An update to our community

Since St. Joseph’s Lawson Research Institute ended research involving dogs on August 11, 2025, ownership of the dogs transferred to Western University’s Animal Care Committee (ACC) as part of the established process. The ACC then assumed responsibility for the oversight and decisions regarding future placement opportunities for these dogs. 

After careful review and consideration, the ACC arranged to transfer all eight of the dogs to a trusted and fully accredited organization so they could start the path towards adoption. Six of the dogs went to that organization on Sept. 10, 2025.   

The dogs are together – receiving ongoing care, socialization, enrichment and training to ensure they’re ready for family homes. The partner organization has experience with this breed of dog and with animals coming from a research program, and they have an adoption rate that is higher than 90 per cent. To protect the wellbeing of the dogs and to increase the willingness of people to adopt them, this partner will remain anonymous.

The two remaining dogs continue to do well in each other’s company and will remain under excellent care until they can be transferred. Further updates will be shared as they become available.