Bringing a new animal health product to market takes more than a great idea. It requires planning, precision, and a partner who understands the ins and outs of veterinary clinical research. That’s where a Contract Research Organization (CRO) comes in.

Veterinary CROs like ZoaDx are built to support sponsors through every phase of product development, from study design and regulatory strategy to site management and data analysis.

If you’ve never worked with a CRO before, you might be wondering what that partnership actually looks like.

Let’s dive into some of the most common questions sponsors ask when exploring a veterinary CRO relationship.

1. What services does a veterinary CRO typically provide?

Veterinary CROs offer comprehensive support to help you move your product from concept to commercialization. At ZoaDx, this includes managing clinical trials, ensuring regulatory compliance, analyzing data, and providing expert regulatory and quality assurance consulting along the way.

We don’t just set up a study—we guide you through it. That means designing scientifically sound protocols, selecting experienced clinical sites, and handling the day-to-day logistics of your trial. Our team also helps prepare regulatory submissions that meet the exacting standards of agencies like the FDA and USDA. When it’s time to make sense of your data, we’ve got the tools and expertise to provide accurate, audit-ready results.

From initial strategy to final report, we’re with you every step of the way.

2. How does a CRO ensure regulatory compliance across different animal health authorities?

Compliance isn’t optional. It’s essential. A good CRO acts as your regulatory compass, ensuring your study aligns with regional and global expectations. At ZoaDx, our team stays informed about evolving guidelines from regulatory bodies across the U.S. and beyond.

We build regulatory compliance into our DNA by following Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards, maintaining robust standard operating procedures, and applying a rigorous internal quality assurance process. Our regulatory experts don’t just interpret the rules, they know how to apply them strategically to keep your study on track and your submissions strong.

3. What level of involvement is expected from the sponsor during the trial?

Think of a CRO partnership as a collaborative relationship. As the sponsor, your engagement matters but you don’t have to manage everything yourself. Most sponsors stay involved in key decision-making while the CRO handles the heavy lifting of day-to-day task tracking and execution.

You’ll review and approve the study protocol, receive regular updates on trial progress, and participate in discussions when critical decisions need to be made, such as budget adjustments or protocol amendments. At ZoaDx, we tailor our communication style to match your preferences: some sponsors want frequent updates and deep involvement, while others prefer a more hands-off approach. Either way, we make sure you’re supported and informed at every step.

4. How are clinical sites selected and vetted by the CRO?

Choosing the right clinical sites can make or break a study. That’s why CROs like ZoaDx use a careful process to identify and qualify veterinary clinics, hospitals, and investigators. The investigators oversee the conduct of the study at the site and will be the one responsible to ensure the study to conducted correctly.

Our team starts by assessing each site’s infrastructure, staffing, and previous clinical research experience through qualification visits. We look for investigators with the right mix of clinical expertise and protocol discipline. Compliance is key, so we also conduct checks to ensure all sites adhere to GCP and other applicable standards. And before the first patient is ever enrolled, we train site personnel thoroughly on study procedures and documentation requirements.

The result is a reliable network of sites that deliver high-quality data and a smooth study experience.

5. What makes ZoaDx different from other veterinary CROs?

At ZoaDx, we’re an extension of your team. What sets us apart is our commitment to customization, compliance, and collaboration.

We understand that no two studies are alike, which is why we build tailored solutions based on your goals, product type, and regulatory pathway. Our team brings decades of combined experience in animal health, which means you get strategic guidance you can trust. We’re also deeply committed to sustainability, embedding environmentally responsible practices into our work.

Above all, we believe in building real relationships with sponsors, investigators, and the animals we aim to help.

When you work with us, you get a team that’s responsive, resourceful, and fully invested in your success.

Interested in partnering with a veterinary CRO that truly understands the path to animal health innovation?

Let’s talk about how ZoaDx can support your clinical and regulatory journey.