A heartfelt thanks to our speakers, theme leaders, facilitators, and poster presenters; our sponsors, Agria and Royal Canin; our planning committee (affectionately known as the ‘Tortellini Task Force’); our award recipients, Professor Jane Ladlow and Agria; all who brought their unique perspectives and expertise to our conversations; and, finally, to ENCI for their incredible support and outstanding hospitality ‒ grazie mille!
Stay tuned for more post-workshop information in the coming days.
Background: The International Dog Health Workshops (IDHWs)
The International Dog Health Workshops (IDHWs) are unique, action-focused gatherings of global experts and decision-makers in dog health and well-being, including:
Canine authorities, kennel/breed clubs, breed health committees
Researchers/educational institutions/students
Other non-profit canine health/welfare associations/organizations
Veterinarians and veterinary care providers, veterinary organizations
Show judges (e.g., FCI International Judges)
Pet industry product/service providers (e.g., genetic test providers, food manufacturers, insurers)
There have been six IDHWs to date: Stockholm, Sweden (2012); Dortmund, Germany (2015); Paris, France (2017); Windsor, UK (2019); Helsinki, Finland (2024), and Bologna, Italy (2026). IPFDogs hosted its first-ever first-ever Virtual Dog Health Forum in June 2025 to facilitate ongoing conversations on key issues in dog health and well-being, refocus collaborative work on action items from the Helsinki workshop, and set the stage for the 6th IDHW.
Download reports from the 5th IDHW and June 2025 Virtual Dog Health Forum:
5th IDHW Report.pdf Virtual Dog Health Forum 2025 Report.pdf
6th IDHW Theme: 'All Roads Lead to Dog Health'
'All Roads Lead to Dog Health' is an adaptation of the phrase, 'All Roads Lead to Rome', which suggests there are many methods or paths to achieve the same goal.
In its unique role as a facilitator of collaboration throughout the global dog community and steward of the International Dog Health Workshops, IPFDogs brings together diverse viewpoints, approaches, and cultures to develop practical strategies that support our collective goal: to enhance the health and well-being of all dogs around the world.
Thank you for taking part in our journey to Bologna and beyond...for our shared love of dogs.
New 'Hybrid' Workshop Format
Building on the success of the Virtual Dog Health Forum (June 2025), we've adopted a new hybrid format for the 6th IDHW. By combining online sessions in April with an in-person event in Bologna, Italy, in May/June, we're able to accommodate a growing number of organizations and experts wishing to share their knowledge and expertise, while also providing opportunities for those unable to attend the Bologna event to participate in these important conversations.
A FREE online event Thursday, 16 April and Friday, 17 April – Powered by Royal Canin – featuring presentations and interactive discussions setting the stage for an in-person event in Italy. Recorded presentations and speaker slides from the Online Event are posted here.
An in-person event Saturday, 30 May - Monday, 1 June in Bologna, Italy, (registration fee applies) with a full program incorporating multiple streams of conversation on key issues in dog health and well-being, networking opportunities, and social events; held in conjunction with the 4th FCI World Congress for Show Judges and 2026 World Dog Show (also co-hosted by ENCI)
Registration
Registration is closed. Click here for details.
Workshop Objectives & Outcomes
The main objectives of the 6th International Dog Health Workshop are:
To continue the promotion of collaboration and networking throughout our global community
To summarize the work done to date and continue the streams of conversation across the themes from the 5th IDHW and June 2025 Virtual Forum and other emerging issues in the dog world
To set new targets/milestones for work to be completed before the 7th IDHW (date/location TBD)
To secure commitments by individual contributors and organizations to help IPFD carry out this important work
Following interactive discussions within their chosen Theme at the in-person event in Bologna, participants should leave with a clear sense of:
Key decisions on priorities/needs within the Theme
Remaining gaps/challenges/controversies
List of specific tasks/actions to be undertaken over the next two years; together with names of individuals and organizations who have agreed to assist
Their personal commitment to participate; how they will help achieve the desired outcomes
Breakout Session Themes
Breakout Session Themes for the 6th IDHW are a continuation of discussions and actions from the previous workshop in Helsinki (June 2024) and Virtual Forum (June 2025).
Participants engaged in discussion during breakout sessions for their chosen Theme.
Theme Leaders identified possible discussion points and outcomes, but the focus on issues and priorities was driven by participants.
Recommended pre-meeting reading materials were posted on the corresponding Theme pages (links below). Additional reading materials are posted here.
Participants were asked to indicate their preference of workshop Theme when registering for the in-person event in Bologna.
