Clinical research at any scale: Finding your fit

Have you ever considered contributing to clinical research? Even if your first reaction is “No way! We’re already too busy!” you’ve likely had a client ask about clinical trials for their pet. The good news is that clinical research in companion animal medicine doesn’t have to be one size fits all. You can be as involved as you want, and the rewards may be better than you ever considered.

Clinical research takes many forms, but the goal for companion animals is to create more accurate diagnostics, develop new or better treatments, and improve disease prevention strategies for our pets. An oral treatment for canine lymphoma, more accurate tick-borne disease testing, a therapeutic for feline chronic gingivostomatitis, and fecal microbiota transplant for canine chronic enteritis—all of these breakthroughs involved clinical research. Studies may be funded by pharmaceutical companies, private foundations, or government agencies.¹ They are conducted at veterinary teaching hospitals, specialty practices, and primary care clinics. Each contribution plays a vital role in advancing our knowledge and improving the health of pets.

Where do I fit in?

Veterinary teams should at least be aware of some of the basic resources related to veterinary clinical studies. If a client asks about a clinical trial for their pet’s recent diagnosis or an owner is looking for a way to give back to veterinary medicine, you are a gateway for their contributions. Know where to look for studies that are actively recruiting patients or sample submissions.

The AVMA Animal Health Studies Database is a registry of clinical studies submitted by investigators and is searchable by keyword, species, diagnosis, field of medicine, or location. The AKC Canine Health Foundation, a funding source for dog-related health research, offers information on how to participate in their funded studies, which is also searchable by program area, breed, and location. Finally, you already have referral information for the nearest veterinary teaching hospital. Their websites usually have a page dedicated to open clinical studies conducted by faculty. Have these resources posted in your clinic and on your website so clients can explore opportunities that match their situation.

The next level of involvement is collecting biologic samples. Whether initiated by a client, your reference laboratory, or nearby veterinary school, your clinic team can collect and submit samples of blood, urine, feces, or tissue from specific patients. Be sure to follow the study protocol to provide usable samples that result in the most accurate data. And charge for your time and skill—educate and support your clients in understanding the value of everyone’s contributions.

Finally, if you or a team member are really interested in participating in clinical research, and you have the caseload to support it, you can become a trial site for a Clinical Research Organization such as Argenta or ACI Biosciences. These companies manage the technical and administrative tasks involved in clinical research for clients such as pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. If you choose this path, designate a research champion, as you would for other initiatives at your practice. Look for someone who is detail-oriented and willing to manage the inventory and reporting that a trial site requires.

The rewards of participation

If you’re still on the fence about clinical research, consider what participation can offer your practice. Don’t discount the altruistic feeling of making a difference in animal health. It’s part of why each of us joined the veterinary profession! And it can mean the world to a client struggling with a devastating diagnosis or determined to make a positive out of a negative. Supporting clinical studies will boost client loyalty.

Staff morale can also benefit from study participation. The science-driven team members can geek out over the latest studies and breakthroughs. Some team members will appreciate the One Health aspect of clinical research, as many discoveries in veterinary medicine inform human health and vice versa. Regular updates at staff meetings will keep the entire team engaged in your practice’s unique contribution.

Participation can also benefit your bottom line. Sample collection appointments are billable, and research involvement tends to attract clients who are willing to invest in more than the basics for their pets. Becoming a trial site can also bring referrals from peers, even for a primary care practice. In a competitive market, clinical research is a meaningful way to set your practice apart.

Have resources available for clients who ask about clinical trials. Talk with your team about their interest in veterinary clinical research and how your practice can contribute. Or take the plunge and consider becoming a trial site. Whatever your fit, the next breakthrough in veterinary medicine needs patients like yours, and a veterinary team willing to say yes.

Reference
FAQs. Veterinary Clinical Trials Registry. Accessed October 23, 2026. https://veterinaryclinicaltrials.org/faqs/