PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course Celebrates Successful Expansion with Enhanced Three-Day Educational Experience
STERLING, Va. (August 5, 2026) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA), in partnership with the Pet Loss Professionals Alliance (PLPA), proudly concluded the 2026 PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course, held July 17–20, 2026, at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
This year’s program welcomed seven attendees for the first-ever expanded three-day Short Course, delivering the most comprehensive educational experience in the program’s history.
Created specifically for professionals serving families through pet loss, the expanded program provided attendees with practical education, hands-on strategies, and valuable peer connections to help strengthen pet aftercare services while supporting long-term business growth. Through expert-led presentations, collaborative discussions, and real-world case studies, participants explored the latest trends and best practices shaping one of the fastest-growing areas of the deathcare profession.
“This year’s expanded Short Course allowed us to take a much deeper dive into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s pet aftercare professionals,” said Lauren Blevins, CCFE, CPLP, PLPA Committee Chair. “Our goal has always been to provide education that attendees can immediately put into practice, and the additional day gave us the opportunity to explore not only operational excellence, but also leadership, technology, customer experience, and the relationships that help pet programs thrive. It’s incredibly rewarding to see professionals leave inspired and better equipped to serve families with compassion and confidence.”
Throughout the three-day program, attendees explored a broad range of timely topics, including artificial intelligence and practical technology, pet cremation operations and advanced best practices, developing and growing pet programs, cemetery integration, leadership and community partnerships, customer service, business performance metrics, funeral preplanning opportunities, and legal considerations impacting the future of pet aftercare.
The program also emphasized the value of collaboration through networking events, shared meals, and participation in ICCFA University traditions such as Student Night and Sports Night, giving attendees opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the deathcare profession.
Attendee Keli Clark, a student in the St. Petersburg College Funeral Services Program, said the Short Course had a significant impact on both her education and professional development. She described the program as an opportunity to deepen her understanding of grief, the human-animal bond, and compassionate care while building valuable relationships with others dedicated to serving pet families. According to Clark, “The knowledge, connections, and confidence I gained from the 2026 PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course will stay with me throughout my career.”
“Education remains one of the most important investments we can make in the future of the deathcare profession,” said Nadira Baddeliyanage, ICCFA Executive Director. “The continued growth of the PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course reflects the increasing need for specialized education in pet aftercare. We’re proud to provide professionals with the knowledge, resources, and connections that empower them to serve pet families with excellence while continuing to elevate this important area of our profession.”
ICCFA President John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE, said the Short Course reflects the evolving expectations of today’s families and the profession’s commitment to meeting those needs.
“Pets hold an incredibly meaningful place in the lives of so many families, and the professionals who care for them deserve education that reflects that responsibility,” Bolton said. “The PLPA Short Course equips attendees with practical business strategies, operational expertise, and compassionate approaches that strengthen both their organizations and the service they provide. It’s exciting to see this program continue to grow alongside the profession.”
ICCFA and the PLPA also extend their sincere appreciation to the dedicated faculty, speakers, volunteers, and the ICCFA Educational Foundation, whose continued support—including scholarships that helped make attendance possible for deserving professionals—contributed to another successful Short Course.
Save the Date for 2027
Planning is already underway for next year’s program. The 2027 PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course will return to the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, July 16–19, 2027.
Professionals looking to expand their expertise in pet aftercare are encouraged to mark their calendars and join colleagues from across the profession for another year of education, collaboration, and innovation.
For more information about the PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course, visit iccfa.com/pet-short-course.
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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 rooftop members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.
