Our Research

Our Research

Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation (ACAHF) funds wide-ranging research for the direct benefit of companion animals. The research is primarily focused on gaining a better understanding of a basic disorder, with the aim of improving outcomes in treatment and prevention.

Over the past ten years, 65 grants (totalling $565,351) have been made. Funding rounds occur once a year and applications are assessed and ranked by an expert research committee

Any research involving animals must conform to the very strict welfare guidelines of the AVA, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and the Research Committee. ACAHF's Directors monitor all research that is carried out by the Foundation.

Grant Applications

The ACAHF grants up to $10,000 per individual project each year for research into the causes, prevention and cure of diseases in animals seen in small animal veterinary practice (primarily cats and dogs and other companion animal species).

Every year applications are sought from University Veterinary Schools and other institutions for ACAHF Research Grants. These applications are then assessed and scored by an expert Research Committee, and approved by the ACAHF Directors.

Applications for ACAHF grants open each year in early November and close on the first Monday in February.

Please see some current studies below for information on our latest grants and email us for more information.

Donate to support our research work today!

Case Studies

Dr Peter Irwin

Emeritus Professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University

"The ACAHF is a truly wonderful resource for researchers wishing to study diseases of dogs and cats (and other companion animal species) but is one of the only very few funding bodies that are available. Additionally, the total pool of funds nationally is relatively small, especially when compared with the situation overseas in countries such as the UK or USA where there are very much larger grants supported and available. To some extent, I think this reflects the small population in Australia too, but unfortunately, there is no government funding for research into canine and feline diseases either.."

Dr Anne Peaston

Associate Professor, Small Animal Medicine Clinical Lead, Companion Animal Health Centre School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide

"My general area of study is basic and clinical veterinary oncology, branching out from time to time for example into haematology, and other areas. I like research work for the sense of discovering
something interesting, sometimes unexpected, and sometimes useful and letting others know about it. Some of my work funded by ACAHF over the last few years has shed light on molecular
changes in canine mast cell tumours of Australian dogs, with implications for treatment that warrant follow up research."

Dr Mark Westman

Honorary Research Affiliate, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney

"Quite simply the ACAHF is one of few bodies actively supporting quality Australian research. It’s the lifeline for many research projects and many early career researchers. Personally, I am so grateful to the ACAHF for making my research goals a reality, both from financial support for specific projects as well as the moral support and encouragement that comes with a successful ACAHF grant application."

Claire Sharp

Senior Lecturer; Emergency and Critical Care, School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University

"The work of ACAHF means the world to me because it not only helps fund our research but also that of other veterinary research groups around Australia. Without ACAHF funding we would not be able to continue research to improve the lives of our pets."

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