue levels.
Global Perspectives on Advancing Animal Law (available now)
This pre-recorded session brings together a diverse panel of international experts to examine emerging issues and innovations in global animal law. Topics include France’s préjudice animalier concept, which recently extended aspects of legal personhood to companion animals in two court rulings; collaborative strategies for strengthening animal protection in Zimbabwe; a comparative analysis of various European jurisdiction’s representation of animal interests in legal proceedings; and a timely discussion on the legal safeguarding of animals during natural and humanitarian disasters.
Friday, October 17, 2025
Welcome Reception
The conference kicks off with an evening reception in the Chicago Ballroom at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk hotel. Conference attendees will receive their event badge before being treated to a fun evening of networking with fellow attendees while enjoying plant-based appetizers and drinks. The welcome reception will not be livestreamed.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Registration, Light Breakfast & Coffee
The Role of Media in Animal Advocacy
This panel explores the evolving role of media and journalism in covering animal rights and welfare issues and shaping public understanding of animal legal issues. From navigating editorial constraints to amplifying underreported stories, panelists will discuss the challenges and ethical considerations in reporting on animals and the impact it has on advocacy.
Break
Legislating for Animals at Every Level
From local ordinances to state, provincial, and national legislation, passing animal protection laws depends on skilled advocates and attorneys working in the governmental sphere. This panel features legislative strategists and legal experts from the US and Canada who’ll discuss how public policy is crafted, negotiated, and passed — and the power it has to protect animals.
Lunch
Gaps in Companion Animal Legal Protection
Companion animals occupy a cherished role in society, yet they can fall through legal cracks. This panel will explore gaps in the laws protecting companion animals in three contexts: the use of dogs in security work, the excessive use of force by law enforcement, and stray animals. Panelists will share legal remedies, veterinary insights, and how to shift societal norms through advocacy and litigation.
Break
Free Speech & Animal Activism
Animal protection often clashes with powerful industries and special interests. This panel will explore the legal landscape of undercover investigations, social media advocacy, “hunter harassment” laws, and the broader implications of free speech for advocates and whistleblowers.
Break
Factory Farming & the Fight for Enforcement
Factory farms are among the most secretive and unregulated institutions affecting animals. This panel focuses on enforcement challenges, investigations, ventilation shutdown, and how the legal system can hold industrial animal agriculture accountable.
Pre-banquet Reception
Banquet Dinner, Awards Ceremony, and Keynote Presentation
Join us Saturday evening in the Chicago Ballroom for the banquet dinner, awards ceremony, and keynote presentation. The Animal Legal Defense Fund Advancement in Animal Law Pro Bono Achievement Awards and the Animal Law Conference Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented before the keynote presentation. The awards ceremony and keynote presentation will be livestreamed via the virtual event platform.
A special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Carol House Furniture, for sponsoring the Keynote presentation.
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Light Breakfast & Coffee
Legal Victories: Lessons & Insights
Highlighting recent wins for animals, this panel will showcase how litigation and policy strategies are evolving. Panelists will share what it takes to turn legal action into lasting change for endangered species, animals in entertainment, and the fur industry.
Break
Engaging the Next Generation & Expanding Outreach
Sustaining a movement means inspiring the next wave of animal advocates and reaching wider audiences. This panel brings together leaders and educators to discuss how to reach, motivate, and empower students, young professionals, and other communities.
Break
Ethical Issues in Animal Lawyering
What ethical frameworks guide representation in animal law matters? This closing panel will explore how the Model Rules of Professional Conduct apply to animal advocacy, helping lawyers ethically engage in the difficult task of translating animals’ voices into the framework of law.