2026 AKC CHF Canine Health in Motion Symposium
Join the AKC Canine Health Foundation in Raleigh-Durham, NC, August 6-8, 2026 for this symposium designed for those interested in working and performance dog excellence, as well as the science that supports canine health, function, and longevity. The symposium takes place immediately after the AKC National Detection Dog Conference.
Dates
Thursday, August 6 – Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time
Registration starts at 12PM
1:45PM – 6:00PM ET, Thursday
9:00AM – 5:00PM, Friday
9:00AM – 1:00PM, Saturday
Venue
Sheraton Imperial Hotel – Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park
Take a sneak peek here.
Attendance
In-person only.
Travel
Free onsite parking is also available.
Accommodation
Book your group rate for AKC Canine Health 2026
Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park
165.00 USD per night
Last Day to Book : Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Room Block Details: AKC Canine Health 2026
Start Date: Monday, August 03, 2026
End Date: Sunday, August 09, 2026
Continuing Education
RACE hours to be approved for veterinary professionals
Agenda
About this Event
Thursday Afternoon
Lee Palmer, DVM, MS, DACVECC, CCRP, NRP, EMT-T, TP-C
Emergency Care in Performance Dogs: Recognition, Response, and Stabilization
An interactive session focused on identifying and managing emergent conditions in active dogs, including hyperthermia, respiratory distress, and acute injury, with an emphasis on immediate interventions prior to emergency care.
Friday Morning
Chris Frye, DVM, DACVSMR
Foundations of Canine Sports Medicine & Tendon Disease
An overview of canine sports medicine, including how specialists are trained, along with a focus on tendon disease in active dogs and orthobiologics in musculoskeletal disease.
Friday Afternoon
Megan Ramos, VMD, MSTR, DACVSMR
Conditioning, Stability, and Heat Injury in Active Dogs
Focused on canine fitness, posture and stability, and the prevention and management of heat injury in performance dogs.
Saturday Morning
Linda Lott, DVM, CCRP
Recovery and Rehabilitation Strategies for Active Dogs
Explores rehabilitative approaches, including joint supplements and acupuncture, to support recovery and long-term health in active dogs.
Designed as part of a coordinated multi-day experience, the symposium brings together veterinarians, researchers, trainers, breeders, canine professionals, and enthusiasts interested in the science and practical application of canine health and performance. By aligning operational expertise with scientific insight, the program creates opportunities to explore how research informs real-world training, deployment, care, and long-term wellbeing for working and performance dogs.
Programming will highlight emerging knowledge and applied strategies across key areas, including:
- Working and performance dog health and conditioning
- Emergency and critical care considerations
- Rehabilitiation, recovery, and injury prevention
- Longevity and lifelong health management
- Translating research discoveries into practical application
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, learn from interdisciplinary perspectives, and participate in discussions that bridge science and practice.
Special Thanks
Thanks to our sponsor(s), including:
- Registration
Join us in August!
Register for the Canine Health in Motion Symposium or attend both this event and the AKC National Detection Dog Conference (August 4–6) at a discounted combined rate.
Additional details on pricing, continuing education credits, and the program agenda will be available soon.