Leading Stakeholders in Advancing the One Health Framework
The One Health Systems Summit brings together leaders from veterinary medicine, public health, social services, and animal welfare to advance equitable systems of care for people and their pets. Through collaboration and research-informed dialogue, the Summit drives practical, community-centered solutions that strengthen pet family well-being.
At the 2026 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo
October 31, 2026
Policy and Public Health Officials
Shaping laws, regulations, and public health initiatives to create the frameworks that determine access to services, funding, and protections for both people and their pets. Ensuring that pet-inclusive policies are integrated into broader health and human services systems.
Human Healthcare and Social Services
Addressing the profound bond between people and their pets, especially in situations involving mental health, physical disability, or aging. Recognizing pets as part of the family unit to allow for more compassionate, holistic care plans that support both human and non-human family members.
Animal Welfare Professionals
Ensuring the health and welfare of pets, directly impacting the emotional and physical well-being of the families who care for them. Also serving as key connectors to resources, education, and support systems for people and pets.
Pet-Inclusive Housing and Transportation Advocates
Working to eliminate barriers to transportation services that separate people from their pets, supporting family safety and stability.
Researchers and Academics
Building the knowledge base that informs effective interventions, funding decisions, and policy changes. while also highlighting the tangible benefits of pet-inclusive practices on public health, social equity, and community resilience.
Nonprofit and Community Based Organizations
Bridging gaps between services, building trust, and delivering culturally relevant, on-the-ground support that enhances both human and pet well-being.
Transformative Outcomes:
Building a More Equitable Future
The One Health Systems Summit aims to drive the creation of practical solutions that lead to sustainable impact in how we approach pet family health equity. The Summit is designed to go beyond information-sharing, emphasizing the development of practical solutions, strategic partnerships, and policy recommendations that participants can implement within their communities and organizations.
- Development of actionable strategies to integrate services across the animal welfare, human health, social services, and related sectors
- Recommendations for policy changes at the local, state, and national levels to support cross-sector collaboration
- Strengthened and newly formed partnerships among animal welfare, human health, and social service organizations
- Identification and sharing of holistic models that effectively address the comprehensive needs of pet families
Collaboration in Action
Keynote Presentations: Recognized leaders in health equity and One Health systems, setting the stage for transformative thinking
Multidisciplinary Panel Discussions: Cross-sector conversations that explore innovative approaches to complex challenges
Skill-Building Workshops: Sessions focused on practical applications, tools, and strategies
Mission-Driven Networking: Opportunities to build meaningful connections that foster long-term partnerships and collaborative initiatives beyond the Summit