Fact: Veterinary clinical trials are designed to help pets with naturally occurring diseases. Participating in a clinical trial is similar to receiving routine veterinary care, but may provide access to additional treatment options, advanced diagnostics, or promising new therapies not yet widely available.

Before enrollment, owners receive detailed information about the study, including potential risks and benefits, and participation is always voluntary. Many owners report positive experiences and appreciate the additional attention and monitoring their pets receive throughout the study.

Fact: Clinical trials study a wide range of conditions, from cancer and heart disease to arthritis, kidney disease, spinal disorders, and even common gastrointestinal conditions.

Not all studies involve sick animals. Some clinical trials enroll healthy pets as comparison groups to help researchers better understand disease and evaluate new diagnostic or treatment approaches.
Getting involved with veterinary clinical trials, and making an important contribution to the health of pets everywhere, does not have to wait until your own pet is sick 

Fact: Protecting patient safety is a top priority. Clinical trials undergo extensive scientific and ethical review before they begin and are carefully monitored throughout the study.

Pets enrolled in clinical trials often receive additional evaluations and follow-up monitoring beyond what is typically provided during routine clinical care. Owners are informed of known risks before deciding whether to participate.

Fact: While some studies may include a placebo, placebos are not used as the sole treatment for serious conditions when an effective standard therapy already exists.

If a study includes a placebo, that information will be clearly explained during the informed consent process before enrollment. Many trials compare a new treatment with an existing treatment or evaluate different treatment combinations rather than using a placebo alone.

Fact: Clinical trials directly benefit veterinary patients by improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options for animal diseases. Because many diseases affect animals and people in similar ways, discoveries made through veterinary research can also contribute to advances in human medicine.

By participating in a clinical trial, pets and their owners help advance medical knowledge that may improve care for future generations of both animals and people.