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June 9, 2026 | Professional News, Events, and Highlights

A Powerful Week of Learning and Leadership at STAAR Conference

STAAR Conference 2026 brought together veterinary professionals, educators, and industry leaders for four days of advanced hands-on learning.

This year’s program featured:

22 intensive labs

more than 250 attendees

nearly 100 dogs

One of the highlights of the conference was the continued momentum of The Alliance for Animal Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (for more information, see the Community Support section at the bottom of this newsletter).

STAAR also welcomed participation from leading canine rehab certification programs including CRI, UT/VAHL, and NC State. Lectures focused on equine education ahead of the upcoming STAAR Equine launch.

STAAR continues to grow as the profession’s most hands-on and collaborative educational experiences. Thank you to our instructors, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for making this year’s conference another tremendous success.

Save the date for STAAR 2027 | May 4 - 7, 2027

INDUSTRY NEWS AND PUBLICATIONS

NEW ARTICLE

Rehabilitation Tools Every Practice Can Add Today

Affordable tools that can help practices improve patient mobility, comfort, and recovery outcomes.

Learn More

NEW RELEASE

Handbook of Canine Exercise Therapy

This new resource provides practical, evidence-based guidance for designing canine exercise programs.

Learn More

NEW BLOG

The Right Mobility Device at the Right Time

Learn how to select mobility aids that improve function, comfort, and gait for patients with hind-end weakness.

Learn More

UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Get: STAAR Equine Course Worksheet

See: General Information

STAAR Equine

October 28-29, 2026

Gladstone, NJ, U.S.

Two dedicated learning tracks

Veterinary Professionals

Advanced hands-on

clinical training

Riders & Trainers

Practical performance and wellness applications

STAAR UK 2027

Bringing World-Class Veterinary Rehabilitation Education to Europe

The signature STAAR Conference is coming to London.

Participants train in small-group labs led by internationally recognized instructors.

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"If you want to go fast, go alone...

if you want to go far, go together"

This has long been a guiding idea in how I think about education and progress, and it's what I see reflected in the work of the Alliance for Animal Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Their commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration is not just an idea, but a practice that continues to shape the conversation and fosters growth within our field. I remain encouraged by the Alliance’s focus on bringing professionals together in ways that strengthen both learning and patient care. Click the link for a full update from the Alliance highlighting their progress, direction, and ongoing work within STAAR and beyond.

- Ilaria F. Borghese

Founder, CEO | Vital Vet

Founder, President | Thera-Paw

Co-Founder, CEO | STAAR Conference

Board of Directors | Veterinarians International