Fear Free Research
Grounded in Science
While clinical experience and observations play an important role in veterinary decision-making and growing our knowledge, they must be grounded in sound science. Therefore, Fear Free training, continuing education, resources, and certification are built on a foundation of evidence-based research.
Although there is already extensive research related to the effects of fear, anxiety, and stress on the emotional and physical health of pets and how they are recognized, assessed, diagnosed, and treated, there is a continued and ongoing need for new research to validate current methods and practices, foster new learning, and advance the science of Fear Free in support of our mission to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people that care for them.
How do our research programs work?
The goal of Fear Free is to enhance the emotional and physical wellbeing of companion animals by supporting, stimulating, and promoting evidence-based research aimed at advancing our understanding and improving our ability to create a positive, happy, and Fear Free veterinary experience for pets, owners, and their healthcare providers.
To help accomplish this goal, the Fear Free research program has been established to support research, education, and training in the recognition, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of fear, anxiety, stress, and pain in companion animals through the funding of grants and awards for original evidence-based research and by collating, building, and maintain a bibliography of the Fear Free references.
Grant funding is available to individuals, veterinary colleges, and veterinary speciality associations for research projects that are designed to achieve our funding objective. All grant applications should be submitted using the online form and following the funding guidelines below.
Research objective
Preventing and alleviating fear, anxiety, stress, and pain associated with veterinary care in companion animals
We are looking for original evidence-based research in dogs, cats, avian, and/or equines investigating the prevention, reduction, or measurement of fear, anxiety, stress, and /or pain associated with veterinary healthcare, including travel, facilities, procedures, hospitalization, or return home. Studies conducted in shelters will be considered if the findings can be applied to veterinary visits and hospitalization.
Current Research
Veterinary Behaviorist Research Grants
American College of Veterinary Behaviorist Research Grant 2024
Effect of clonidine on behavioral and physiological signs of stress in dogs during veterinary visits – a randomized double-blinded placebo controlled crossover trial
American College of Veterinary behaviorist research Grant 2023
Evaluating the effects of an alpha-casozepene supplement, Zylkene, in addition to a low stress transport protocol on reducing stress in dogs during enter organizational automobile transport.
American College of Veterinary Behaviorist Research Grant, 2022
The use of psychoactive medications and non-medication alternatives for dogs and cats in North American animal shelters and rescues.
American College of Veterinary Behaviorist Research Grant, 2022
Reliability and validity of the Fear, Anxiety and Stress (FAS) spectrum for measurement of acute stress in dogs visiting the veterinary practice
American College of Veterinary Behaviorist Research Grant, 2021
Use of gabapentin in behavior modification treatment plans for under socialized and fearful cats
American College of Veterinary Behaviorist Research Grant, 2020
Effects of a combination of gabapentin and mirtazapine transdermal on signs of stress in cats during veterinary examination
American College of Veterinary Behaviorist Research Grant, 2020
Does serum cortisol level very based on venipuncture site in healthy dogs?
Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Research Grant, 2019
Use of Zylkene in reducing fear, anxiety and stress in animals in veterinary consultations
American College of Veterinary Behaviorist Research Grant, 2019
The effects of trazodone on behavioral and physiological signs of stress in dogs during veterinary visits
American College of Veterinary Behaviorist Research Grant, 2019
Efficacy of single dose dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel to attenuate anxiety in client owned cats presented for routine veterinary care
Fear Free And IVAPM Foundation Research Grant
Fear Free and IVAPM Foundation Collaborative Pain and Analgesia Research
Analgesic efficacy of kratom as an adjuvant for postoperative pain management in dogs
Fear Free and IVAPM Foundation Collaborative Pain and Analgesia Research 2023
Characterization of Pain Behaviors in Kittens
Fear Free and IVAPM Foundation Collaborative Pain and Analgesia Research
Evaluation of the effect of targeted pulsed electromagnetic fields (tpemf) on pain and inflammation in anesthetized dogs undergoing mastectomy
Veterinary College Research Grants
Cornell University Veterinary Student Research Grant 2024
Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals (PVPs) Usage Survey in Dogs
University of Tennessee Veterinary Student Research Grant 2024
Validating a photo based ethogram for shelter staff.