Click a tile below for more information on each of the four Breakout Session Themes:
Event Programs and Schedules
Schedule at-a-Glance:
Online Event
Powered by:
Day 1: Thursday, 16 April
11am (EDT)/17.00 (CEST) to 3pm (EDT)/21.00 (CEST)
Day 2: Friday, 17 April
11am (EDT)/17.00 (CEST) to 3pm (EDT)/21.00 (CEST)
Click here for full program details
***Recorded presentations and speaker slides from the Online Event are posted here.***
Schedule at-a-Glance:
In-Person Event, Bologna, Italy
Workshop Venue:
The Sydney Hotel
Via Michelino, 73 - 40127 Bologna
Tel. +39 051/030409
https://www.thesydneyhotel.eu/en/
Day 1: Saturday, 30 May
18.00 – 20.00 (CEST)
Registration, Welcome Reception, Posters, Networking
Day 2: Sunday, 31 May
8.30 – 22.00 (CEST)
All attendees come together for each of the four Sunday morning Plenary Sessions before joining smaller breakout session groups for their chosen Theme after lunch. The Gala Dinner takes place Sunday evening.
Day 3: Monday, 1 June
9.00 - 17:30 (CEST)
All attendees come together for the Monday morning presentations and Plenary Sharing/Summary Session.
Click here for full program details
Speakers, Theme Leaders, Contributing Experts, and Facilitators
The 6th IDHW program included an impressive roster of respected experts from around the world.
Click here for Bios of Speakers, Theme Leaders, and Moderators
Pre-Workshop Reading
Even though the workshop has passed, we encourage you to take advantage of the wealth of information included in the pre-meeting reading materials, provided by the IPFDogs team and speakers.
Click here for more information on Pre-Workshop Reading Materials
Poster Presentations
A popular feature of previous IDHWs, poster presentations at 6th International Dog Health Workshop facilitated information transfer and fostered networking opportunities.
Click here for details
We thank everyone who presented their posters in Bologna!
2026 IPFDogs Awards
We're truly grateful for the contributions of all people and organizations who support IPFDogs and our mission. These awards give our community an opportunity to single out those who exemplify the core values of IPFDogs and demonstrate exceptional commitment to the health and well-being of all dogs.
The Dr. Brenda N. Bonnett Canine Excellence Award acknowledges the contributions of individuals.
The Dog Wellness Award (New in 2026!) acknowledges the contributions of organizations.
This year's awards were presented at the 6th IDHW in Bologna as part of the gala dinner festivities.
Click here to learn about the recipients and their awards
We wish to thank all who submitted nominations to acknowledge exceptional contributions to dog health and well-being!
Our Co-Host: Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana (ENCI)
We wish to thank the Italian Kennel Club ENCI, for generously hosting the in-person event in Bologna, Italy, and for their ongoing support as IPFDogs Contributing Partners.
ENCI is also co-hosting the 4th FCI World Congress for Show Judges and 2026 World Dog Show, immediately following the 6th IDHW in Bologna. Please consider extending your stay and attending these events as well!
Our Sponsors
We thank our sponsors for making the 6th International Dog Health Workshop possible and for their contributions to the health and well-being of all dogs.
Lead Sponsor
Agria is a leading animal insurance company with operations across several European markets. Founded in Sweden in 1890, Agria is today a leading centre of expertise in animal health in Europe.
Through its international growth strategy, Agria aims to promote animal welfare and ensure the best possible care for pets, while giving their owners peace of mind, by offering insurance solutions and complementary services. Agria operates in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, the UK, France, Germany and Ireland, insuring 1.4 million pets and horses. Learn more Agria's International Partnerships - Agria Djurförsäkring
Platinum Sponsor & Online Event Sponsor
ROYAL CANIN® is part of the Royal Canin Division in the Mars, Incorporated group, and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs fulfilling its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
Its ambition is to go beyond providing science-based, precise nutritional solutions. This entails working together with stakeholders including breeders, pet owners, veterinarians, governments, and industry bodies to create an environment that nurtures and creates optimal health and well-being for cats and dogs.
Today the entire pet ecosystem is facing two key, interrelated challenges: a rise in illegal pet trade and extreme breeding.
This is why ROYAL CANIN® developed CHOOSE HEALTH, a collaborative program of activities dedicated to fighting these two complex challenges. The initiative focuses on driving responsible pet ownership and responsible breeding, for a world that puts pet health first over physical appearance.
For more information, visit: www.royalcanin.com
Questions?
6th IDHW Program: Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi or Katariina Mäki (IPFDogs)
General Inquiries: info@ipfdogs.com
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.