The International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) is proud to announce the first-ever recipients of the IAAHPC Research Grant Program, an initiative dedicated to advancing compassionate, evidence-based care for animals with chronic and life-limiting illnesses.
This inaugural grant cycle represents an exciting milestone for the field of animal hospice and palliative care. Through this program, IAAHPC aims to support innovative research that improves quality of life for animals, strengthens caregiver support, and advances the future of comfort-focused veterinary medicine.
The selected projects reflect the heart of IAAHPC’s mission: combining compassion, clinical care, and meaningful research to better support patients, families, and veterinary teams navigating end-of-life care.
Meet the 2026 Research Grant Recipients
Tyler Carmack, DVM, CVA, CHPV, CVFT, CTPEP, CPEV, CVPP
Project: Utilization, Outcomes, and Caregiver Impact of Emergency Medication Kits in Veterinary Hospice and Palliative Care
Dr. Carmack’s project will explore how emergency medication kits are used within veterinary hospice and palliative care settings, including their impact on patient outcomes and caregiver experiences. This research has the potential to provide valuable insights into improving preparedness, comfort, and support for families caring for pets with advanced or terminal illnesses.
Sieske Valk, Service and Operations Consultant of Autumn Animals
Project: Supporting the Human-Companion Animal Bond: What Do Caregivers Need?
This project focuses on better understanding the needs of caregivers and the evolving human-companion animal bond during serious illness and end-of-life care. By identifying the emotional, practical, and informational support caregivers seek, this research aims to help veterinary professionals provide more compassionate and responsive care experiences.
Michele L. Whitney, PhD, Founder & Director of Heart & Science
Project: Barriers to Culturally Responsive Grief Support Among African American Pet Owners Following Pet Loss
Dr. Whitney’s research addresses an important and often underexplored area of pet loss support: culturally responsive grief care. Her work seeks to better understand barriers African American pet owners may face when accessing grief support services following the loss of a beloved companion animal, helping create more inclusive and equitable approaches to bereavement care.
Advancing the Future of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
The IAAHPC Research Grant Program was created to encourage innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based advancement within the growing field of animal hospice and palliative care. These inaugural projects highlight the breadth and importance of research needed to support both animals and the people who care for them.
From caregiver support and emergency preparedness to grief, cultural responsiveness, and quality-of-life-centered care, these studies represent meaningful progress in improving the experiences of patients, families, and veterinary professionals alike.
IAAHPC is honored to support this important work and extends sincere gratitude to all applicants who submitted proposals during the inaugural grant cycle. The passion, dedication, and vision demonstrated by researchers and professionals across the field continue to inspire and strengthen the future of animal hospice and palliative care.
We look forward to sharing updates on these projects and the impact they will have on advancing compassionate end-of-life care for animals and their caregivers.
To learn more about the IAAHPC Research Grant Program, visit IAAHPC.org.