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

Small Animal Theriogenology Residency Program

The Small Animal Theriogenology Residency Program is designed to increase the number of trained practitioners in companion animal theriogenology– the specialized field of reproductive health and genetics for companion animals like dogs.

Why We Support the Small Animal Theriogenology Residency Program

is a collaboration between the American Kennel Club (AKC), the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), and the Theriogenology Foundation t
Theriogenology is the branch of veterinary medicine concerned with reproduction, including the physiology and pathology of male and female reproductive systems, and the clinical practice of veterinary obstetrics, gynecology, and andrology. This two-to-three-year residency program provides specialty training in all aspects of companion animal reproductive medicine and surgery, clinical genetics, as well as clinical practice related to male and female reproduction, obstetrics, and neonatology.

The Small Animal Theriogenology Residency Program is a collaboration between the American Kennel Club (AKC), the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), and the Theriogenology Foundation. Theriogenology focuses on the reproductive health of animals, including breeding, pregnancy, and genetic health. This program trains veterinarians to specialize in caring for the reproductive needs of pets, ensuring safer pregnancies, healthier litters, and the prevention of genetic disorders. By supporting this residency program, we help ensure that dogs receive the highest level of care in reproduction, contributing to healthier, stronger generations of dogs and advancing overall canine health.

Thank you to the sponsors of the Theriogenology Residency Program, including the American Kennel Club, Golden Retriever Foundation, Affenpinscher Rescue of America, American Maltese Association, Border Terrier Club of America, Clumber Spaniel Health Foundation, and Scottish Terrier Club of America.

Research Grants

The Ohio State University Logo
2024 Active Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $148,302.00
03183-E: The Ohio State University 2024 Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Dr. Erin E Runcan, DVM
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Logo
2023 Active Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $125,000.00
03078-E: Virginia Maryland Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Dr. Julie T. Cecere, DVM, MS, DACT
The Ohio State University Logo
2022 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $112,002.63
02970-E: The Ohio State University 2022 Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Dr. Erin E Runcan, DVM
Auburn University Logo
2022 Active Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $108,000.00
02972-E: Auburn University 2022 Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Robyn R. Wilborn, DVM, MS
University of Florida Logo
2021 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $99,967.27
02845-E: University of Florida 2021 Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Dr. Audrey A. Kelleman, DVM
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Logo
2021 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $95,523.53
02846-E: Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine 2021 Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Dr. Julie T. Cecere, DVM, MS, DACT
The Ohio State University Logo
2020 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $95,185.61
02666-E: The Ohio State University 2020 Companion Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Marco A Coutinho da Silva, DVM, PhD
Colorado State University Logo
2020 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $93,669.69
02668-E: Colorado State University 2020 Companion Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Fiona K Hollinshead, BVSc (Hons), MACVSc, PhD, DACT
Auburn University Logo
2019 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $100,000.00
02538-E: Auburn University 2019 Companion Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Robyn R. Wilborn, DVM, MS
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Logo
2018 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $83,330.97
02390-E: VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine 2018 Companion Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Dr. Julie T. Cecere, DVM, MS, DACT
North Carolina State University Logo
2018 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $92,010.72
02395-E: NC State 2018 Companion Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Dr. Sara K Lyle, DVM, PhD
North Carolina State University Logo
2016 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $100,000.00
02281-E: 2016 Theriogenology Residency – North Carolina State University
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Scott Scott Bailey, DVM, MS
Auburn University Logo
2016 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $68,998.61
02282-E: 2016 Theriogenology Residency – Auburn University
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Robyn R. Wilborn, DVM, MS
University of Pennsylvania Logo
2016 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $99,969.77
02283-E: 2016 Theriogenology Residency – University of Pennsylvania
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Margret L Casal, DVM, PhD
The Ohio State University Logo
2016 Closed Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $87,392.89
02294-E: 2016 Theriogenology Residency – Ohio State University
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Marco A Coutinho da Silva, DVM, PhD

Join Us in Advancing
Canine Health

With nearly $2 million supporting Small Animal Theriogenology Residencies, CHF is deeply committed to improving the lives of all dogs and their offspring.