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The Thinking Pets Program

Get Involved

Our study participants are canine and feline companion animals, residing in the Triangle area, who come visit us for a day of games, treats, and fun! We welcome all breeds, ages, sizes, and colors of companions to participate in our studies.

Read on to learn about upcoming events, currently recruiting studies, and ways to get involved with the Thinking Pets Program!

If your furry friend is not eligible for any current studies, complete our enrollment form to be notified of future studies they may qualify for!

Current Paw-ticipation opportunities

Healthy Dogs Needed for a Longitudinal Study of Cognition and Emotion

The Comparative Behavioral Research Laboratory is recruiting for a new study!

Is your dog 1+ and healthy? Do they like to learn new tasks? Are they motivated by treats?

If so, then your dog may be eligible to participate in longitudinal study that aims to develop and validate a new cognitive task!

Learn more and proceed to enrollment

Dog Relationship Survey – Now Active

The Comparative Behavioral Research Laboratory is launching a new survey opportunity!

If you are 18+ and have a dog, we would love to hear from you!

This survey aims to understand possible owner-related and dog-related factors that may affect how your dog experiences the veterinary clinic! It takes around 10-15 minutes and your responses are completely anonymous.

Learn more and take the survey

Longitudinal Study Involving Librela

The Comparative Behavioral Research Laboratory is recruiting for a new study!

Does your dog have arthritis? Are they showing signs of pain or reduced mobility? Are they motivated by treats?

If so, then your dog may be eligible to participate in a longitudinal study involving Librela that examines how arthritis pain affects cognition!

Learn more and proceed to enrollment

Targeting Frailty To Improve Healthspan and Well-Being

Our colleagues with the Canine Neuroaging Program are recruiting for a new clinical study!

Is your dog 10+ and showing their age? Have you noticed that your dog is playing less, experiencing weight loss or muscle loss, or has difficulty walking?

If so, then your dog may be eligible to participate in a longitudinal study that tracks how frailty in senior dogs changes over time!

Learn more and proceed to enrollment

Longitudinal Study of Neuroaging

Our colleagues with the Canine Neuroaging Program are recruiting for a new clinical study!

Is your dog 10+ and showing their age? Have you noticed changes in their movement, cognition, or physique?

If so, then your dog may be eligible to participate in a longitudinal study that aims to improve our understanding how the nervous system ages!

Learn more and proceed to enrollment

The Thinking Pets Den

Interested in furthering scientific discovery? We welcome dogs and cats of all breeds, ages, sizes, and colors to participate in our studies.

By enrolling in the Thinking Pets Den you’ll be alerted by email of open recruitment for our studies!

If you would like to enroll multiple pets, please complete one form for each pet.

Dog Enrollment Form
Cat Enrollment Form
Brown and white hound licks a tupperware bowl in our cognitive lab.

Frequently Asked Questions

All dogs and cats that participate in the program must have a current rabies vaccination.

Proof of vaccination is required for participation.

Pets that participate with our program get to enjoy a fun day of enrichment, treats, and toys. In some studies, free veterinary services are included as part of your pet’s participation.

More information on the benefits of each individual study will be noted in the recruitment process.

Directions can be found here: Maps- Veterinary Health and Wellness Center

We are located in the Veterinary Health and Wellness Center at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) in Raleigh, NC.

The Thinking Pets Program can be reached by email at cvm_thinkingpets@ncsu.edu