AKC Canine Health Foundation Holds its First Virtual National Parent Club Canine Health Conference

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sharon M. Albright, DVM, CCRT
Manager of Communications & Veterinary Outreach
AKC Canine Health Foundation
Phone: 919-334-4019
E-mail: sharon.albright@akcchf.org

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, NC (August 13, 2021) – The AKC Canine Health Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs, hosts its National Parent Club Canine Health Conference this weekend, August 13-15. Due to ongoing challenges for travel and large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, dog club representatives, researchers, veterinarians, students, and more will gather virtually for the first time in the conference’s 24-year history. The biennial event, sponsored by Purina, allows investigators to share the latest findings in canine health research directly with the AKC Parent Clubs and dog lovers that support the research, as well as the veterinary professionals and dog owners that can directly apply the findings to dogs in their care.

The 2021 Conference includes a focus on One Health, a concept recognizing that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. Lectures covering a One Health approach to atopic dermatitis and environmental cancer risk in dogs and people are scheduled. The keynote address features 2021 Asa Mays, DVM Excellence in Canine Health Research Award recipient, Dr. Cindy Otto, discussing findings from the 9/11 Medical Surveillance Study. This investigation, started in 2001, has examined the physical and behavioral consequences of search and rescue dog deployment to the 9/11 disaster sites, providing unique insights into the human-animal bond and differences in the health effects for canine and human responders.

“The AKC Canine Health Foundation is excited to offer this year’s conference to a wider audience through the virtual format,” says Andrea Fiumefreddo, MS, CHF Director of Programs & Operations. “Education is a pillar of our mission and the opportunity to share CHF-funded outcomes directly with those caring for dogs in all facets is important to move the needle for canine health.”

Select 2021 AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference lectures will be available on a pay-per-view basis through the AKC Canine College at www.caninecollege.akc.org. For more information about the conference and CHF-funded research, visit www.akcchf.org/npcchc.

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 About CHF
Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science to address the health needs of all dogs. With more than $62 million in funding to date, the Foundation provides grants for the highest quality canine health research and shares information on the discoveries that help prevent, treat and cure canine diseases. The Foundation meets and exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by their highest four-star Charity Navigator rating and GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. Learn more at www.akcchf.org.