AKC Canine Health Foundation Celebrates $3.4 Million in Canine Health Research Grants Awarded in 2021

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sharon M. Albright, DVM, CCRT
Manager of Communications & Veterinary Outreach
AKC Canine Health Foundation
Phone: 919-334-4019
E-mail: sharon.albright@akcchf.org

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, NC (December 3, 2021) – The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs, celebrates $3.4 million in canine health research grants awarded in 2021.

Fifty grants were awarded to canine health researchers across the globe to explore more accurate diagnoses, develop new treatments, and further our understanding of canine disease. These studies explore more common conditions such as arthritis, pancreatitis, epilepsy, and tick-borne disease, as well as specific concerns such as Addison’s disease in Portuguese Water Dogs and dermatomyositis in Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. More than $1.3 million in new canine cancer research grants were awarded to study lymphoma, melanoma, hemangiosarcoma, and more as cancer remains a top concern of dog owners and veterinary professionals.

CHF increased its commitment to One Health – a concept that recognizes the interconnected health of animals, humans, and our shared environments – with more than 40% of new funding supporting studies with One Health significance.

The Foundation continued its dedication to the future of canine health by awarding three new Clinician-Scientist Fellowships and supporting two new residents through the AKC/AKCCHF/TF Small Animal Theriogenology Residency Program. These grants ensure that researchers and trained specialists are available to meet the general and reproductive health needs of dogs for generations to come.

CHF also Earned another highest four-star Charity Navigator rating and GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, demonstrating that it exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency and outperforms most charities in its category.

“CHF-funded research has a direct impact on the health of current and future generations of the dogs we love,” says Andrea Fiumefreddo, MS, CHF Vice President of Programs & Operations. “Our 2021 investments and accomplishments are the result of years of planning and collaboration with respected researchers, breed clubs, and dog lovers. We look forward to continued progress in understanding canine health and disease.”

Thanks to outstanding donor support, CHF remains a leader in canine health research and is planning another strong year in 2022 working to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. Learn more about CHF’s canine health research and educational grants at www.akcchf.org/research.

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About CHF
Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science to address the health needs of all dogs. With more than $62.5 million in funding to date, the Foundation provides grants for the highest quality canine health research and shares information on the discoveries that help prevent, treat and cure canine diseases. The Foundation meets and exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by their highest four-star Charity Navigator rating and GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. Learn more at www.akcchf.org.