Participate in Research

Canine health researchers throughout the country are looking for dogs to help them better understand disease. In some cases, you and your dog need to live close to the research institution. In other cases, you can participate no matter where you live. Learn more about the significant impact you can make on canine health research through your participation.

Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) DNA Repository 

The CHIC DNA Repository, co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs.  DNA samples from any purebred dog may be submitted at any time.  Researchers may then access these samples to be included in their canine health studies.  Learn more at the CHIC website.

Clinical Trials

If your dog has recently been diagnosed with a disease, there may be a clinical trial in your area investigating a treatment for that disease.  Enrolling in a clinical trial brings with it a commitment to follow through on therapies and testing. The benefits can include access to cutting-edge medicine and the chance to help future generations of dogs. Use the Individual Research Projects search engine below or review these resources for finding clinical trials.

Sample Submission

The AKC Canine Health Foundation funds canine health research, but does not directly accept samples on behalf of our funded researchers. Biologic sample submission and participation requirements vary by study, so please contact the study center directly to determine which, if any, opportunities match your current situation. Use the Individual Research Projects search engine below to review current opportunities.

Individual Research Projects

   Please share this list with your organizations

Search for a study by the below criteria to narrow the selection.  More information may be obtained by selecting an individual project. Each study has unique requirements, so please reach out to the listed contact on the linked participation page if you have questions regarding a specific project.

 *The AKC Canine Health Foundation ensures studies are Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approved and provide standard informed owner consent information before publicizing requests for participation. Not all projects listed are funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the inclusion of information about studies does not necessarily imply a recommendation for participation. This list is provided as a service to dog owners and breeders.