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A large conference room filled with attendees listening to a presentation projected on a screen during the One Health Systems Summit.

One Health Systems Summit

Join a Unique Pre-Conference Workshop
at the 2026 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, October 31, 2026.

The One Health Society Summit aims to convene leaders to advance health equity for people and pets through collaboration, policy, and research. By fostering a multidisciplinary approach, the Summit aims to foster more sustainable and impactful solutions.

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Four-Sector Framework for Comprehensive Care

The One Health Systems Summit seeks to advance collaboration across four sectors of care to address the social determinants of health impacting the well- being of people and pets.

Health & Well-being

Integrating veterinary care with human health services, mental health support, and wellness programs that recognize the bond between people and pets.

    • Veterinarians, Clinics, and Veterinary Social Workers

    • Animal Shelters & Rescue Organizations

    • Medical & Mental Health Providers

    • Public Health Departments

    • Social Workers and Case Managers 

Economic & Community Support

Developing financial assistance programs, community resources, and economic stability initiatives that are accessible and inclusive for people and pets.

    • Banks & Financial Institutions

    • Foundations & Grant-makers

    • Employers & Workplace Wellness Programs

    • Community Health Organizations & NGOs

    • Faith-Based and Civic Groups

    • Food Banks & Supply Networks 

Housing & Transportation

Advocating for pet-inclusive housing policies and transportation solutions that eliminate barriers preventing families from keeping and caring for their pets

    • Pet-Friendly Housing Advocates

    • Public Transit & Pet Transport Services

    • Delivery Services

    • Animal Control & Public Safety Officers

Education, Policy, & Research

Advancing evidence-based policies, educational initiatives, and research that supports the development of inclusive systems of care.

    • Veterinary & Medical Schools

    • Think Tanks & Policy Research Institutes

    • Community Outreach Programs

    • Real Estate Developers & Property Managers

Leading Stakeholders in Advancing the One Health Framework

The Summit seeks to convene professionals from separate fields and create opportunities for cross- sector collaboration and innovation. This diverse community represents the spectrum of expertise needed to address pet family health equity.

Policy and Public Health Officials

Shaping laws, regulations, and public health initiatives to create the frameworks that determine access to services, funding, and protections for both people and their pets. Ensuring that pet-inclusive policies are integrated into broader health and human services systems.

Researchers and Academics

Building the knowledge base that informs effective interventions, funding decisions, and policy changes. while also highlighting the tangible benefits of pet- inclusive practices on public health, social equity, and community resilience.

Public Finance Specialists

Aligning budgets and funding mechanisms across sectors, helping to maximize the impact pet-inclusive housing and of investments that benefit both people and their pets. Encouraging innovative, pet- inclusive programs are financially sustainable and accessible.

Animal Welfare Professionals

Ensuring the health and welfare of pets, directly impacting the emotional and physical well- being of the families who care for them. Also serving as key connectors to resources, education, and support systems for people and pets.

Human Healthcare and Social Services

Addressing the profound bond between people and their pets, especially in situations involving mental health, physical disability, or aging.

Recognizing pets as part of the family unit to allow for more compassionate, holistic care plans that support both human and non-human family members.

Pet-Inclusive Housing and Transportation Advocates

Working to eliminate barriers to transportation services that separate people from their animals, supporting family safety and stability.

Nonprofit and Community- Based Organizations

Bridging gaps between services, build trust, and deliver culturally relevant, on- the-ground support that enhances both human and animal well-being.

Transformative Outcomes:
Building a More Equitable Future

The One Health Systems Summit aims to drive the creation of practical solutions that lead to sustainable impact in how we approach pet family health equity. The Summit is designed to go beyond information-sharing, emphasizing the development of practical solutions, strategic partnerships, and policy recommendations that participants can implement within their communities and organizations.

    • Development of actionable strategies to integrate services across the animal welfare, human health, social services, and related sectors.

    • Recommendations for policy changes at the local, state, and national levels to support cross-sector collaboration.

    • Strengthened and newly formed partnerships among animal welfare, human health, and social service organizations.

    • Identification and sharing of holistic models that effectively address the comprehensive needs of pet-inclusive families.

Collaboration in Action

The One Health Society Summit is designed as a pre-conference workshop featuring sessions that bring together multidisciplinary perspectives to develop actionable solutions that advance health equity for families with pets.

  • Keynote Presentations: Recognized leaders in health equity and One Health systems, setting the stage for transformative thinking.
  • Multidisciplinary Panel Discussions: Cross-sector conversations that explore innovative approaches to complex challenges.
  • Skill-Building Workshops: Sessions focused on practical applications, tools, and strategies.
  • Mission-Driven Networking: Opportunities to build meaningful connections that foster long-term partnerships and collaborative initiatives beyond the Summit.