Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
A Golden Opportunity to Improve the Health of Golden Retrievers
Morris Animal Foundation's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is a groundbreaking effort to learn how to prevent cancer and other diseases. It is the largest and longest observational study ever undertaken to improve the health of dogs. The study will enroll up to 3,000 Golden Retrievers and will last 10 to 14 years.
Why Should Your Dog Participate?
More than half of Golden Retrievers die from cancer, and it is the leading cause of death in all dogs over the age of 2. By participating, you will help scientists:
- Identify ways in which genetics, environment and diet may affect a dog's risk for cancer
- Determine risk factors for other major health disorders in Golden Retrievers
- Learn how to better prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and other canine diseases
- Improve the health of future generations of Golden Retrievers and help create a healthier tomorrow for all dogs
Who Can Participate?
- Golden Retriever owners over 18 years of age and living in the contiguous United States.
- Dogs that are healthy and under 2 years of age at the time of application.
- Dogs that have a three-generation pedigree.
What Is Expected of You?
- Agree to participate for the life of your dog
- Select a veterinarian who agrees to participate with you
- Complete online questionnaires regarding your dog's food type and feeding habits, environmental exposures, behavior/temperament, disease events, etc.
- Visit your dog's veterinarian for annual exams and sample collection (blood, urine, feces, hair, and toenail clippings)
- When applicable, allow collection of tumor samples for evaluation
- Be willing to consider a necropsy (post mortem examination) when your dog's life ends
Note: You are responsible for all costs associated with the annual exam, sample collection and laboratory test results. Morris Animal Foundation will reimburse you for up to $75 of these costs per year after verification that the exam and sample collection has been completed.
If you choose, you may also donate this compensation directly back to Morris Animal Foundation to support the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.
Click here to learn more about what's required of participants.
To determine if your dog is eligible for participation in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, you must first register for the Canine Lifetime Health Project. After you sign up for the Canine Lifetime Health Project, you will be notified by email if your dog qualifies for the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study or any future studies managed through this project.
