KNOXVILLE, TN – Jim Tedford, Director of Animal Welfare Initiatives and Alliances at PetSafe is pleased to announce there will be funding for animal behavior studies to be conducted in 2013 in three areas: pet fountains, treat-dispensing toys, and remote training collars. PetSafe is now accepting pre-proposals through June 30, 2012. Total funding for each the treat-dispensing toys and pet fountain project is up to $25,000 and up to $200,000 in funding for the remoter trainer study.
“We have put together a group of eminent experts- academics, veterinarians and a combination of both-- in the field of animal behavior, to develop a request for proposals and submission forms for potential researchers,” said Tedford. “We are very excited to announce we now have funding available for investigators interested in researching our three key topics.”
Applications are invited from any organization, institution, interest group or individual who can meet the application requirements. While these are mainly targeted towards those in academic institutions with access to departmental resources, support and expertise, other organizations and individuals working in the field of feline and canine behavior and training, welfare etc. may also be eligible and are encouraged to apply. Interested parties can visit www.animalbehaviorstudies.com and click to download the Pre-Proposal Submission Form.
“This is a great way for students, trainers, behaviorists, veterinarians and various industry professionals to potentially get published and lead a research project funded by one of the leading pet companies in the industry,” said Tedford.
Research funds may be requested for student stipends, research assistants/technicians, statistical assistance, animal per diem, essential basic equipment, materials, supplies, study-related travel, recruitment costs, relevant consultant fees, participant incentives, publication costs, etc.
Based upon pre-proposal submissions, a limited number of investigators will be invited to submit full proposals. Full proposals will be reviewed by the Research Panel and one investigator for each project category will be chosen by the end of the year. Selected investigators will commence research in 2013 and are required to:
• Provide a written 300-word research update to RSC at the end of the project period.
• Provide a 600-word final research summary suitable for publication in media targeted to the general public no later than 12 months after the end of the project period.
• If appropriate, submit the results of their studies for publication in a peer-reviewed journal as well as present the findings at an appropriate scientific conference.
Visit www.animalbehaviorstudies.com for additional details of each project, regarding application, funding, deadlines and project requirements. Interested parties can please direct any questions to Jim Tedford at studies@petsafe.net. or (865)-824-5240.
About PetSafe®
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe leads the industry in the development of innovative pet behavior, containment, lifestyle product solutions and services. Visit: www.petsafe.net