Pet and Equine Testing Survey

There will be approximately 100-200 participants in this study.

In order to be a participant in this study, you must be a resident of the Gray’s Creek and surrounding Fayetteville area. You must allow a blood sample to be taken from your live companion animal (dog or horse). You must also be willing to complete a short survey about your companion animal’s age, breed, habits, and general health.

Animals cannot be included if they are destined for human consumption. No pigs, cows or sheep will be sampled.

What will happen if I take part in the study?

If you agree to participate in the study, you will be asked to do all of the following:
1. Agree to participate and sign a consent form.
2. Complete an online survey independently or with the aid of a researcher.
3. Attend the sampling weekend with a veterinarian at Southern Oaks Animal Hospital on September 19th, 2020 or schedule a separate appointment in conjunction with study staff.
4. Allow a blood sample to be taken from your companion animal for PFAS exposure analysis.
5. You will receive your animal’s exposure results as well as a summary of study results.
6. Samples may be saved or stored for additional analyses or follow up studies.

Who is in charge of the study? Who is conducting this study?
The principal investigator in charge of the Pet and Equine Testing Survey (P.E.T.S.) is Scott Belcher, Ph.D. at North Carolina State University. We are collaborating with Jane Hoppin, Ph.D. and the GenX Exposure Study. Kentley Dean, DVM at Southern Oaks Animal Hospital is assisting with sample collection.

Will you be able to tell me if my dog or horse is sick because of their exposure to PFAS?
No. We will provide information about your pet’s/animal’s exposure to PFAS. There is currently limited information on what that exposure might mean for your pet’s or animal’s health. You may consult your veterinarian with your results.

How much of my time will be spent participating in this study?
The total amount of time to participate will be about one hour.

What is the cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in this study. You may choose to make an appointment with a veterinarian separate from the pre-arranged schedule. Any cost incurred through that veterinarian is for their services and there is no additional cost for participating in this study.

Will I be paid to participate?
No, there is no compensation for participating.

What steps are you taking to protect participants during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We will be conducting most of the study virtually to protect participants. We will be following the Governor’s mandates, North Carolina State University research protocols, and veterinarian policies for operating at the veterinary clinic including wearing masks and limiting the number of people in the building. You may either accompany your dog into the clinic for its blood draw or allow a technician to retrieve your dog from your car.

What if I need to reschedule my appointment?
Please call the study line at 919-322-9695 if you need to reschedule.

Where is the veterinarian located?
Southern Oaks Animal Hospital is located at 5733 Rockfish Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348. Their phone number is (910) 424-3011.

What if I want to have a sample taken from my horse?
Dr. Kentley Dean will arrange with you to perform a home visit to collect a sample from your horse.

Can I take my animal to a different veterinarian for its blood draw?
Dr. Kentley Dean at Southern Oaks Animal Hospital is the collaborating veterinarian on this project. If you would like to discuss a different veterinarian providing a blood sample please contact study staff.

Can I have a sample taken from multiple pets?
Yes, but due to the limited number of participants allowed in the clinic we will be limiting to two (2) dogs per household.

What if I lost my Participant ID number?
Your Participant ID number is located on the bottom of your Consent Form that was emailed to you. Please call (919) 322-9695 if you have any questions.