UK Service Dogs Conference & Awards
Dogs Making a Difference:
In Partnership, Service and Beyond
The UK Service Dogs Conference and Awards will take place on 1st October 2026 at the beautiful Avisford Park Hotel in Arundel, West Sussex. Bringing together organisations, practitioners, volunteers and supporters from across the sector, the event will provide a space to learn, connect and celebrate the extraordinary impact of service dog partnerships across the UK.
It marks the next chapter of our inaugural Dogs Making a Difference event in 2025, bringing the sector together under a refreshed national identity. This event celebrates the partnerships that change lives, the organisations driving progress, and the people and dogs whose work makes a real difference across the UK.
Honouring Service. Changing Lives.
Protecting Legacies.
The UK Service Dogs Conference & Awards 2026 unites Service Dogs UK and the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals to represent the full journey of service — supporting Veterans whose lives are transformed by assistance dogs, while safeguarding the welfare of animals who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Together, this partnership offers sponsors the opportunity to champion wellbeing, resilience, and lifelong care for those who serve — on both ends of the lead.
We’re also delighted to welcome NFRSA Ambassador, Pete Wicks, to the UK Service Dogs Conference & Awards, where he’ll be joining us in the evening to celebrate the extraordinary dogs, handlers, and partnerships making a life-changing difference across the UK. Together, we’ll honour the remarkable achievements of working dogs and the people whose lives they transform.
Get your tickets now!
Join us for a day of insight, connection and celebration at the UK Service Dogs Conference and Awards.
Attendees will hear from sector leaders, explore emerging ideas and practice, and take part in conversations shaping the future of service dog partnerships. The event concludes with our Awards ceremony, recognising outstanding impact across the community.
Early-bird tickets will be available, alongside charity and group rates. Secure your place and be part of a growing national conversation.
Conference Programme
The UK Service Dogs Conference & Awards brings together leading experts, researchers, charities, military and blue light organisations, and animal welfare groups to explore and celebrate the life-changing role of dogs in mental health, therapy, and service.
From PTSD assistance dogs supporting Veterans, to retired Blue Light service dogs, to search-and-rescue dogs saving lives, and wellbeing and therapy dogs the conference showcases the extraordinary impact of human–canine partnerships across society. The event features a programme of distinguished speakers and thought leaders, culminating in a gala dinner honouring outstanding dog and human partnerships.
Evening Gala featuring our
Medal of Honour Awards Ceremony
Now in its second year as part of the UK Service Dogs Awards, the Medal of Honour Awards recognise the individuals, dogs and organisations whose work embodies the spirit of partnership, service and impact.
These awards celebrate excellence across the sector — from life-changing partnerships and innovative practice to long-standing contributions that have shaped the field. They shine a light on stories that deserve recognition and help raise awareness of the value service dogs bring to communities.
Award Categories
Military Dog
Medal of Honour
For Military dogs (working or retired) who have shown outstanding service for the British Armed Forces.
Emergency Services Dog
Medal of Honour
For working dogs within UK Emergency Services, showing tenacity, resilience, and dedication.
Assistance Dog
Medal of Honour
Celebrating partnerships that have overcome difficulties to become inspirational examples.
Lifetime Achievement
Medal of Honour
For dogs that have provided exceptional service over an extended period.
Lifesaving Dog
Medal of Honour
Exclusively for a dog whose actions have saved or contributed to saving a life.
Rescue Dog
Medal of Honour
Recognising UK rescue dogs who have excelled in their role.
Wellbeing or Therapy Dog
Medal of Honour
For dogs that provide exceptional services in the workplace, educational facilities, or other settings.
Special Team
Award
For groups and teams of Dog’s and Handlers who have made a difference.
With thanks to our Sponsors
We would like to thank our Platinum Sponsor, Jolleyes Pets and our Bronze Sponsor, Dogs Trust.
Could you Sponsor our Event
Sponsoring the UK Service Dogs Conference and Awards places your organisation at the centre of a respected national event that champions impact, accessibility and community.
Sponsors support the delivery of the conference and awards while gaining meaningful visibility among charities, decision-makers and supporters across the sector. Partnership opportunities range from headline support to award category sponsorship, with packages designed to reflect shared values and goals. If you are interested in sponsoring our event, please take a look through our sponsorship brochure and contact us at events@servicedogsuk.org to secure your sponsorship package.
If sponsorship isn’t the right fit for you or your organisation, you can still help make this event a success by making a donation. Every contribution helps us deliver an inspiring event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of service dogs and their handlers. Donations can be made via the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals website using the link below.
About the Venue
Set in the West Sussex countryside, Avisford Park Hotel offers a welcoming and accessible environment for learning, networking and celebration. The historic setting provides modern conference facilities, exhibition space and on-site accommodation, allowing delegates to connect throughout the day in a relaxed and professional atmosphere.
Its location makes it easily reachable from London and across the South of England while offering a calm space away from the pace of everyday work.
We thoroughly look forward to celebrating this milestone with you. Join us for a day of inspiration, connection, and recognition as we honour the incredible contributions of our dogs and their handlers.
