Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program

The Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program is a collaboration between the American Kennel Club (AKC) and AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) to increase the number of specialists trained to meet the unique needs of athletic and working animals, as well as all animals in need of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation focuses on recovery after surgical procedures, as well as improving the quality of life in animals suffering from debilitating diseases such as arthritis or neurologic impairments.

The popularity of performance and companion dog sports continues to rise, with increasing numbers of dogs competing in AKC events and a growing number of sports. This trend highlights the human-animal bond, showcasing the strong connection between canine athletes and their humans. While some sports highlight purpose-bred dogs, many welcome all dogs and appeal to a large owner population centered on enriching their dog's life. This program supports cutting-edge medicine and health research to benefit these special canine athletes.