Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation Grants
For approved studies and knowledge-sharing projects into dog behavior and genetics that help the field make better decisions.
What this grant supports
Investment in research into dog behavior and genetics, aimed at predicting a dog's health and behavioral needs early enough to build a personalized care plan, so families and professionals are working from evidence instead of guesswork.
This program is for approved studies and knowledge-sharing projects into dog behavior and genetics that help the field make better decisions.
Every funded study defines its methods and limitations clearly, protects people, animals, and sensitive data, and separates evidence from marketing. Results are shared honestly, including limitations and unexpected findings, with partners and contributors credited fairly.
The Foundation is interested in research across training and learning, behavior and rehabilitation, professional education, family follow-through, shelter and placement outcomes, public safety, animal welfare, technology and measurement, and access barriers.
Proposals come from academic and clinical researchers, from trainers and behavior professionals contributing practical, field-based evidence, and from partner organizations such as universities, veterinary programs, and shelters proposing or supporting a joint study.
No single person decides a research proposal alone. A Foundation program lead reviews every proposal first against the research principles; proposals with a larger scope, budget, or higher-risk methods bring in additional reviewers, and the largest awards include the Foundation's board as a final layer of oversight. Specific dollar thresholds for each tier are not published.
In practice, a proposal moves from submission, to a review conversation with a program lead and any additional reviewers, to a documented decision in writing, and finally into the agreement, the study itself, and the reporting and publication that keep findings honest and shared.
Eligibility
Applications are reviewed for practical value, clear methods and limitations, appropriate consent and ethical review, and reporting readiness. No single factor guarantees an award.
Research & Innovation Grants is opening soon
This program is not yet open for applications. Join Foundation updates to hear when it opens.