NCARCA’s 50th Annual Conference: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

As we celebrate 50 years of service, the North Carolina Animal and Rabies Control Association comes together to honor our history, recognize the dedication of animal welfare professionals across the state, and advance the future of compassionate care. This year’s conference focuses on education, collaboration, and innovation, empowering our members to strengthen community outreach, promote responsible pet ownership, and protect both animals and the people who care for them. Together, we celebrate our achievements, share knowledge, and continue our mission to improve animal welfare throughout North Carolina. 

Regular training is essential to supporting the ongoing growth and advancement of modern, humane, and professional animal services. NCARCA is committed to the development of its members and works to advance the health, morale, welfare, training, and knowledge of Animal Care and Control personnel by providing education, resources, and information to animal organizations. While NCARCA offers, sponsors, and supports training opportunities throughout the year, our most comprehensive and impactful program is the Annual Training Conference.

With multiple course tracks designed for both field and shelter staff, an outstanding lineup of expert instructors, and vendors showcasing products and services relevant to your work, NCARCA’s Annual Training Conference is the event you won’t want to miss. We encourage you to review the course offerings, discuss attendance with your agency, and make plans to join us at this year’s conference.

Conference registration must be received by Oct. 1, 2026.  Early registration and booking your hotel room is highly recommended. 

Note: If you cancel before October 1, 2026 you will receive 80% of your registration fee back. 

No refunds will be given after October 6, 2026. 

***Please note the business luncheon is for registered attendees and registered vendors only. Each additional guest will be required to pay $35 for an additional meal ticket.***

Each attendee must be registered separately. If you are not the attendee, please enter only the attendee’s information on the form. 

Conference registration link: https://forms.gle/1RcZW2hQjVskZGX56

Mail the check to:

Donna Hatcher

P.O. Box 612

Selma, NC 27576

Any other questions or need help verifying payment or registration please email: Donna Hatcher - donna.hatcher@johnstonnc.gov or Kelli Lewis - klewis@personcountync.gov

By registering online, you are also agreeing to the Conference Code of Conduct. 

North Carolina Animal and Rabies Control Association (NCARCA) 

Code of Conduct and Expectations for Guests and Instructors

NCARCA Ground Rules:

*Part of good "organizational behavior" involves communications among our organization and its members.  We expect that those communications with each other should always reflect the principles of honesty, fairness and respect.  We respect diversity, equity, and inclusion in our members throughout the state and require that guest instructors do the same.  

*NCARCA encourages everyone to always conduct him/herself in a responsible and professional manner during the conference.  This is to include social and networking events.  If there is a concern raised, the individual is to address any issue directly with the conference committee representative and /or executive board members, with diplomacy, tact, and direct communication. 

*Instructors may be asked to provide a copy of their presentations prior to the training event to the board for review.

*All presentations provided for a training event may be distributed to the attendees.  If there is concern about this the instructor must provide notice to the board. The board reserves the right to provide instruction materials unless otherwise stated by the instructor. 

I recognize that I am participating in the North Carolina Animal and Rabies Control Association Conference/training knowingly, willingly, and voluntarily, and I agree to release and hold harmless the North Carolina Animal and Rabies Control Association and its Board members from any injury or liability that may occur in connection with my participation.