Grants awarded to study pet cancer, human-animal bond

New grants will help researchers study pet cancer and the human-animal bond among older adults.

The Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo have donated $825,000 to 11 universities across the country to support pet cancer research. Since 2010, the two groups have invested more than $16 million in cancer research, according to the announcement.

An estimated 6 million dogs and almost as many cats are affected by cancer each year, according to the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research.

“Pet cancer is the no. 1 disease-related killer of dogs and cats, and a devastating diagnosis for pet parents who cannot afford treatment for their pets,” said Petco Foundation president Susanne Kogut. “With all the strides being made in the veterinary oncology field increasing treatment options for pets, our goal is to make these lifesaving treatments available to more pets and their pet parents.”

Study will focus on human-animal bond in older adults

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute has awarded a grant to the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging for a new study that aims to identify pet ownership issues raised by older adults and their caregivers in health care and social service settings.

It will survey a “large interdisciplinary sample of professionals working with older adults, people living with dementia and caregivers about pet ownership,” according to the announcement.

“We know from research that pets can play a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of older adults, and HABRI’s goal is to help more people keep pets and have access to the human-animal bond as they age,” said Steven Feldman, HABRI’s executive director.