Mission

Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) is dedicated to advancing the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer in both pets and people through innovative research. Central to our mission is comparative oncology—the study of naturally occurring cancers in companion animals and humans. Because dogs develop many of the same cancers as people and share significant genetic similarities, research in one species can accelerate discoveries for the other. By supporting research that explores the biological connections between cancer in pets and humans, ACF helps drive the development of new therapies, earlier diagnostics, and improved prevention strategies that benefit both species. We also work to educate the public and the scientific community about the powerful role comparative oncology plays in transforming how cancer is understood and treated. A cornerstone of Animal Cancer Foundation’s research efforts is the Canine Cancer Genome Project (CCGP), sponsored by the Blue Buffalo Foundation and ACF. This collaborative initiative uses advanced genomic and proteomic technologies to study aggressive canine cancers, including osteosarcoma, B-cell lymphoma, and soft tissue sarcoma. By identifying the genetic and molecular drivers behind these diseases, researchers are uncovering insights that can lead to earlier detection, more targeted treatments, and improved outcomes. Importantly, all resulting datasets are made publicly available, enabling scientists worldwide to accelerate discoveries that benefit both pets and people.