Supporting Investigators at Every Stage: Canine Health Research Programs
Explore a diverse range of opportunities tailored to support researchers at every stage of their careers—from residency programs to early career investigators to experienced leaders. These programs are dedicated to advancing canine health through innovative and impactful research. By providing funding, promoting collaboration, fostering professional growth, and supporting mentorship, we empower researchers to shape the future of canine health.
Applicant Portal
The Applicant Portal is your central source for research project support. Use the portal to start a new application, continue an existing submission, manage proposals, and track progress.
Grant Programs
Acorn Grant
Acorn Grants support small-scale, short-term projects with budgets up to $30,000. These grants allow investigators to build a proof of concept, demonstrate feasibility, generate preliminary data, and lay the groundwork for future more comprehensive research proposals.
Oak Grant
Oak Grants fund substantial, more advanced projects with budgets over $30,000. These grants address critical questions aimed at advancing canine health through comprehensive, high-impact studies.
Early Career Investigator
These awards support the projects of investigators who are relatively new to their professional field of canine health. This award supports emerging canine health leaders by helping them establish a foundation for an impactful career.
Rising Researcher
These awards are designed to foster career development by supporting the projects of postgraduate researchers seeking to launch independent careers in canine health. This award provides up to three years of support and can transition to an appointment as an independent investigator.
Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program
This award supports residency training in an established program in the specialty of canine sports medicine and rehabilitation. With a dual emphasis on developing clinical and research skills, residents are prepared to become board-certified clinicians practicing evidence-based medicine.
Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
This award supports residency training in an established program in the specialty of small animal theriogenology. Residents develop clinical and research skills, preparing to become board-certified clinicians supporting canine reproductive health and advancing the field.
Clinician-Scientist Fellowship
This fellowship provides one year of funding to support the research of a postdoctoral scholar who is mentored by an established investigator and contributing to their broader research program.
Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Data & Specimens
The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study (GRLS), managed by Morris Animal Foundation, is one of the largest prospective canine health studies in the U.S. Investigators applying to CHF may request GRLS data and/or specimens as part of their research proposal to advance canine health. For more information, please contact datateam@morrisanimalfoundation.org.
Sign Up for Investigator Opportunity Updates
Sign up to receive the latest requests for proposals and communications from the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Whether you’re a current or future CHF investigator, this ensures you stay informed about important updates. If you are already receiving our emails, registering again will not result in duplicate messages.