Dogs Trust is hoping to secure better dog welfare for years to come through its Canine Welfare Grants Committee.

Funding awarded to projects which improve dog welfare

Dogs Trust has put out a call for preliminary applications from researchers working towards projects which will positively impact dog welfare.

As part of the Dogs Trust Canine Welfare Grant (CWG) programme, the charity is welcoming grant applications from students, post-graduates, practicing veterinary surgeons and behaviourists associated with an academic institution.

Applicants are asked to focus on the following subject areas:

• the genetic basis of disease or welfare issues in dogs
• canine behaviour
• healthy ageing in dogs
• epidemiology of disease
• the welfare of dogs suffering from chronic disease, including the effects of obesity.

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden said: “Applications for projects can cover an enormous range of topics, so long as the focus remains on improving our understanding of dog welfare. In the past, we have seen research that has looked into the health risks of breeding dogs with short muzzles and another led to the discovery of a genetic variant that predisposes some dogs to the agonising condition Syringomyelia.

“The applications we receive will go through a rigorous two stage assessment process. We accept projects with timeframes of between approximately one and three years, depending on the subject area.”

The deadline for preliminary applications is 25 March. To find out more please visit the Dogs Trust website or email cwg@dogstrust.org.uk.