A New Era in Canine Sports Medicine
CHF Launches Groundbreaking Residency Program to Train the Specialists Our Dogs Deserve
Like human athletes, dogs who compete in sports, work in the field, or serve on the front lines—from agility champions to search-and-rescue heroes, TSA K9s, and herding dogs—face a high risk of injury. In fact, studies show that up to 40% of athletic dogs may experience injuries during their careers. But it’s not just working and sporting dogs who benefit from specialized care—aging pets also face mobility challenges that affect their quality of life. Despite this growing need, veterinarians with advanced training in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation remain incredibly rare.
That’s about to change.
In 2024, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) took bold action to address this gap, establishing a first-of-its-kind Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program with one clear mission: to support a new generation of veterinary specialists to meet the needs of active, athletic, and working dogs.
And now, we’re proud to announce—the program officially launches this July with the first cohort of residents placed at two outstanding institutions: Penn Vet (University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine) and Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
“It almost brings tears to my eyes, because without your support, we couldn’t do it,” said Dr. Cynthia Otto, Executive Director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center and mentor to one of the inaugural residents. “It’s a new specialty, especially in the canine world, and we’re going to keep dogs moving longer and better.”
Meet the Inaugural Residents
Dr. Tesa Stone – Penn Vet
Dr. Stone’s path to sports medicine was inspired by both family and firsthand experience. Raised among veterinarians—her grandmother and aunt were both in the field—her journey began early at the family animal hospital. Her love for working dogs grew in college while raising puppies for The Seeing Eye®, but it was an internship at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center that solidified her calling.
“That experience combined everything I loved—medicine, research, and performance in dogs,” she said. “The toughest part is that it’s so new, but I hope to contribute to the field through both clinical practice and research.”
Dr. Stone will train under the mentorship of Dr. Cynthia Otto beginning in July 2025.
Dr. Alexis Heffernan – Colorado State University
A former varsity soccer player, Dr. Heffernan’s background blends scientific rigor with a deep appreciation for movement and performance. After earning a Master’s in Microbiology and Immunology and completing Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at CSU, she discovered a passion for sports medicine while in veterinary school.
“I especially loved seeing improvements that didn’t require surgery,” she said. “It’s amazing what hands-on rehabilitation and targeted therapies can do.”
She begins a three-year residency at CSU under the guidance of Dr. Felix Duerr, a respected expert in canine orthopedics. Dr. Heffernan is eager to grow the field’s visibility and eventually hopes to build a practice that combines orthopedics and rehabilitation.
Backing the Dogs Who Go the Distance
Canine sports medicine and rehabilitation is a young but in-demand field—one that’s transforming how we care for active dogs, aging dogs, and those recovering from injury. Because the field is still small, creating new training positions for even a few residents each year has a meaningful impact—and helps ensure more dogs get the expert care they deserve.
This trailblazing program is only possible thanks to the generosity of our visionary partners. CHF is deeply grateful to the American Kennel Club, Golden Retriever Foundation, Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, and Border Terrier Club of America for sharing our commitment to keeping dogs healthy and active. Their support is ensuring that canine athletes, working dogs, and beloved pets have access to the expert care they need to live longer, stronger, and more vibrant lives. Because of them, we’re able to launch this program and send a loud message of support for a new standard for canine sports medicine and rehabilitation.
Together, we are.
Join Us in Fueling the Future
Be a part of this new movement advancing veterinary sports medicine.
Donate today at akcchf.org/FuelDogsInMotion
Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=334490
Posted by Liz
on Jul 29 2025. Filed under Current Articles, Featured.
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