Institut Polytechnique Unilasalle Rouen Student Research Grant, 2024
Effect of Cannabidiol Administration on Daily Behavior and Stress in Shelter Dogs
University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Student Research Grant 2023
Trazodone Use in Horses for Reduction of FAS Related to Health Care Procedures and Associated Transportation
University of California Davis Veterinary Student Research Grant 2022
Echocardiographic effects of trazodone on left ventricular function in healthy dogs
Oregon State University Veterinary Student Research Grant 2021
Using Positive Reinforcement Techniques to Rehabilitate “Needle Shy” Horses
North Carolina State University Veterinary Student Research Grants, 2022
Impact of Classical Counterconditioning (Quiet Kennel Exercise) on Barking in Kenneled Dogs
University of Tennessee Veterinary Student Research Grants, 2020
Effect of the veterinary visit on heart rate variability in dogs
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU)Veterinary Student Research Grant
The Impact of Fear Free Practices on Canine Stress During Transportation – A Pilot Study
Mississippi State University Veterinary Student Research Grant
Use of Trazodone and Gabapentin in Combination to Reduce Fear, Anxiety and Stress during Veterinary Visits in Client Owned Dogs
Purdue University Behavior Resident Research Grant
Effects of a single dose of oral gabapentin in dogs during a veterinary examination: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Western University Veterinary Student Research Grant
Enhanced human-animal interaction to decrease stress of veterinary visits in pet dogs
University of Florida Veterinary Student Research Grant
Evaluation of clinical examination location on Stress in cats: a randomized crossover study
Website Submission Grants
Website open call for Fear Free Research Grants 2023
Stress associated with veterinary visits involving blood draws in pet dogs
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2022
The effects of oral trazodone and gabapentin on behavioral signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in shelter dogs when administered prior to sterilization surgery
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2022
Initiatives to improve the well-being of the domestic cat in home and clinic environment in Uruguay
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2022
Validating a Training Protocol to Increase Cooperation and Reduce Fear, Anxiety, and Stress During Ear Cleaning for Dogs
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2021
Effects of Video angle on the Assessment of Equine Lameness via Telemedicine
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2021
Gabapentin Use in Shelters: Effects on incidence of feline upper respiratory disease, length of stay, and adoption rates
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2021
Is it more stressful for dogs to be examined on the table vs. the floor?
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2021
Urinalysis and Urine Culture Results of Fear Free-Catch Samples in Dogs
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2021
A Pilot Study for Fear Free Client Education.
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2020
Testing a Simple Preference Assessment for Dog Owners
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2020
Gabapentin, melatonin, and acepromazine combo to manage fear-aggressive and anxious dogs prior to hospital visits.
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2020
Clinical relevance of rectal temperature measurement in cats showing marked signs of stress during routine veterinary visits
Website Open Call for Fear Free Research Grants, 2019
The Influence of Stress Minimising Protocols on Job Satisfaction & Resilience in Veterinary Personnel
Veterinary Behaviorist Awards
ACVB Veterinary Behavior Symposium Research Award, 2024
Dosing strategies and sedative effects of detomidine oromucosal gel in dogs with veterinary-related aggression.
