Application Deadline
The 2027 Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program application is open until Friday, May 15th, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Open Date:
Monday, Mar 9th
Due Date:
Friday, May 15th
Notifications:
~Monday, Aug 3rd
RESIDENCY
For resident training programs up to $300,000 including 15% maximum indirect costs
Scope
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF) invite proposals from Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation residency programs to support the training of a canine-focused resident.
AKC and AKC CHF are deeply committed to investing in future veterinary specialists to support the health of canine athletes, working dogs, and all dogs needing rehabilitation. Working together, AKC and AKC CHF have a strong history of adapting to changing needs to benefit dogs. This award supports the growing popularity of performance and companion dog sports, which emphasize the bond between humans and animals, as well as expanding interests in canine health, fitness, injury prevention, post-surgical recovery, and improving quality of life for dogs with degenerative diseases.
To support this commitment, AKC and AKC CHF seek applications from residency programs to fund a canine-focused, traditional track resident matriculating in 2027. Applications must be from United States training programs credentialed by the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation· (ACVSMR). Applicants must demonstrate the ability to successfully prepare candidates for board certification by the ACVSMR, which includes mentorship, educational training, clinical competencies, appropriate caseload, and research support.
Research Focus Area
Investigators are encouraged to submit proposals in the following research program area(s): Residency Program Area (Sports Medicine)
Project Budget
Applications up to $300,000 (including 15% maximum indirect costs) for the total budget of the entire residency will be accepted for review.
Project Period
Since the nature and scope of proposed projects vary, the duration of awards also varies. Three-year resident training programs are eligible.
Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria
Approved programs must meet standards to prepare candidates to fulfill credentialing requirements for board certification by the American College of Theriogenology.
Instructions for the Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation grant application can be found on the Grant Submission and Report Template webpage and must be followed. Conformance to application requirements is enforced, and submissions that do not comply may be declined or delayed. Projects must strictly adhere to the Foundation’s Humane Use of Animals Policy and eligibility requirements. While not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to fully address the suggested criteria provided in blue font in the application template.
Contact
Administrative and scientific inquiries regarding this RFP should be directed to Programs Staff at chfgrants@akcchf.org or the appropriate contacts listed below.
Stephanie Montgomery, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Chief Executive Officer
Email: stephanie@akcchf.org
Andrea Fiumefreddo, MS
Chief Operating Officer
Email: andrea@akcchf.org