This unique conference will be held at the beautiful Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, Hollywood, CA (www.renaissancehollywood.com). The highlighted themes include: Understanding the roles of Service/Emotional Support Animals; Animals and Human Health; Accommodation Issues for Disabled Animal Owners (Housing, Public, Legal Assistance) and the Evolution of Human-Animal Support Services (HASS) organizations.

This conference is a collaboration between Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS - www.pawssf.org) and Pets Are Wonderful Support Los Angeles (PAWS LA – www.pawsla.org). Featured speakers confirmed to date are Dr. Lynette Hart, University of California at Davis; Larry Norvell, President, Delta Society; Dr. Judith Siegal, University of California at Los Angeles; Gretchen Wyler, Humane Society of the United States, Dr. Pamela Frank, FIREPAW and Dr. Joan Esnayra, Founder, Psychiatric Service Dog Society. Additional conference topics include: Community & Education (Health Benefits, Advocacy, Public Agencies/Officials), Cultural Attitudes Toward Animals, Innovative Animal Assisted Therapy programs and the impact of Animals on Mind, Body and Spirit.

We are currently accepting abstracts! Abstracts will be accepted on behalf of individuals and groups on the topics stated above. Please follow the abstract submission process here.

More details will continuously be published and distributed in the upcoming months. Check the PAWS website for the latest information. (Once online, the website will accept both abstract submissions and online registration). For more questions and information, please feel free to contact Conference Co-Chairs Andrea Brooks (abrooks@pawssf.org) or Steve Wayland (swayland@pawsla.org).

Registration Cost is $175 until May 15th; $200 after. However, if you register by March 31, the fee is only $165.00 Registration Cost is $175 before May 1st; $200 after May 1st. This includes reception Thursday evening, breakfast and lunch on Friday and breakfast on Saturday. The Renaissance Hotel is offering specially discounted rooms at $139 a night for conference participants. The hotel is a lovely venue with views of the Hollywood Hills, and is mere footsteps away from endless local attractions, museums, cinemas and restaurants.

Well known for her support of animal causes, actress Betty White is the Honorary Chairperson for the Conference. In addition to creating and hosting the TV series "The Pet Set" and a daily radio show, "Betty White On Animals", Betty is the author of "Pet Love: How Pets Take Care of Us." Best known for her Emmy winning roles in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Golden Girls", Betty is a long time supporter of PAWS/LA. She currently shares her home with her Shi Tsu Panda, her Himalayan Bobcat, and her Golden Retriever Kitta.