Is TAFA right for me?

Absolutely! While most of our attendees don’t work in animal welfare, they care deeply about animals and want to find meaningful ways to make a difference for animals in their spare time. Anyone can be an advocate for animals, but so many of us don’t know where to start (especially if we don’t work in animal welfare). That’s where TAFA comes in.

Not at all. In fact, TAFA may be the best place to start if this is new to you! Our workshops and main stages will help you build the skills you need to feel confident and prepared when meeting with your representatives, whether in DC or back home. And if you sign up for Humane Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, we schedule your meeting(s), prep you with information and talking points for the meeting, and host a training beforehand so you know exactly what to expect. We even provide transportation to the Capitol, giving you a chance to relax and connect with fellow advocates on the ride over—no need to navigate DC’s hectic traffic!

Advocacy can mean different things to different people, but for TAFA, the main thing to remember is the goal: to better the lives of animals and people alike. This can include working with local, state and federal officials, promoting animal-friendly policies and legislation, connecting with local groups to support their work, and more. At TAFA, you’ll be exposed to some of the most important issues animals face today, and you’ll be equipped with the skills you need to address those issues in a variety of ways. You can find the advocacy path that makes the most sense for you!

Where do we start? TAFA offers:

• Inspiring main stage sessions and more than 20 breakout workshops led by industry experts
• More than two dozen exhibitors showcasing animal-friendly products and advocacy resources
• Engaging networking opportunities with hundreds of passionate animal lovers from across the country
• Access to the Humane Market, packed with free animal-friendly goodies
• Delicious plant-based food
• So much more!

We understand that travel in general is not cheap, so the TAFA team works hard to make sure you get the best value when you choose to attend. TAFA is one of the most affordable animal advocacy conferences at just $120 for the entire weekend (including Humane Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, if you choose to attend). It’s even more affordable if you register early at our advance registration rate of $100 (good through April 30, 2026).

Your registration rate includes all conference activities and sessions, multiple delicious plant-based meals, and two evening receptions with food and drinks. We also work with our host hotel to offer group rates well below the standard publicly listed hotel rates, so you’re booking your room at a significant savings on your stay.

If you’re interested in additional savings, consider volunteering! Anyone who volunteers for four or more hours during the conference weekend will receive discounted registration of just $85. The volunteer application will be available soon.

Yes, it does! TAFA’s content changes from year to year. While you may see some similar skill-building workshops from one year to the next, there’s always something new to learn. We continually reassess our programming so you can fill any skill gaps and keep growing as an advocate. And as we continue to make major progress for animals each year, the big issues to focus on and learn about are changing too. We’re keeping our finger on the pulse of animal welfare, so you are prepared for whatever comes next.

Plus, you can never overstate the value of a strong network to make a bigger impact. TAFA is the place to find your people—a community of passionate and informed advocates ready to support each other on all the biggest animal welfare fights, federally and locally. Each year you may see some familiar faces, but you’ll also meet lots of new people as passionate about animal welfare as you are.