European Veterinary Congress of Behavioural Medicine and Annual Welfare Award, 2023
Techniques used to euthanase dogs and cats by Australian Veterinarians
ACVB Veterinary Behavior Symposium Research Award, 2023
Discovery of Novel Biomarkers for Anxiety Disorders in Dogs
European Veterinary Congress of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare Award, 2022
Comparison of anxiolytic effect of pregabalin versus non-medicinal products during transportation in finnish client-owned cats
ACVB Veterinary Behavior Symposium Research Award, 2022
Effects of veterinary handling on canine behaviour and physiology
ACVB Veterinary Behavior Symposium Research Award, 2021
Cats in Underwater Treadmill: low stress, no limits
ACVB Veterinary Behavior Symposium Research Award, 2021
Simple Food Preference Assessments for Companion Dogs
ACVB Veterinary Behavior Symposium Research Award, 2020
In-Hospital Administration of Dexmedetomidine Oromucosal Gel for Stress Reduction in Dogs During Veterinary Visits
International Veterinary Behavior Meeting jointly with Veterinary Behavior Symposium Award, 2019
Using standardized scales to assess fear at veterinary visits – interrater and intrarater reliability
European Veterinary Congress of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare Award, 2019
FF Veterinary Visit Award: Teaching Veterinary Students Practical Exercises for Reducing Animal Stress During Veterinary Examinations to Improve Dog & Cat Welfare
European Veterinary Congress of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare Award, 2019
Fear Free Happy Homes Award: Effects of Multi-Modal Environmental Modification in Crystal-Related Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
ACVB Veterinary Behavior Symposium Research Award, 2018
Tapping Into Those ‘Gut Feelings’: Impact of BL999 (Bifidobacterium longum) on Anxiety in Dogs
ACVB Veterinary Behavior Symposium Research Award, 2018
Effects of Music on Behavior and Physiological Stress Response of Domestic Cats in a Veterinary Clinic
European Veterinary Congress of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare Award, 2018
Psychoactive drugs – rational use to change dog and cat’s stress behaviour during hospitalization
European Veterinary Congress of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare Award, 2018
Puppy Classes may positively affect the behaviour of adult dogs separated from their litters too early
Journal Of Veterinary Behavior Welfare Awards
Improving Pet Welfare Award, 2023
Synchronous citizen science: A new method for cat behavior research
Improving Pet Welfare Award, 2022
Human-cat emotional closeness and unacceptable behavior in cats: A Brazilian perspective
Award includes Free 2023 access to publication
Improving Pet Welfare Award, 2021
Decrease in behaviors associated with pain during catheter placement using a topical anesthetic formulation in cats.
Improving Pet Welfare Award, 2020
Owner reports on the use of muzzles and their effects on dogs: an online survey, J Vet Behav 2020; 41, 73-81. Results available for free 2021 access.
Improving Pet Welfare Award, 2020
Acoustic stress in domestic dogs living around football stadiums. J Vet Behav 2020; 37, 27-35. Results available for free 2021 access.
Improving Pet Welfare Award, 2019
Attitudes of veterinarians and veterinary students to recommendations on how to improve dog and cat welfare in veterinary practice
Improving Pet Welfare Award, 2019
Demographics and comorbidity of behavior problems in dogs
Pending Grants and Awards
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists Research Grant 2024
Funding for original evidence based research by an ACVB diplomate or resident – To be announced
Spanish veterinary behavior AVEPA/GEVC grant
Funding for original evidence based research by a member of the AVEPA/GEMCA – To be announced
Funding in support of student research projects at University Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. We are no longer accepting new research proposals at this time. Please check back for further funding announcements in 2025.
Fear Free is committed to the support of evidence-based research through funding of studies that will increase and enhance our understanding of the science and knowledge of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of fear, anxiety, stress and pain related to veterinary health care.
We are no longer accepting new research proposals at this time. Please check back for further funding announcements in 2025.
We are no longer accepting new research proposals at this time. Please check back for further funding announcements in 2025.
To view each of the previous award winners visit
Https://Www.Sciencedirect.Com/Journal/Journal-Of-Veterinary-Behavior/About/Awards
Fear Free has funded an annual research grant in collaboration with the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) of up to $3000. We are no longer accepting new research proposals at this time. Please check back for further funding announcements in 2025.
