TAFA frequently asked questions

Never joined us before? See if TAFA makes sense for you!

I don’t work in animal welfare. Can I still come?

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.

I’ve never contacted my elected officials before. Does that matter?

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!

I’m not sure I even know what advocacy means.

You’re not alone! 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!

What’s in it for me?

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;
• And so much more!

I have a tight budget—can I make this work?

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.

Registration will open in early 2026. 

The cost to register is just $120. The discounted advance registration rate of $100 is available through April 30, 2026. 

Your registration includes:

• Two days of inspiring workshops to learn how to take action on animal issues through lobbying, education and other citizen advocacy.
• Access to over two dozen exhibitors in animal welfare and advocacy.
• A humane world market with free animal friendly products.
• Networking opportunities.
• Lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
• Happy hour receptions on Friday and Saturday with complimentary appetizers and drinks.
• Lobby Day on Capitol Hill.

Friday, July 31 through Monday, August 3. Visit the schedule of events for an overview of the daily schedule. 

In 2026, TAFA will take place at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C.

We recommend flying into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles International Airport or Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Washington, D.C. is also accessible by train. For more information, please review our travel information. 

We have secured a discounted rate for TAFA attendees at the Omni Shoreham. Please review our travel information for a booking link.  

A description of all Taking Action for Animals workshops will be announced in spring 2026. Past topics have included puppy mills, fur farms, factory farming and cosmetics testing.  

TAFA registration includes lunch both Saturday and Sunday. There are also evening receptions Friday and Saturday that include hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

We will be serving plant-based meals at TAFA, which is a great way to save precious natural resources, spare animals from factory farms and help you feel better! Serving meals free of animal products is not only environmentally-friendly and health-conscious, but it wholeheartedly helps support our mission.

No, not at all. The conference is open to all individuals, regardless of dietary lifestyle. The meals served at TAFA are 100% plant-based to support wellness, sustainability and our overall mission. We work with the chefs to create custom menus that are both nourishing and delicious for all attendees to enjoy. 

The conference is smart casual: A polished yet relaxed style of dress—more elevated than casual wear, but less formal than business attire. However, if you are attending as part of an animal welfare organization and would like to wear your organization’s branded clothing, we encourage and welcome this.

We invite advocates of all ages to join us at TAFA. Please note that any participants under age 18 will be required to have a parent or legal guardian register and chaperone them at the conference. They must complete a minor participation release form.

We welcome speakers from across the animal welfare field—diverse perspectives and experiences are encouraged. Speaking opportunities are available through our formal proposal process. Interested individuals or organizations can submit a session or presentation idea during the call for presentations period, January 8 through February 17, 2026. Stay tuned for details.

Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available through our official application process. Review available packages and submit your interest.

Stay connected with past and future attendees by joining our TAFA Attendees Facebook group. This is a great resource to ask questions, participate in the larger TAFA community and stay up-to-date on new announcements.

While the hotel is pet-friendly, pets are limited to guest rooms and designated public spaces and are not permitted in meeting rooms. For the comfort and safety of all guests—and to ensure your pet’s well-being—we kindly discourage leaving pets unattended in hotel rooms.

For guests staying in the hotel, Omni Shoreham Hotel is a pet-friendly hotel for dogs and cats under 25 pounds. There is a one-time non-refundable pet fee of $150 per reservation, plus a $100 nightly incidental deposit. Service animals accompanying guests with disabilities are always welcome and will not be required to pay the one-time pet charge (no documentation necessary).

Service animals are welcome at TAFA. TAFA abides by the ADA definition of a service animal. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.

Please email us!