National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium of Rowan University
-
[Photo description: Symposium Co-hosts - Michele Pich, Assistant Director of the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program at Rowan University & National Dog Show Therapy Dog Ambassador Team Member; David Frei, celebrity host of the National Dog Show on NBC; at 2019's innaugural National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium of Rowan University].
National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium of Rowan University
SAVE THE DATE OR SUBMIT A PROPOSAL: Friday, December 11, 2026
Friday, December 11, 2026
Hosted by:
*Submit a Proposal: DEADLINE September 30, 2026PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
**Call for Sponsors for our 2026 event: Select Sponsor level, make a payment & upload your logo here: SPONSOR HERE
for Sponsorships requiring an invoice or other questions related to Sponsorship, email PetTherapy@rowan.edu
Register Today to join us on 12/11/2026! We offer a variety of General admission and discounted options to allow for increased accessability and affordability. Discounted Registration available for students, senior citizens, veterans, and active duty military. In-person (including lunch) and virtual options available.REGISTER HERE
Thank you our 2026 Sponsors:
Please email PetTherapy@rowan.edu for questions. Thank you for your consideration!
HOSTS: Michele Pich, PhD, MS, CAIS, C-AAIS & David Frei, BS
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Amy Binder, EdD, LPC, CPDT-KA, UW-AAB
2026 DATE: Friday, December 11, 2026 10am-4:30pm ET
THEME: Right Dog, Right Person, Right Moment!
The National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium of Rowan University is one of America’s most prominent gatherings devoted to therapy dogs. The day-long conference brings together therapy dog handlers, health care experts & clinicians, academics, those who want to get involved and people who simply love dogs, to share information, cutting edge research, insights from practical applications and best practices.
The conference is hosted by Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, just 30 minutes from downtown Philadelphia. The school is home to the ground-breaking Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program where students have access to therapy dogs year-round.
The 2026 conference will be held on Friday, December 11, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4:30p.m. (ET). In-person attendance includes lunch and provides additional networking opportunities, and virtual option will also be offered. This is a human-only event (we love your furry ones, but please leave them at home unless they are an actively working medically necessary service dog... sorry no emotional support animals, therapy dogs, pets or other animals allowed from speakers, sponsors, or attendees). There will be a couple of the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program of Rowan University therapy dogs working at the event during lunch or breaks, but otherwise, we ask that no other animals be in attendance.
The symposium is hosted by Michele Pich & David Frei, who also chair the the planning committee. David is the expert analyst/host on NBC’s National Dog Show, broadcast every year on Thanksgiving, and one of the best known names in the canine world. He is also a prolific writer and founder of Angel on a Leash therapy dog program, who currently volunteers with his therapy dog, True, a sweet Cavalier (and previously visited with the lovely Angel, Gracie, and Teigh). Dr Michele Pich is the Founding Assistant Director (Department Head) of Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program and former faculty in Law and Justice Studies at Rowan University, previously a Veterinary Grief Counselor at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, and a mental health counselor prior to that, with her doctoral dissertation research in trauma-informed practice. Michele has worked in animal-assisted therapy (and other animal-assisted interventions & services) for over 15 years, including with her previous certified therapy dog, Vivian Peyton, CGC, and her current certified therapy dog, Ralphie, CGC, who visits as part of the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program at Rowan University. Ralphie joined his sister on the Therapy Dog Ambassador team for the National Dog Show. Both Ralphie and Vivian are the 2025 ASPCA Dogs of the Year.
Past keynote speakers include: Dr. Marty Becker, Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Cindy Otto, Dr. Carlo Siracusa, Dr. Rise VanFleet, Ann Howie, Dr. Aubrey Fine, Steve Dale, and David Frei!
