Torquay to host world-first animal emotional wellbeing conference

Torquay is preparing to welcome some of the world’s most respected names in animal behaviour and welfare as the very first Live Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference arrives on 30 and 31 March 2026, transforming the English Riviera into a global hub of compassion, science and cutting-edge education. 

For two remarkable days, the town will become a meeting place for leading academics, trainers, veterinary professionals, authors and behaviourists, marking a milestone both for the region and for the UK’s fast-evolving understanding of animal emotional health. 

The conference hosted by Pet Remedy, set within the Imperial Hotel overlooking Torbay, promises to be not only one of the most ambitious events of the year, but a powerful opportunity for pet owners and professionals alike to learn from the very best in the field.

The line-up is extraordinary. Dr Robert Falconer-Taylor, Dr Amber Batson, Chloe Scoones, Daniel Shaw, Victoria Stilwell and Devon’s own Andrew Hale are among the high-profile experts taking to the stage for in-depth sessions exploring what emotional wellbeing really means for animals, how it differs from basic welfare, and why this distinction is now driving so much conversation in behavioural science. 

Many more global figures, including Prof Marc Bekoff, Dr Rise VanFleet and Dr Eduardo Fernandez, will join the online edition of the conference later in the year, giving attendees continued access to some of the animal world’s greatest thinkers.

The event’s setting is a deliberate choice. The Imperial Hotel, with its sea views and proximity to Torquay Harbour, offers a calm, inspiring environment in which to explore the complex world of animal emotions. 

With excellent transport links by road and rail, and Exeter Airport just 40 minutes away, organisers say Torquay provides the perfect balance of accessibility and coastal beauty. Organisers expect strong attendance from across the UK and overseas, bringing a welcome early spring boost to local businesses, restaurants, hotels and tourism providers.

For Andrew Hale, a Certified Animal Behaviourist and Behaviour Consultant for Pet Remedy, the location is part of what makes this event so unique. “Torquay is a beautiful place and it is wonderful to be able to bring this level of expertise to the South West,” he says. 

“I have always believed that learning about animals should feel grounded, connected and accessible. Hosting this conference in Devon helps us create the warm, welcoming environment we need to talk about something as important and sensitive as emotional wellbeing.”

Pet Remedy itself, the Devon-based calming brand Hale represents, has become a familiar name in veterinary practices across the UK. Clinically supported and widely recommended by vets, behaviourists and rescue organisations, its natural calming formulations are used by professionals to help animals manage stress, build emotional resilience and navigate challenging environments. 

As the understanding of animal emotions grows, so too has interest in gentle, science-led interventions like Pet Remedy that ease anxiety without sedation and support an animal’s natural calming pathways. Hale says this shift in thinking is precisely why the conference could not come at a more important time.

“We are finally acknowledging that animals feel the world in incredibly rich and meaningful ways,” he added. 

“Their emotional experiences influence everything, from behaviour to physical health to relationships with people. For years animal care research was focused almost exclusively on physical welfare, but now we are recognising that emotional wellbeing is just as essential. 

“This conference is about helping people understand that difference and giving them practical tools to support their animals in a compassionate way.”

Over the course of two days, delegates will explore how emotional wellbeing develops, what happens when it is compromised, and how guardians, trainers and veterinary professionals can create environments that help animals thrive. 

Andrew believes the structure of the event will set a new standard for conferences of this kind. “This conference is going to be something truly special,” he says. “We are bringing together so many leaders who are at the forefront of understanding animal emotions and behaviour. 

“Torquay is the perfect backdrop and I cannot wait to meet the delegates, share knowledge and help raise standards even further. 

“Anyone who cares about dogs or any other animals is going to get so much from being part of this.”

“This isn’t just about giving people information,” he says. “It’s about helping them feel more connected to the animals in their care and to each other. 

“Emotional wellbeing is a shared journey. When people support animals better, the animals in turn help people feel calmer, more grounded and more joyful. That relationship is incredibly important. I want people to leave Torquay feeling inspired, empowered and part of a growing community that puts emotional health first.”

For the town itself, the arrival of such an influential event is a significant moment. With hundreds of attendees expected across the residential and conference-only ticket options, the event will bring considerable economic benefits to Torquay during the spring shoulder season when the region is beginning to warm up but traditional tourism is still gathering pace. 

Delegates staying at the Imperial Hotel will enjoy meals, the exclusive Gala Dinner on 30 March and access to all sessions, while many others are expected to book into Premier Inns, Travelodges and local boutique hotels. Some plan to extend their visit by making use of the special discounted rate negotiated for those wishing to stay an extra night, meaning even more spending on meals, attractions and shopping.

The conference organisers have also made accessibility a priority. The venue is fully accessible throughout and the hotel has limited accessible rooms available for advance booking. Alternatively, attendees who prefer to arrange their own accommodation have a range of options across Torquay and the wider English Riviera, with information provided to ensure every delegate feels welcome and supported.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the event is its inclusivity. Although the speaker list includes some of the biggest names in animal behaviour science, the conference has been designed for everyone, not just industry professionals. Pet guardians, students, rescue workers and community volunteers will find the content just as valuable as trainers, vets and academics. 

Andrew believes this is essential. “We often assume that deep conversations about wellbeing are only for experts,” he says. “But the truth is that every guardian is already shaping the emotional world of their animals every day. This conference is about bringing those worlds together. When professionals and everyday pet owners share the same understanding we create better outcomes for animals. That is how real change happens.

“I  think Torquay is going to see a huge wave of positivity as everyone comes together with the same goal, which is to improve the lives of animals everywhere.”

Beyond the in-person event, delegates will receive free access to the online edition of the conference later in 2026, ensuring they can revisit sessions or catch additional speakers whose schedules make in-person attendance impossible. This hybrid model means the learning does not end when the delegates leave Torquay but continues to grow with added global perspectives.

With emotional wellbeing becoming one of the most significant areas of focus in modern animal care, the Live Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference represents a pivotal moment. 

For Torquay, it brings a valuable influx of visitors, international attention and a chance to showcase its stunning coastline and famous hospitality. For attendees it offers inspiration, clarity and the deep emotional understanding needed to support animals with compassion and insight.

For the wider animal care community, it marks a shift  towards connectedness, empathy and science-led thinking. And for the animals themselves it promises a future in which their emotional richness is finally recognised and respected.

Andrew added: “There has never been a more important time to talk about emotional wellbeing,” he says. “Animals give us so much and they deserve to be understood for who they truly are, not just what we ask them to do. Torquay is going to be the place where we take a huge step forward together. I think it is going to change lives.”