close up of young border collie

Researcher seeks newly-imported dogs for study

If you have a client who has recently brought a dog into Canada or have links to rescue groups that import dogs into the country, a Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) researcher wants to hear from you.

Dr. Tasha Epp, an associate professor in the WCVM's Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, is leading a study that's investigating the health of imported dogs in Canada. To be eligible for the study, dogs must have recently entered the country (within a month of entry). 

Epp stresses that the the study is voluntary and will not affect the entry status of any imported dogs. 

What's all involved for study participants? 

  • The owner's local veterinarian will be asked to perform a health assessment of the dog. The study pays up to $120 to offset the costs. 
  • The owner's local veterinarian will take blood and fecal samples from the dog for disease testing. The study pays for all costs associated with testing. 
  • Researchers will ask study participants to complete a short online questionnaire about their personal experience in importing a dog to Canada. 
  • Researchers will report all disease results to the dog owner's veterinarian for follow-up care. 

If you know of any potential candidates for this study, please email compan.surv@usask.ca for more information. Your support is greatly appeciated.