Research at Queen'sRevised May 25, 2026.
For 46 years, ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ has cared for a unique colony of mixed-breed dogs with naturally occurring hemophilia — the same inherited bleeding disorder that affects more than 4,200 Canadians. Our goal is clear: to advance treatments and ultimately find a cure for hemophilia in people and animals.
The impact of this research has already been significant. Discoveries made at ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ contributed to the approval of two gene therapy treatments now helping human patients worldwide. What was once considered impossible — a genetic cure for hemophilia — is now increasingly within reach.
The dogs in this program play a critical role in advancing medical knowledge, and their natural longevity has made it possible to study the long-term effects of gene therapy. Much of the research involves years of careful observation and routine blood collection, allowing researchers to study the long-term safety and effectiveness of gene therapies. This research has even improved how these therapies are administered; they are now delivered through a peripheral blood vessel instead of a major vein — an important consideration for hemophilia patients.
The results have been remarkable: dogs that once experienced repeated, life-threatening bleeding episodes are no longer bleeding, and the quality of life of the dogs is significantly improved. These findings are regularly published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and continue to positively impact human medicine.
The dogs are deeply valued as members of the ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ research community and receive lifelong care that meets or exceeds all federal and provincial standards. The facility is subject to regular unannounced inspections, including a 2024 inspection that confirmed its strong animal welfare record. Dogs born in the colony without the disease are adopted into loving homes within the local community.
Current federal regulations and Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines do not permit the rehoming of animals that have received gene therapy. As a result, if the program were discontinued due to legislative changes, the university anticipates the entire colony would have to be humanely killed — a devastating outcome for the animals, the researchers and staff who care for them, and for decades of scientific progress in the fight against hemophilia.
The university reports publicly on its Animal Use Data and has systems where people can report any suspected breach of animal welfare or compliance.