Event Planning Comittee Members: David Frei, Dr. Michele Pich, Steve Griffith, Dr. Aubrey Fine, Dr. Amy Binder, Michael Colacicco, Dr. Mary Kay Tuohy, Dr. Kirsten White, Mary Grace Buckwalter, Dr. Alice Hoersch, Kelly Rounds, Debra Hamilton, Cindy Pearce, Ted Slupik, Chris D'Angelo, and Kiniece Williams
*** continuing education credits will be sought from the following organizations for eligible attendees: Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT®) for Behavior Consultants/CPDT-KA/CPDT-KSA [n=TBD]; through Rowan University's Social Work Program for social workers/mental health clinicians [approved, n=TBD], through the Association of Animal Assisted intervention Professionals (AAAIP) for certificate holders [approved, n=TBD], and for veterinarians licensed in New Jersey through the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Medical Association (NJVMA) [n=TBD].
***View last year's 2025 EVENT AGENDA WITH TIMES as an example of what the line-up may look like this year:
_docs/2025agenda_therapydogsymposium2025-11202025-final-to-print.pdf#AGENDA WITH TIMES
2026 KEYNOTE Speaker: Amy Johnson Binder, EdD, LPC, CPDT-KA
Abstract
Bio
Amy Binder, EdD, MAT, LPC, CPDT-KA, UW-AAB (Clinical Assistant Professor, Program Director Animal Assisted Services Programs)
With more than 20 years of experience in AAS, Dr. Amy Johnson Binder, EdD, MAT, LPC, CPDT-KA, UW-AAB, is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Integrative Behavioral Health program at the University of North Florida, which includes the Animal-Assisted Services programs. She serves as adjunct faculty at Husson University where she develops and teaches courses in animal training and animal assisted services. Dr. Binder is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a certified dog trainer through the CCPDT. She serves as expert adviser of the Board for the APA’s Human-Animal Interactions Section 13, has presented nationally and internationally and published nearly 3 dozen journal articles and book chapters on animal-assisted services, training, and welfare.
Speakers Include:
Rachel Rachlinski, PhD, LPC-S, Assistant Professor, Professional Counselor Topic: "A Practitioner's Framework for Matching, Readiness, and Supervision in Animal Assisted Therapy"
Abstract
Learning Obectives:
1. Describe the four-phase AAT Provider Implementation Model (Preconditions, Adoption Decision, Implementation Work, Consolidation & Identity), an empirically derived framework from grounded-theory research with licensed U.S. mental health clinicians, and identify the recurring "fit" decision points within it. 2. Apply intentional animal-selection principles, summarized in the field as animals should be selected, not collected, along with consent-based animal welfare practices, to evaluate whether a specific dog is the right partner for a given client and a given moment in session. 3. Distinguish levels of clinician readiness using the Integrative Developmental Model for AAT (IDM-AAT) supervision framework, and match supervisory interventions (facilitative, conceptual, confrontive, prescriptive, catalytic) to a provider's developmental stage. 4. Identify common negative cases and red flags, including untrained animals, absent informed consent, unclear liability coverage, and policy ambiguity, that signal a poor match among dog, person, and moment and elevate risk to clients, animals, and clinicians.
Summary:
Drawing on original grounded-theory dissertation research with licensed AAT providers and a published clinical supervision model (IDM-AAT), this session organizes AAT practice around one question every triad must answer, session after session: is this the right dog, for this person, at this moment? "Right Dog" covers intentional animal selection and consent-based welfare. "Right Person" covers client fit, culture, and trauma history. "Right Moment" covers session-level timing and a clinician's own developmental readiness to supervise or practice AAT at all. Attendees leave with a practical decision tool and real practitioner narratives illustrating both strong fit and cautionary missteps.
Keywords:
animal-assisted therapy, animal selection and welfare, client fit, informed consent, clinical supervision, counselor education, therapy dog readiness
Bio
Rachel Rachlinski, PhD, LPC-S, holds a Post-Master's Certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy from the University of Denver (2014) and completed her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of New Orleans in May 2026. Her dissertation produced the first empirically derived model of how licensed clinicians implement AAT in outpatient practice. She primary authored a published supervision framework applying the Integrative Developmental Model to AAT (Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 2025) and brings 16+ years of clinical practice to her faculty role. She is President-Elect-Elect of Louisiana Association of Counselor Education and Supervision.
