STAAR

A Conference for Veterinarians, Vet Techs, Physical Therapists, and Veterinary Professionals Interested in Rehab, Mobility, and Fitness

Conference Announcements

STAAR 2026 registration is open. Check out our list of workshop labs and lectures:

2026 STAAR Courses

STAAR offers the most hands-on, practical training in animal rehabilitation, sports medicine, fitness and wellness. With nearly 100 dog volunteers participating in live workshops, STAAR offers unmatched opportunities to develop real-world skills on actual patients. You'll leave feeling confident with proven techniques that you can apply immediately in your practice.

We look forward to working with you!

Dates: April 28 - May 1, 2026

Location: Hilton Parsippany, New Jersey

Exhibitors & Sponsors - check out the 2026 Packet.

Screenshot 2024-09-29 at 11_edited_edited.jpg

Introducing The Alliance for Animal Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation - Continuing the Conversation on Mindful and Responsible Leadership

STAAR 2025 hosted the launch of a crucial conversation dedicated to the future of animal physical therapy and rehabilitation. Sponsored by Paw Prosper, this structured dialogue brought together key practitioners to address the complex roles, guidelines, and legislation necessary to advance holistic patient care.

That initial discussion sparked a year of unprecedented collaboration and activity.

Join us at STAAR 2026 for an evening session of essential updates on the progress made since last year. We will review key developments, share next steps, and engage in an active discussion on how to best move the industry forward for the benefit of all animals in our care.

Alliance members include:

Caroline Adrian, PT, PhD, tCPT - representing CanineIQ
Kara Amstutz, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CVPP, CCRT - representing Canine Rehab Institute
Karen Atlas, PT, MPT, CCRT - representing Animal Physical Therapy Coalition
Carrie Britt, DVM, CCRT, DACVSMR - representing veterinary specialists in private practice
Kirk Peck, PT, PhD, CSCS, CCRT, CERP - representing PT formal education
Debbie Torraca, DPT, CCRP, CCAT, Dipl. ABPTS - representing North East Seminars
Janet Van Dyke, DVM, DACVSMR, MANZCVS (VSMR) - representing Van Dyke & Associates, Inc.

Moderator: Lisa Miksis, Senior VP of Biz Dev - Paw Prosper

We invite you to take part in the conversation while enjoying complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

Sponsored by Paw Prosper: Committed to supporting pets and the people who care for them each and every day.

Join us for:

The Alliance: Cocktails and Conversation

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

7:00pm - 9:00pm

STAAR Conference Reception Area, Hilton, Parsippany

Open to all attendees

The Allliance Animal PT and REhab (1).jpeg

The Alliance wants to hear from you! Please submit your questions for our panel of experts on collaboration, legislation, and industry progress. We will select the most impactful questions to pose to the panel at the close of the discussion.

Submit Your Questions Below for the Alliance

STAAR 2025 was one of our most successful conferences to date!

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s STAAR Conference such a resounding success! With 125 passionate veterinary participants, 15 world-class instructors and panelists, 28 exhibitors, 106 amazing dogs, and 84 ultra-dedicated pet parents, it was truly one of our best events ever! From hands-on learning to thought-provoking discussions and unforgettable moments of connection, this year’s conference was a celebration of collaboration, growth, and community in animal rehabilitation. We’re already looking forward to what’s next!

Also, check out the program: 2025 STAAR Program

"STAAR provides education one cannot find at national or specialist conferences because of its exemplary educational quality, integration of the many sub-professions involved in veterinary rehab, and the focus on specific, difficult topics. My interactions with a wide range of amazing peers and instructors from all walks of veterinary rehabilitation, sports fitness and conditioning, and physical therapy allowed me to share/gain invaluable information, refined my focus on key learning issues, and led me to explore new treatment regimens for my own patients."

