Celebrating extraordinary human-canine partnerships across military, emergency services, assistance and wellbeing sectors.
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Service Dogs UK is proud to announce a landmark partnership with the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) to jointly host the UK Service Dogs Conference & Awards, a national event dedicated to celebrating the life‑changing impact of service dog partnerships across the United Kingdom. This national event will take place on 1 October at the Avisford Park Hotel in West Sussex.
Under the shared theme “Dogs Making a Difference: In Partnership, Service and Beyond”, the 2026 Conference and Awards unites both charities to pay tribute to the full journey of service – from supporting veterans whose lives are transformed by assistance dogs, to safeguarding the welfare and legacy of animals who have dedicated their lives to protecting others.
Garry Botterill, Founder, Service Dogs UK:
“We are very excited to be working together with our friends at the NFRSA to bring about this year’s conference and awards. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about how this symbiotic relationship changes lives, and to celebrate exceptional dogs who have given extraordinary service”
Countess Bathurst, Founder and Chair, the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals:
“Serving as Head Judge last year was a humbling reminder of the extraordinary impact service dogs have across every part of society. At the NFRSA, our mission to ‘Protect Our Protectors’ ensures the dogs who keep us safe receive the comfortable, dignified retirement they deserve. Partnering with SDUK this year is a natural alignment of our shared values, and a powerful example of how charities are always stronger when we work together towards a common purpose.”
The UK Service Dogs Conference & Awards will unite leading experts, researchers, charities, military and blue‑light organisations, and animal welfare groups to highlight the vital role dogs play in mental health, therapy, service and wellbeing across the country.
Delegates will take part in a full day of insight and discussion, hearing from sector leaders and thought‑provoking speakers, while contributing to the conversations shaping the future of service dog partnerships in the UK.
The 2026 programme will honour service dogs in all their forms – from assistance and therapy dogs to search and rescue teams, emergency service dogs, and the military working dogs who serve and protect. The event will also pay tribute to retired service animals, recognising the courage, dedication and enduring legacy they carry into retirement.
The event will conclude with a prestigious evening gala and Awards Ceremony, featuring the second year of the Medal of Honour Awards. These awards recognise the remarkable individuals, dogs and organisations whose work embodies partnership, service and impact – shining a national spotlight on stories truly deserving of recognition.
Service Dogs UK and the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals are working together to champion wellbeing, resilience and lifelong care for those who serve — on both ends of the lead. This partnership gives supporters and sponsors a unique opportunity to be part of a growing national event that honours service, transforms lives and protects the legacies of the dogs and people who dedicate themselves to others.
