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About the Study

PFAS in Pets

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Have you ever wondered if your pets could help detect hidden health risks in your home?

Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is conducting an important study to find out if everyday blood tests in dogs can help identify harmful chemicals—specifically PFAS—in the household.


What Are PFAS?

PFAS (often called "forever chemicals") are man-made chemicals used in products like carpets, non-stick cookware, food packaging, water-resistant clothing, and even some flea and tick treatments. These chemicals don’t break down easily and can build up in people and animals over time.

PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health problems in people, such as:

  • Liver damage
  • Thyroid disease
  • High cholesterol
  • Some types of cancer

While there’s growing research on how PFAS affects humans, we know very little about what it does to our pets—especially dogs and cats who share our air, water, and dust.


About the Study

This study is being carried out in:

  • The City of Parchment and Cooper Township in Kalamazoo County, and
  • The Rockford/Belmont area in Kent County

We are collecting blood samples from over 300 pets living in these communities to:

  • Test for PFAS levels in the blood
  • Check for changes in common health indicators like liver enzymes, kidney function, cholesterol, and thyroid hormones

These health indicators are part of routine veterinary blood tests, which means this research could lead to an affordable way for veterinarians to detect signs of PFAS exposure early.


Why This Matters

Research shows that dogs and cats often have PFAS levels similar to the people they live with. In other words, if your home has PFAS, your pet may be affected too.

By comparing pet and owner blood test results, we hope to learn:

  • If PFAS is causing changes in pet health
  • Where these exposures are coming from
  • How pets might serve as early warning systems for harmful chemicals in the home

This research follows a One Health approach, which means we’re looking at the connections between the health of people, animals, and the environment.


What You’ll Receive

If you participate, you’ll get:

  • A detailed report of your pet’s blood test results
  • A comparison of your pet’s results to your own (from MiPEHS)
  • Information on how your pet compares to others in your area

This can help you and your veterinarian better understand your home environment and make informed decisions about your family’s health.