Shelter Me: The Dogs Helping Treat Cancer in Humans
Written by Rhiannon Frater
Cancer touches many. It alters lives, tests resolve, and for many, redefines hope. But what if a surprising ally, your family dog, could help shape the future of cancer treatment? That question beats at the heart of Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers, a powerful new PBS documentary that’s turning a compassionate spotlight on comparative oncology. This isn’t just a medical story; it’s a deeply human one, brought to life by devoted pet families, determined scientists and medical professionals and the loyal animals who connect them.
The film premiered on PBS in May and is now available for streaming online. The latest installment is part of the Emmy-winning Shelter Me series, which celebrates the bond between humans and animals. Produced by Steven Latham Productions and presented by Petco Love, this documentary peels back the curtain on a field that’s gaining momentum and saving lives on both ends of the leash.
When Science Meets Loyalty
Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers offers a detailed examination of comparative oncology, a rapidly growing area of research that investigates cancer in dogs to inform and enhance treatments for humans. Pet dogs naturally develop many of the same cancers humans do, making them extraordinary models for human therapy, without any added suffering or artificial conditions.The film follows the journey of OST-HER2, a targeted immunotherapy developed by OS Therapies for osteosarcoma, a rare but aggressive bone cancer found in both children and large-breed dogs. After completing Phase I and III trials in canines, OST-HER2 recently showed statistically significant results in a Phase IIb human trial. These milestones, shared on-screen with quiet urgency, mark a hopeful shift in how research can advance when compassion and curiosity walk hand in hand.
Stories That Ground the Science
Rather than focus solely on clinical data, the film centers on the lived experiences behind each breakthrough. Families share what it’s like to hear a diagnosis, for themselves and their pets and how their participation in trials has opened doors not only for healing, but for meaning. Veterinarians, oncologists and researchers from institutions such as the National Cancer Institute, the University of Pennsylvania, Colorado State University and the NIH offer insight not from a podium, but from hospital rooms, operating tables and exam rooms where these stories unfold.The emotional current of the documentary is undeniable. A dog with bright eyes and shaved limbs. A child with the same diagnosis. A treatment that connects them both. These are the moments that quietly challenge what medical collaboration can look like.
To catch a glimpse of what the film has to offer, watch the official trailer. For more about the documentary’s release and impact, please view the official press announcement.
Watch What Matters
In a world where research often feels distant, Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers brings it back home to the living rooms, backyards and laps of the people who share their lives with animals. It’s a documentary that honors the intelligence of science and the quiet power of companionship.Stream the film now on PBS and follow the journey as it continues with future episodes airing weekly from the Shelter Me series. Because sometimes, the path forward starts with those who walk beside you, even on four legs.
