STAAR

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

Conference Announcements

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STAAR Conference 2025: What an Incredible Week!
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!

Please share your stories and photos on our Fan Wall by completing the "Fan Wall" form.

Also, check out the program: 2025 STAAR Program

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Submit Your Comments Below for the Leadership Panel

This year’s STAAR Conference hosted a groundbreaking Panel Discussion titled Mindful and Responsible Leadership in Animal Rehabilitation. Sponsored by Paw Prosper, this important conversation brought together pioneering veterinarians, physical therapists, and educators to engage in an honest and long-overdue discussion about the future of integrative veterinary care.

Panelists included:

Carrie Adrian, PT - representing CanineIQ
Kara Amstutz, DVM - representing CRI
Karen Atlas, PT - representing Animal Physical Therapy Coalition
Carrie Britt, DVM, DACVSMR - representing veterinary specialists in private practice
Darryl Millis, DVM - representing University of Tennessee
Kirk Peck, PT - representing PT formal education
Debbie Torraca, PT - representing NES
Janet Van Dyke, DVM - representing Van Dyke & Associates

Voices from the audience at STAAR and those that followed up on the VetRehab Listserv sparked momentum in a space that has long needed it.

For those new to the conversation, one of the most meaningful outcomes from the Panel was a clearer understanding of each group’s perspectives, concerns, and goals. While the discussion was at times challenging and even uncomfortable, it was this discomfort that hallmarked true signs of growth.

The passion that came through in these conversations was unmistakable—and completely understandable. We all care deeply about our professions, our work, and above all, the animals and clients we serve. But to move forward meaningfully, we must set aside egos and past divisions, and focus instead on what unites us.

The Panelists have agreed to continue meeting quarterly, a testament of their shared commitment to collaboration.

These meetings mark the beginning of something powerful.

Moving forward, there is talk of expanding the table and welcoming more voices into the discussion, including veterinary technicians and other allied professionals who play critical roles in patient care.

I also want to extend my heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kara Amstutz, who has graciously taken the initiative to keep the Panelists connected post-conference. Her leadership is helping to maintain positive momentum. To support her efforts, we invite you to share your thoughts, ideas, and constructive suggestions for the Panel’s next steps (see Comment Form below). Whether your suggestions are about structure, discussion topics, or additional representation, your voice matters. Submissions will be forwarded Dr. Amstutz and the Leadership Panel.

I am optimistic that, at next year's STAAR Conference, the Panel can share a year of progress, of collaboration in action, and of leadership rooted in mutual respect. That would be the true measure of our success: not just dialogue, but meaningful change.

We are at an inflection point in veterinary rehabilitation. If we truly listen to one another, respect each other’s expertise, and work together with compassion and professionalism, we can catalyze extraordinary growth—not just for our professions, but for every animal and human we serve.

With deep appreciation and respect for each of you.

Ilaria Borghese, CEO, Co-Founder
STAAR Conference | Vital Vet

Mindful and Responsible Leadership in Animal Rehabilitation: Continuing the Conversation

STAAR 2025 Fan Wall

Elisa Moreno, DPT

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent organization and the enriching experience offered by the STAAR Conference. As a canine physiotherapist in Costa Rica since 2010, with certifications in Mulligan, Myofascial Release, POLD, and McKenzie for humans, I found it incredibly valuable to explore different therapeutic approaches applied to dogs. This significantly enhances my clinical practice. Thank you for creating such high-level learning opportunities for those of us committed to delivering the best possible care to our canine patients.

Elizabeth Knabe, DVM

I truly enjoyed STAAR, and like you said to me, Ilaria, the classes were all good choices. It was hard to decide which to pick, but your star ratings in the registration page helped me a lot in choosing. I especially enjoyed Leslie Eide’s courses as they helped me to feel more in control of the situations we find when teaching owners and dogs the therapeutic exercises. She is a stickler for good form and for a reason! She had a great group of dog owners and dogs, and I learned from some of the experienced dog owners also.

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!

Nancy Peterson, DVM, CCRT, CVA, CVSMT

The STAAR Conference is an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best in veterinary rehabilitation. The instructors are always carefully selected with meaningful and timely topics. 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 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.

Kelly A Gettmann, CCRA

As a lifelong learner, I feel there is no end to how much knowledge we can gain and in the ever-growing field we can never know enough. The STAAR conference was a dream space for gaining more knowledge about my passion, and it was filled with like-minded individuals that truly encouraged a collaborative learning experience overall. It was so pleasant to learn from and alongside the best of the best. Thanks again, see you next year!!

Jennifer Rouse, DVM CCRP CVSMT

This year's conference was great on so many levels! Top notch instruction from the leading experts in the field of veterinary rehab combined with one-on-one hands on learning is the best way to add to and sharpen clinical skills. I am continuing to improve my knowledge and skill set each time I attend which only benefits my patients more and my ability to provide valuable services for them. As both an attendee and a handler of a volunteer dog, we never miss it!

Karen Atlas, PT, MPT, CCRT

The collaborative spirit at STAAR 2025 was strong. STAAR is a unique conference that brings diverse practitioners together to connect, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations in a welcoming and inclusive setting.

I suggested having a panel of industry leaders to spark dialogue about the essence of responsible leadership, and Ilaria immediately embraced the idea with her ‘go far together’ mindset. It was inspiring to see our profession leaning into collaboration and building momentum toward a shared vision. STAAR is an ideal conference setting to have these pivotal discussions and I’m excited to build on what was started knowing that dialogue builds bridges, not walls.

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.

Join us next year!

April 27 - May 1, 2026

No other conference provides more practical, hands-on experience than STAAR. STAAR participants include approximately 80 dogs that are brought in as volunteers for STAAR workshops. Practical experience on live animal patients is critical for learning skills related to rehabilitation and physical therapy.

You'll leave the Conference with the knowledge and techniques you can immediately and confidently apply to your animal patients.

"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