Morris Animal Foundation

Your Impact

A gift to Morris Animal Foundation is a direct investment in the future of animal health through veterinary research. Your donation will fund scientific studies at esteemed veterinary colleges and research institutions that are dedicated to solving some of the biggest issues in animal health – including cancer, infectious disease, pain management, cognitive decline and so much more.  

Through collaboration with teams of volunteer animal health research experts we ensure that the studies you fund are poised to make a meaningful impact, drive innovation, and do the most good for animals in need.  

Our Work in Action 

Like in human medicine, veterinary care requires investment in research before we employ diagnostics, treatment and advice. Animals both in our homes and around the world are vulnerable to diseases (such as cancers, heart disease and arthritis), parasites and other health conditions (such as obesity and aging). 

At Morris Animal Foundation, we fund research with top veterinary and academic institutions to advance animal health in these key areas and more. Your impact can be seen helping pets and animals here in Colorado and around the world through projects like: 

The impact of wildfire smoke on dogs: The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study has followed 3000+ dogs over the course of their lives – collecting samples along with data from veterinary visits and owner questionnaires. With this longitudinal data, researchers are able to identify many different factors that impact the health of dogs over time. These factors include genetics, diet, lifestyle and even the environment. 

A team of researchers at Colorado State University is looking at the effects of a major environmental event – wildfires – on the health of the dogs in the Study. Unfortunately, due to climate change, exposure to wildfire smoke is becoming more common and the consequences on canine health are unknown. By understanding impacts, the team will provide practical, science-backed recommendations to veterinarians and pet owners to reduce the health risks from air pollution. 

Staggering disease in wild and domestic cats: In 2023, a young mountain lion who was unable to walk was reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. She is the first recognized case of staggering disease in the United States. In Europe, staggering disease has been seen in domestic cats for decades. Symptoms include inability to stand or use hind legs and the disease unfortunately has no treatment. Cats with staggering disease will either die from it or are humanely euthanized. 

The research team at Colorado State University will conduct nationwide surveillance for staggering disease. Researchers will work to understand how the disease traveled into the United States as well as potential impacts on domestic cats. 

Beyond work taking place in Colorado, your gift will help pets and animals here and around the world through historic and ongoing projects: 

For Pets:

• Developing the first parvovirus vaccine in the 1970s which has saved countless shelter and pet dogs since its inception. 
• Pioneering research to differentiate cats from dogs in dosing of medicine—historically, cats have been treated as small dogs, which neglects key differences in body systems, metabolism and needs. 
• Cancer is a leading cause of death in adult cats and dogs–cancer research is a top priority for the Foundation. Our funding has improved imaging to aid diagnostics and surgical removal of tumors and developed immunotherapies that help the dog’s own immune system fight cancer. Ongoing work includes early screening detection methods and mining the data from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study for new insights on cancer risk factors.

In the Wild:

• Developed a first-of-its-kind cell culture system to test a new drug that could protect bats from white nose syndrome, a rapidly spreading and highly fatal fungal infection.
• Understanding the impact of urbanization and increased human contact on wildlife populations. Notably, research in crickets shows that certain levels of noise pollution decreased cricket survival rates by 35%. 
• Employing conservation genetics to understand and reduce the risk of population decline and species extinction. For endangered wildlife, this means that scientists and wildlife managers in the field have better, quicker and cheaper tools to study and develop strategies to save these animals. 

For Horses: 

• Focusing on behavior and how different factors—lighting, feeding systems, social interactions and more—play a role in health and performance. Data like this can be used to help stabled horses lead happier lives and inform further studies on how adjustments can improve their day-to-day quality of life.
• Focus in colic prevention and treatment including studying intestinal inflammation, understanding risk factors in transportation, identifying and educating on early signs of colic, and more efficient post-operation management to make surgery less cost-prohibitive for horse owners.