Andrea L. Looney, DVM, DACVAA, DACVSMR, CCRP / Anesthesia and Pain Management Services

STAAR 2025 Fan Wall

Nancy Peterson, DVM, CCRT, CVA, CVSMT

The STAAR Conference is an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best in veterinary rehabilitation. What sets STAAR above other conferences is the hands-on time with dogs that are part of every lecture allowing you a chance to practice what you just learned. The small class size

allows opportunities to have your questions answered and your techniques improved if needed. The STAAR Conference also allows you to build relationships with other rehabilitation practitioners, specialists and vendors that can be a valuable resource. It is a fantastic conference run by great people. Just go, you will gain so much information.

Andrea L. Looney, DVM,
DACVAA, DACVSMR, CCRP /
Anesthesia and Pain
Management Services

STAAR provides education one cannot find at national or specialist conferences because of its exemplary educational quality, integration of

the many sub-professions involved in veterinary rehab, and the focus on specific, difficult topics. My interactions with a wide range of amazing peers and instructors from all walks of veterinary rehabilitation, sports fitness and conditioning, and physical therapy allowed me to share/gain invaluable information, refined my focus on key learning issues, and led me to explore new treatment regimens for my own patients.

Denise Testa, LVT

Winston and I greatly enjoyed STAAR. For me, it was a renewal of why I got into Canine Rehab 18 years ago. One has a tendency to lose that in the day-to-day grind of treating patients. I appreciate the camaraderie displayed between the attendees who come from many different backgrounds. Too often when Rehab is included at a veterinary conference, it is so generic as to be of little use to those who have been practicing for more than a few years. In contrast, STAAR offers specific topics taught by top practitioners. For that , I thank you Ilaria!

In Chieh Chen

Reggie reporting for demo dog duty! Reggie enjoyed all the attention as a demo dog and I appreciate how attuned the participants were when working with him. It's a wonderful opportunity and hopefully we'll be able to find as skilled practitioners if/when we do need treatment!

Lori Patrick

This was our first time volunteering for the conference and it was a great experience. Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. Hobbes participated in 2 days of morning sessions for shockwave treatment and extremity releases. By the end of the 2nd day she was completely relaxed. We are looking forward to participating next year.

Marcy Rauch

This was our first adventure at STAAR. Both Annika and Hex were happy to be demo dogs on Friday and hope to be back next year. I didn't think to take pix at the event, but here are the girls!

Carmen Paul

My golden Arya had a fabulous time!

Lisa Vanderhoof

This was our first time volunteering. Oreo loved every minute of it and I learned many new things about him.

Maureen McEntee

Workshop volunteer "Story" trying out her gift bag Back on Track Cool On Track towel during field training!

Maureen McEntee

Repeat attendee with workshop volunteers "Story" and "Page"!

Jymme Walton

This was my first time bringing Argos to volunteer at STAAR! I was a little wary due to his age (he's 15) and how he would handle it, but everyone was fantastic and so patient with him! He volunteered for a class about laser acupuncture and acupressure, and by the end of the class he had his head in my lap and was completely sprawled out on his side, something he hasn't done in almost a year due to his arthritis! Thank you to everyone we interacted with and hopefully we can come back in the future!

Jill Fox, Director of Engagement, STAAR Conference

There are so many things that I love about STAAR, but being among so many dogs is by far my favorite! So many different breeds, so many different sizes, all of them perfect! In addition to being a crucial part of the hands-on learning process for STAAR participants, the dog volunteers spread so much joy throughout the conference!

Ilaria Borghese, CEO, STAAR Conference

Though I have many, one of my favorite memories from STAAR 2025 was witnessing three generations coming together to share their love of learning and animals. Dr. Lisa Wilson, her mother, and her daughter, Dr. Sara Farthing, along with their amazing dogs CeCe and Alaska, embodied everything STAAR is about: connection, passion, and legacy. Seeing them learn and work together was such a beautiful reminder of the deep bonds this community creates, not just professionally, but across generations.