Abstract
Learning Objectives:
Keywords:
Bio
Abstract
Learning Objectives:
- Describe why animal species, breed, and individual traits should be considered when including them in AAS.
- List at least three characteristics that are pivotal when preparing and evaluating animals for work in AAS.
- Explain the animal guardian’s role in maintaining optimal welfare in dogs working in AAS.
- Identify at least three signs of relaxation and three signs of stress in dogs.
Summary:
The welfare of animals in animal-assisted services (AAS) requires rigorous assessment beyond traditional utilitarian frameworks. While welfare conversations recognize the intrinsic value of animals, practice often falls short in evaluating how individual dogs experience working alongside their humans. This presentation highlights the use of ethograms as systematic tools for observing and interpreting canine behavior, enabling providers to detect subtle indicators of stress, emotional contagion, and mental health concerns. Additionally this presentation shares case scenarios and questions for discussion.
Keywords:
animal assisted services; animal welfare; dog welfare; ethogram; dog behavior
Bios
With more than 20 years of experience in AAS, Dr. Amy Johnson Binder, MA, MAT, LPC, CPDT-KA, UW-AAB, is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Integrative Behavioral Health program at the University of North Florida, which includes the Animal-Assisted Services programs. She serves as adjunct faculty at Husson University where she develops and teaches courses in animal training and animal assisted services. Dr. Binder is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a certified dog trainer through the CCPDT. She serves as expert adviser of the Board for the APA’s Human-Animal Interactions Section 13, has presented nationally and internationally and published nearly 3 dozen journal articles and book chapters on animal-assisted services, training, and welfare.
Melissa Winkle, OTR/L, FAOTA, CPDT-KA is an occupational therapist that works with people of all ages and abilities. She is also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with nearly two decades of experience. Melissa has a special interest in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)and Service Dogs. She offers occupational therapy, dog training, workshops, and consulting. She serves on several national and international boards, task forces, and special interest groups. Ms. Winkle teaches the Animal Assisted Services Certificate at the University of North Florida and is the founder of the Animal Assisted Academy.
Topic:
Abstract
Learning Objectives:
Keywords:
Bio
Topic:
Abstract
Learning Objectives:
1.
Summary:
Bios
Abstract
Learning Objectives:
1.
Summary:
Bios
____________________________________________________________________________________
Event Building Location for Ubur/Lyft drop-off: Chamberlain Student Center (3rd floor Enyon Ballroom), 201 Mullica Hill Rd., Glassboro, NJ 08012
- PARKING: GPS Address- Enter “1 Memorial Circle, Glassboro, NJ 08028” into your GPS to arrive at the Welcome Gate. Once checked in, you will be directed to park in the Townhouse Parking garage.
- Campus Map: https://www.rowan.edu/about/visiting/main.html
*** IF YOU ARE REGISTERED FOR THE VIRTUAL PROGRAM AND HAVE TECHNOLOGY ISSUES DURING THE EVENT, EMAIL: ROTH@ROWAN.EDU ; IF YOU ARE ATTENDING IN-PERSON AND NEED ASSISTANCE, YOU CAN CALL THE WELLNESS CENTER: 856-256-4333.
Traveling by air? Closest Airport:
Phildelphia International Airport (about 25 min Uber drive) or Atlantic City Airport (about 45 minute Uber ride).
Hotel Accommodations for the National Dog Show Symposium at Rowan University
Hotel accomodations for the National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium at Rowan University can be made at:
The Marriott in Glassboro, NJ (on campus, a quick 1.5 block walk to event)
To book, click HERE.
*If staying at the Marriott in Glassboro, please leave your car parked there & either plan to walk to the Chamberlain Student Center or you will be able to request a golf-cart transport if you have mobility concerns.
Campus Map: https://www.rowan.edu/about/visiting/main.html
