Celebrating the Breakthroughs Shaping the Future of Canine Health. Meet the 2025 Canine Health Discovery Award Finalists.

Donate
iconamoon_search-thin

Participate in Research

Canine health researchers are seeking dogs to participate in studies that will advance science and improve canine health. Whether you live near a research institution or can participate remotely, your involvement can make a difference. Join us in advancing research that leads to healthier lives for dogs of all breeds and backgrounds!

Join a Research Study

Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) DNA Repository

The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), is a DNA repository that collects and stores canine DNA specimens along with associated genealogical and phenotypic data. This resource supports future research aimed at reducing the prevalence of inherited diseases in dogs.

Objectives:

  • Accelerate research by streamlining specimen collection
  • Provide researchers with optimized family groups for research
  • Enable breeders to access future DNA-based disease tests as they become available
  • Encourage collaboration between breeders/owners and researchers to support genetic discovery

Visit the CHIC DNA Repository and Certification Program to learn how your participation – whether by providing samples or updating the health history of dogs with existing samples – helps advance canine health research.

Learn More