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NACA State Association Leadership Summit: Building Momentum, Strengthening the Future

The National Animal Care & Control Association
is committed to setting the standard of professionalism in animal welfare and public safety through training, networking, and advocacy.

April 16, 2026

Announcements | Blog

Posted by NACA

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2026 NACA State Association Leadership Summit

This year’s NACA State Association Leadership Summit, our third summit to date, was our biggest and most impactful yet, bringing together representatives from 43 states and 113 attendees for two powerful days of connection, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership. From start to finish, the energy in the room was undeniable, reflecting the passion, commitment, and shared purpose that continue to drive our field forward.

At its core, the Summit is about more than just gathering; it’s about building something meaningful together. And this year, that spirit came to life in ways that were both inspiring and unforgettable.

One of the most memorable moments came through our keynote experience with Hatching LLC, which guided attendees through a powerful journey of internal compassion and leadership. The session began with a focus on self, how we show up, how we lead, and how we care for ourselves and our teams, offering an introspective look at the mindset and behaviors that shape our leadership. Framed around Leading Without Authority, it recognized that many state leaders serve in informal roles yet carry significant influence within their states.

What made this experience even more unique was the presence of a live harpist, whose music created a reflective and immersive environment as participants engaged in the workshop. It was a moment of pause, connection, and intention…something many attendees shared as a highlight of the entire Summit.

Throughout the Summit, sessions focused on the broader landscape shaping our work, including legislative trends, certification and training standards, and the responsibility of leaders in our respective states. These conversations reinforced the importance of alignment, ensuring we are not operating in silos but instead moving the profession forward together. Attendees explored how to navigate evolving policies, elevate standards, and lead with consistency and purpose, all while staying connected as a national network working toward shared progress across the country.

Day two also brought a creative and symbolic activity that captured the essence of resilience and collaboration. Attendees worked with LEGO bricks, not just as a fun exercise, but as a meaningful representation of building stronger systems together. Each piece, like each person and each state, plays a role in the bigger picture. Some tables took this to the next level, constructing detailed animal control vehicles and entire field scenes—bringing both creativity and professional pride into the room. It was a powerful reminder that even in complex challenges, we have the ability to build solutions together.
The connections didn’t stop when sessions ended. On Saturday night, attendees gathered for an unforgettable social event at PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the city skyline as a backdrop, the evening was filled with laughter, networking, and celebration. The highlight? A surprise visit from the Pirates Parrot brought an extra level of fun and energy to an already epic night.
Throughout the Summit, there was also a deep appreciation for the history and legacy of our profession. Among the attendees were true legends in the field, including one individual with over 50 years in animal control, who shared stories from the early days of NACA as a former regional director. These moments grounded us, reminding us how far we’ve come and the shoulders we stand on as we continue to move forward.

This Summit wasn’t just an event; it was a milestone. A reflection of growth, alignment, and the increasing strength of state associations across the country. The conversations, ideas, and relationships built here will continue to ripple outward long after the event has ended.

As we look ahead, we are already excited for what’s next. In 2028, we will come together again, not only for another State Association Leadership Summit, but to celebrate a truly special milestone: NACA’s 50th Anniversary. It will be an opportunity to honor our history, celebrate our progress, and set the stage for the future of animal care and control.

If this year is any indication, the best is still ahead.

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