Expo Gives Back

Expo for a CAWS (Community Animal Welfare Service) Day

Registration for CAWS Day will be open when registration opens October 15, 2025.

Animal Care Expo attendees will have the opportunity to join the team at Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh for our 3rd annual Expo for a CAWS (Community Animal Welfare Service) Day on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.  This year's event will be a free wellness fair benefiting the local Pittsburgh community.

Volunteers will assist with wellness exams, event communication, line management, operating tag machines and food/product distribution as well as helping in other areas on campus such as general kennel support.  Due to the need for help with wellness/presurgical exams and microchipping/vaccines, preference will be given to licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Volunteer hours are from 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. EDT.  Transportation to and from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center is provided as well as a plant-based lunch.  As a CAWS Day volunteer, you'll also have the opportunity to your Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh's East side campus located at 6926 Hamilton Avenue.  Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) is one of Pennsylvania's largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to the welfare of animals, pet owners and the community.  A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, HARP operates two low-cost, high-quality veterinary medical centers, treating over 6,500 animals and performing more than 7,000 spay and neuter surgeries annually.

Please note, CAWS Day will occur at the same time as Learning Labs, so please keep that in mind when registering as you will be unable to attend both.  If you'd like to be a part of this year's event, you can sign up during conference registration.  There are a limited number of volunteer slots available and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early if you want to join.

CAWS Day is generously sponsored by Petco Love.

Perk Up for Pets

Start your day with purpose and paws-itivity!  Join us on Tuesday, April 7 from 8:00-9:15 a.m. EDT, just before the Learning Labs begin for a feel-good morning of coffee, connection and community service.

We'll be crafting enrichment items like KONGs, handmade toys and other fun surprises to support a local animal shelter.  It's a change to do something good, meet amazing people and start your day with a pick me up!

No fee.  No registration.  All are welcome.  Whether you're a morning person or just here for the coffee, your helping hands (and big heart) are welcome.

Please note, Perk Up for Pets will occur at the same time as CAWS Day, so you will be unable to attend both.

Perk Up for Pets is generously sponsored by PetSmart Charities.