Grants available for research into terriers and companion animal science.

PetSavers, the fundraising and grant awarding arm of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), has opened applications for funding for two master’s degrees by research and a PhD in companion animal science.

The two grants for master’s degrees by research both focus on projects involving terriers. The first grant, funded by a legacy donation from Terry Heath, is for research to investigate any disease that occurs in bull terriers, with preference given to research looking at inherited disorders. The second grant is for research exploring any disease to which Border terriers are susceptible.

This second grant has been made possible by funding from Border Terrier Lifeline and a large donation from Andrew and Wendy Mooney, who said: “Having been involved in almost every aspect of Border terriers from pet owner to show dog owner, to breeder, dog show judge, grooming, rescue, and charity work (PAT Dogs), and feeling incredibly indebted to our dogs for all the pleasure they have given us, we decided that we wanted to try and contribute to the future of the breed in some meaningful way.”

The PhD studentship will offer partial funding of £80,000 for a research project in companion animal science. The institution where the student will be based will be responsible for securing any remaining funding needed to cover the student’s work on the project.

Application forms for both the PhD and the master’s degrees by research can be found online. The application for the PhD studentship should be submitted by prospective academic supervisors of the student.

Sarah Williams, fundraising and grant awards manager for BSAVA PetSaver, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support of those who have kindly donated towards these grants, and are excited to help develop the veterinary researchers of tomorrow by funding these studentships.”

The closing date for applications for both funding opportunities is Sunday, 15 October 2023.

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