The Importance of Research for Fear Free
All evidence is not equal
Veterinarians must recognize, understand, and evaluate the evidence to provide pet owners with guidance and treatment recommendations grounded in science. While clinical experience and patient assessment are essential in guiding veterinary decision-making, both medical and behavioral care recommendations must be based on the best available scientific evidence. Ongoing research is critical to ensure that treatment protocols and counseling veterinarians provide are supported by evidence as well as to assess and validate the effects of new and current approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The highest level of evidence are systematic reviews and meta-analyses of multiple randomized controlled studies. However, these are rarely available to clinical veterinary behavioral medicine because of the lack of evidence-based studies. Yet randomization, blinding, and a control group are necessary to control for bias and provide a level of evidence that supports and validates the practitioner’s treatment recommendations. Practice guidelines and consensus statements by recognized experts in the field also provide sound evidence but are only as strong as the science on which they are based.
At least one blinded, randomized, and controlled trial would be the minimum standard on which to base decision-making. However, much of the evidence in the field of veterinary behavior is less robust, supported by case-controlled studies that look at outcomes and risk factors and cohort studies that compare populations that receive treatment with those that did not. The weakest evidence (although sometimes the most common) are case reports, expert opinion, and research that is extrapolated solely from other species.
With new evidence-based research, the quality and level of care is improved by expanding the knowledge base, increasing the understanding of disease processes and mechanisms, and by validating, modifying, or enhancing the diagnostic, preventive care, skills, and treatment options veterinarians can provide.
While at least one blinded randomized controlled trial would be a minimum standard on which to base decision making, much of the evidence available in the field of veterinary behavior is far less robust (middle of the pyramid), including case-controlled studies that look at outcomes and risk factors and cohort studies that compare populations that received the treatment and those that did not. At the lowest level of the evidence pyramid (which is also the broadest) is research extrapolated from other species, expert opinion, and case reports.
Veterinarians must recognize, understand, and evaluate the evidence to provide pet owners with guidance and treatment recommendations grounded in science. With new evidence-based research, the quality and level of care is improved by expanding the knowledge base, increasing the understanding of disease processes and mechanisms, and by validating, modifying, or enhancing the diagnostic, preventive care, skills, and treatment options veterinarians can provide.
To help achieve these objectives, the Fear Free research portfolio is focused on two important needs:
- Funding of awards and grants for original evidence-based research that targets prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and measurement of fear, anxiety, stress, and pain during travel and veterinary visits
- Reviewing, collating, and categorizing the scientific literature to maintain and build a Fear Free bibliography of publications and research related to:
- The effects of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) on the health, behavior, and wellbeing of the pet and their impact on the owner, veterinary personnel, and the delivery of veterinary care
- The development and validation of treatment, diagnostic methods, techniques, assessment tools, management products, and medications for recognizing, preventing, and alleviating fear, anxiety, and stress in pets
We continue to grow and expand our bibliography with new relevant studies on an ongoing basis. To help us maintain and further expand our reference library, as well as promote and share research in the field, we encourage submission of new evidence-based research for addition to our bibliography.
Fear Free Related Research – Bibliography – rev. June 2023
- Behavior Problem Distribution Research
- Effects of Stress on Health and Behavior Research
- Fear Anxiety Stress and Veterinary Visits Research
- Fear, Anxiety, Stress, and Pain in Human Health Care
- Medical Health, Pain and Behavior Signs Research
- Natural Supplements and Products Research
- Pre-Visit and In-Clinic Medications
- Puppies Kittens Socialization Research
- Supplemental Fear Free Resources
- Training, Communication and Emotions Research
- Veterinary Occupational Well-Being Research
Submit a Proposal
Fear Free will provide grants of up to $2,500 USD to both individual researchers (or research teams) and to veterinary colleges (universities) to support student, resident, or faculty research projects designed to advance the science and evidence for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of fear, anxiety, stress, and pain related to veterinary care.
To be eligible for funding, research proposals should intend to implement original evidence-based research in dogs, cats, avian, and/or equines investigating the prevention, reduction, or measurement of fear, anxiety, stress, and /or pain associated with veterinary healthcare, including travel, facilities, procedures, hospitalization, or return home. Studies conducted in shelters will be considered if the findings can be applied to veterinary visits and hospitalization.
The call for submissions is now closed, and we are no longer accepting new research proposals at this time. Please check back for further funding announcements in 2025.