IPFDogs has published a report that outlines discussions and action items for improving dog health and well-being from the Virtual Dog Health Forum.

Click here to read the report.

The Virtual Dog Health Forum was brought to you free of charge, thanks to the generous support of our Lead Sponsor:

Overview

IPFD welcomes key stakeholders in the dog world ‒ including the same brilliant thought leaders who led discussions at the 5th International Dog Health Workshop (IDHW) in Helsinki, Finland ‒ to join us for our 2025 Virtual Dog Health Forum.

Building upon the momentum from the 5th IDHW, the Forum will facilitate ongoing conversations on key issues in dog health and well-being, refocus collaborative work on action items from the Helsinki workshop, and set the stage for the 6th IDHW in Bologna, Italy in 2026 (co-hosted by IPFD Contributing Partner, Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana (ENCI) ‒ the Italian Kennel Club).

The Forum theme, ‘Bridging the Gap’, embodies three concepts:

• Maintaining our momentum throughout the two years between the 5th and 6th IDHWs

• Sharing perspectives and expertise between stakeholder groups on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and other regions around the globe

• Finding common ground among the diverse views and priorities in the dog community and identifying opportunities for international collaboration ‒ with the aim of enhancing the health and well-being of all dogs worldwide

Forum Objectives:

The main objectives of the 2025 Virtual Dog Health Forum are to:

• Continue the promotion of collaboration and networking throughout our global community

• Continue the streams of conversation across the themes from the 5th IDHW and other emerging issues in the dog world

• Review the outcomes from the 5th IDHW and summarize the work done to date

• Set new targets/milestones for work to be completed before the in-person IDHW in 2026

• Secure commitments by individual contributors and organizations to help IPFD carry out this important work

Target Audiences:

• Kennel and breed clubs (national and regional) and associated health committees, breeding advisors, etc.

• Veterinarians and veterinary care providers, veterinary organizations

• Canine authorities

• Researchers/educational institutions/students

• Pet industry product/service providers (e.g., genetic test providers, food manufacturers, insurers)

• Other non-profit canine health/welfare associations/organizations

Program

Note: Times are indicated in EDT (UTC/GMT -4 hours)

Day 1 (3rd June)

11:00 Welcome ‒ Marc Ralsky, IPFD

11:15 BOAS Program ‒ Eddie Dziuk, OFA

11:45 Choose Health Coalition ‒ Laureline Malineau, Royal Canin

11:55 IPFD progress since Helsinki ‒ Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi, IPFD

12:15 Theme 1: Supply and Demand summary ‒ Rowena Packer, RVC

12:30 Theme 2: Breeding for Health and Well-being summary ‒ Dan O’Neill, VetCompass, RVC

12:45 Break

1:00 Group Panel discussion on progress and priorities

1:45 Presentation on research/project ‒ Paul Eckford, Åke Hedhammar, Monique Megens, Dan O'Neill; ICECDogs

2:15 Continued Group Panel discussion

3:00 Final comments on the day

Day 2 (4th June)

11:00 Welcome Back ‒ Marc Ralsky, IPFD

11:15 Update on the State of Pet Homelessness Project ‒ Jo Gale, Mars Petcare

11:45 Theme 3: Big Data summary ‒ Kari Ekenstedt, Purdue University

12:00 Theme 4: Breed vs Variety summary ‒ Alison Skipper, RKC

12:15 IPFD presentation on the Dog Wellness Network ‒ Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi, IPFD

12:45 Group Panel discussion on progress and priorities

1:30 Break

1:45 Continued Group Panel discussion, agreeing on next steps and action/identifying leaders - all Themes

2:15 The State of Global Veterinary Care ‒ Richard Casey, WSAVA

2:30 6th International Dog Health Workshop, Bologna, Italy ‒ Marc Ralsky, IPFD/Stefano Frattini, ENCI

2:45 Summary of collective next steps ‒ Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi, IPFD

3:00 Thank yous ‒ Marc Ralsky, IPFD

(non-genetic test providers are welcome to depart)

3:15 Genetic Test Provider reconnection - Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi/Marc Ralsky, IPFD

Speakers, Theme Leaders, and Contributing Experts

Click here to view biographies

Pre- and Post-Meeting Resources

Background information to facilitate discussions at the Virtual Dog Health Forum

Recorded presentations from the Virtual Dog Health Forum

Our Sponsor

The Virtual Dog Health Forum is brought to you free of charge, thanks to the generous support of our Lead Sponsor:

The Royal Canin Division, owner of the ROYAL CANIN® brand, is part of Mars, Incorporated and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr. Jean Cathary, Royal Canin continues to push the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals and experts to fulfill its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

Royal Canin collaborates with partners, including breeders and veterinarians, not only to design precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs but also to develop a variety of tools and services to generate a significant positive impact on pet health. The company does this in a respectful, responsible, and sustainable way towards pets, people, and planet.

To learn more about Royal Canin, visit www.royalcanin.com

Questions?

Please contact us at info@ipfdogs.com