I-PETS was founded in 2026 by Dr. Oba in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The program was created to serve companion animals, their owners, and professionals in the animal care and pet food industries through science-based education and outreach.
I-PETS brings together faculty expertise, students, and collaborators to translate research into practical, accessible resources that improve everyday animal health and welfare. Through workshops, webinars, community engagement, and online educational tools, the program connects science with real-world application across Illinois and beyond.
The program is committed to addressing current challenges in companion animal health, nutrition, and welfare. These principles guide I PETS’s educational initiatives, industry partnerships, and collaborations within and outside the Department of Animal Sciences.
I-PETS’s focus areas include:
- Practical feeding guidance and understanding pet food labels
- Obesity prevention and body condition scoring
- Gastrointestinal, oral, and skin health management
- Nutritional product development and functional ingredients
- Strengthening the human–animal bond through education
Through Extension programming and collaborative initiatives, I PETS supports better animal health outcomes, promotes welfare, and empowers pet owners and professionals with trusted, research-backed knowledge
🐾 Help Shape I-PETS Programs
What companion animal topic would you like I-PETS to cover next?