Clinical Trials for Dogs with Cancer
Links last verified: August 20, 2026
Explore Current Research Trials in Canine Oncology
When a beloved dog is diagnosed with cancer, many families ask whether a clinical trial may provide an additional option. Canine oncology studies are conducted throughout the United States and around the world, but identifying an appropriate trial, and participating in one, can sometimes be challenging.
Each clinical trial has specific eligibility requirements.
These may include:Â
- A dog’s breed
- Age
- Weight
- Overall health
- Life expectancy
- Cancer type
- Cancer stage
- Previous care
- ...and other medical factors
Meeting a study’s general description does not guarantee acceptance. Pet parents should speak directly with the research team and their veterinary care provider to determine whether a trial may be appropriate for their dog.
It is also important to understand that clinical trials are not always free.
Research funding may cover only certain tests, medications, procedures, or appointments. Families may still be responsible for additional veterinary expenses, travel, lodging, and repeated visits over several weeks or months, especially when a study is located far from home.
The following links are intended to help pet parents and veterinary professionals find information about current canine oncology trials being conducted throughout the United States and, in some cases, internationally.
We encourage families to carefully review each study’s eligibility requirements, location, potential costs, time commitment, and possible benefits and risks with their veterinary team.
Search the AVMA Veterinary Clinical Trials Registry
Start Here: Nationwide Search Tools
If you are not sure where to begin, start with the AVMA registry. It lets you search by cancer type and by location, which is faster than checking individual centers one at a time.
AVMA Veterinary Clinical Trials Registry
The AVMA Veterinary Clinical Trials Registry, formerly known as the AVMA Animal Health Studies Database, helps dog parents and veterinary professionals find veterinary clinical studies taking place throughout the United States and Canada. By making this information easier to access, the registry supports continued research and progress in veterinary medicine and canine health care.
If you are interested in a clinical trial for your dog, begin by discussing the study and your dog’s potential eligibility with your veterinary care provider.
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National Cancer Institute, Comparative Oncology Program
The Comparative Oncology Program develops and conducts clinical trials in partnership with veterinary teaching institutions throughout the United States. Dogs enrolled in these studies receive care from board-certified veterinary oncologists committed to improving comfort, quality of life, and cancer care for companion animals.
The knowledge gained through this research may help advance the understanding of cancer and support future progress in both canine and human oncology.
PetCure Oncology
PetCure Oncology provides stereotactic radiation surgery and stereotactic radiation therapy, commonly known as SRS and SRT. These highly precise forms of radiation therapy have been used in human oncology and are now available for dogs with certain types of cancer.
PetCure Oncology reports using SRS and SRT in thousands of companion animals with a variety of tumor types. Its affiliated veterinary specialists continue to study these approaches to better understand their potential benefits, safety considerations, side effects, and appropriate applications in canine cancer care.
ACI Biosciences
Network conducting trials at participating private practices.
Northeast
Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
University Programs
- Cornell University — Ithaca, NY
- Tufts University — North Grafton, MA
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, PA
Specialty and Referral Practices
- The Animal Medical Center — New York, NY
- Guardian Veterinary Specialists — Brewster, NY
- Hope Veterinary Specialists — Pennsylvania
- Red Bank Veterinary Hospital — New Jersey
Mid-Atlantic and Southeast
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia
University Programs
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine — Blacksburg, VA
- North Carolina State University — Raleigh, NC
- University of Georgia — Athens, GA
- University of Florida — Gainesville, FL
- Auburn University — Auburn, AL
Midwest
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin
University Programs
- The Ohio State University — Columbus, OH
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, IN
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, MI
- University of Illinois — Urbana, IL
- University of Wisconsin — Madison, WI
- University of Minnesota — St. Paul, MN
- Iowa State University — Ames, IA
- University of Missouri — Columbia, MO
- Kansas State University — Manhattan, KS
Mountain West and Southwest
Colorado, New Mexico
University Programs
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University — Fort Collins, CO
Specialty and Referral Practices
- Veterinary Cancer Care — Santa Fe, NM
West Coast
California, Oregon, Washington
University Programs
- University of California, Davis — Davis, CA
- Oregon State University — Corvallis, OR
- Washington State University — Pullman, WA
Specialty and Referral Practices
- SAGE Veterinary Centers — California
- Bridge Animal Referral Center — Seattle, WA
Canada
Ontario Veterinary College — Guelph, Ontario
Keep in Mind
Clinical trials may explore new approaches to diagnosing or supporting dogs with cancer. These may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical procedures, temperature-based therapies, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and other emerging approaches.
Although many clinical trials take place at veterinary colleges and teaching hospitals, a growing number of specialty and referral practices also participate in canine cancer research. Some studies require every appointment to be completed at the participating institution, while others may allow certain tests, procedures, or follow-up visits to be handled by a dog’s regular veterinary team.
The words “experimental” and “investigational” can understandably feel concerning. Before a new therapy or procedure reaches a veterinary clinical trial, researchers have typically completed earlier stages of evaluation. However, unknowns may remain regarding its safety, effectiveness, or potential side effects. A study is offered because researchers believe the approach may provide meaningful benefits, but participation does not guarantee a positive outcome.
Pet parents should review the study’s purpose, requirements, possible benefits, known and unknown risks, costs, and available alternatives with the clinical trial team and their dog’s veterinary care provider before making a decision.
