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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

My golden Arya had a fabulous time!

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

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

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

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!

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!

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.