Dr. Darin Collins

CEO, AKC’s Canine Health Foundation

Dr. Darin Collins is the CEO of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Inc. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Canine Health Foundation is dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs and their owners by funding scientific research and supporting the dissemination of health information to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. CHF, founded in 1995 by the American Kennel Club, is the largest non-profit organization worldwide to fund health research exclusively for dogs. The organization’s mission is accomplished with donations from dog lovers throughout the world, the funded research helps advance veterinary medicine, resulting in better care and treatment options, and more accurate diagnoses for both common and complex health issues. Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has funded just under $70 million for canine health research projects and education to benefit all dogs and their owners.

Dr. Collins is a graduate of the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine. He has practiced veterinary medicine and surgery since 1987 in a diversity of clinical settings, including private companion animal medicine in Chicago, as well as, zoo and wildlife medicine in Seattle at the Woodland Park Zoo. Within the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, he is well-known for his research and publications on bears, tree kangaroos and zoonotic disease. He served for the Center for Disease Control and the United States Agency of International Development while stationed in Jakarta, Indonesia for 2 years to conduct field surveillance for H5N1 avian influenza which is an emergent zoonotic infectious disease of global concern. He has held facultry and appointments with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the University of Washington and Washington State University. He is the primary author of numerous publications in veterinary research journals and clinical textbooks. He has owned, bred and exhibited salukis for 35 years in conformation and open field coursing venues. He never declines Sweepstakes assignments and is adamant about evaluating breeds with a critical eye for form and function. He relocated from Seattle to Raleigh in 2021 for his position with CHF and currently lives in Raleigh. He is a longstanding member of the American Saluki Association and the Saluki Club of America and his membership with the Raleigh Kennel Club is currently being considered.

The title for his presentation is

Canine Health Foundation:

The How and Why to Get Involved