BSAVA PetSavers is a UK charity dedicated to advancing the health and welfare of companion animals by funding clinically relevant veterinary research. Established as part of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), PetSavers has been supporting veterinary science for over 50 years, awarding more than £2.7 million in grants to over 300 research projects that focus on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases affecting pets such as dogs, cats and other small animals.

The charity’s mission centres on enabling veterinary professionals, researchers and students to undertake high-quality clinical research that yields real-world benefits in everyday practice. Unlike some research funders, PetSavers does not support studies involving experimental disease induction; instead, it funds projects that investigate naturally occurring conditions in companion animals and have the potential to directly improve clinical outcomes.

BSAVA PetSavers offers a range of grant programmes tailored to researchers at different stages of their careers. These include Clinical Research Projects, Research Fellowships, PhD and Master’s studentships, and Student Research Projects, with funding levels appropriate to the scope and duration of each study. This structure not only supports established clinical scientists but also fosters the next generation of veterinary researchers by providing early career opportunities and practical research experience.

The impact of this funding is wide-ranging. PetSavers grants have supported research into conditions including cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, bone and joint problems, immunological conditions, gastrointestinal disorders and skin disease. The findings from these studies contribute to evidence-based veterinary medicine, helping vets and vet nurses adopt the latest knowledge, technologies and treatment approaches in practice.

In addition to direct research funding, PetSavers fosters a collaborative research community by partnering with specialist veterinary organisations and encouraging dissemination of results back into clinical practice. By investing in research that changes how diseases are understood and managed, BSAVA PetSavers aims to help pets live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.