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

Policies and Compliance

Our commitment to ethical research and compliance strengthens the foundation of every funded project. By upholding these policies, grantees contribute to the credibility and success of their work while advancing the shared mission of improving canine health.

Contract Information

All grantees must enter into a formal agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of funding. This contract includes:

  • Approved project scope and budget 
  • Reporting timelines and deliverables
  • Expectations for ethical conduct and transparency
  • Acknowledgement and publication guidelines  

For detailed terms, refer to your grant agreement or contact us for clarification.

Ethical Research Standards

We are committed to supporting research that prioritizes the well-being of all involved, including canine subjects. Grantees must comply with:

  • Institutional and federal ethical guidelines
  • Protocols for humane treatment of animals
  • Requirements for Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or equivalent approval 

Our team is available to provide resources and guidance on adhering to these standards.

Adverse Event Reporting

Prompt reporting of unanticipated events is required to ensure participant safety, ethical standards, and research integrity. Adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) include:

  • Any harm or unexpected adverse outcomes involving enrolled canine participants
  • Significant deviations from approved protocols
  • Safety concerns

Grantees are required to submit a detailed report of adverse events to the Foundation, describing the event, its impact, and any proposed resolutions. SAEs must be reported within 72 hours, while AEs must be reported within 10 business days, as timely reporting is essential to protect participant well-being and uphold research integrity. Please note, reporting such events to the funding agency does not exempt grantees or Principal Investigators from fulfilling reporting obligations to other regulatory authorities as required.

Data Management & Intellectual Property Practices

Responsible data management and the protection of intellectual property promote high-quality research with long-term impact. Grantees are expected to:

  • Maintain accurate and organized research data
  • Protect sensitive or proprietary information, including intellectual property
  • Share relevant data and intellectual property with the Foundation, as needed, to support project oversight and potential collaboration
  • Share data appropriately for collaborative purposes or publication

Adhering to these practices fosters accountability and ensures data can be best utilized to drive progress for the benefit of all dogs.