DOG FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURE

 Dog food will be hauled by Iditarod pilots at a date/dates to be set by the Chief pilots.  It will be picked up at Spernak Aviation located on Merrill Field.  Pilots on straight skis will pick up dog food which has been trucked to a designated area at Lake Hood.  Pilots can land at the new ski strip at Merrill Field and taxi to Spernak’s. 

PROCEDURE FOR HAULING DOGS

   The pilot must receive from the checker or veterinarian, the paper work for each dropped dog that he transports.  This should be done as the dogs are loaded.  The paperwork must be turned in to the dog handler at the end of the dog haul.  No dog will be transported unless the paperwork accompanies it. 

All dogs must be attached to a cable type lead line with a sturdy snap which can be secured to the dog collar.  Never transport a dog which is secured with a rope lead line. Dogs must be humanely handled at all times.  A veterinarian, the checker, or a locally designated dog handler will assist you by designating the dogs to be transported by giving you the paperwork, and by walking them to the aircraft.  They will assist you with the actual loading, or by standing by until you get the dogs loaded if you prefer.

 It is in the pilot’s best interest to make sure dogs are not able to enter the cockpit area.  Some pilots may choose to secure them to a cable attached to the airplane framework.  Others may choose to attach a certified cargo net between the cockpit area and the back part of the plane.  The configuration of your aircraft may aid in your decision.  In any event, secure the dogs with cables attached to rings in your aircraft.

Make sure the dogs that you transport can't get at vital parts of your airplane.  Some like to chew anything, everywhere, including wires under the dash. If a dog is vicious (a rarity) or shy and seemingly apt to escape, put it in a burlap bag and secure the opening before loading it in the aircraft.

A dog handler will meet your aircraft when you land at a hub (Anchorage, McGrath,, Unalakleet, Nome).

Do not open the door of your plane until you have ascertained that every dog is secure and not able to jump out.  A loose dog can quickly become a lost dog!

Top priority dogs wear a RED collar.

Second priority dogs wear a BLUE collar.

All other dogs should be transported according to the length of time they have been held at the checkpoint, commencing with those that have been there the greatest length of time.  The potential loss of a dog will be handled as Emergency Flights. The Race Judge, Checkpoint Vet, Chief Vet and Director of Competition and Logistics will be notified immediately and they will pass on to you the appropriate action to take. Remember, you are a volunteer in this situation and not a Race Official. 

PRIORITY HAULING 

1.  RED COLLAR DOG:  This is an animal which is apt to die if not attended to promptly.  A dog wearing a red collar takes priority over everything else and everyone else. Take it out first!

2.  BLUE COLLAR DOG:  A dog wearing a blue collar, though not in as serious conditions as the red collared animal, is still in serious condition and takes priority over human passengers.

3.  Human passengers or seriously needed supplies such as veterinary medicine or equipment.

4.  Other dropped dogs according to their time at the checkpoint.

5.          Garbage and checkpoint equipment and supplies. All garbage shall be picked up from the checkpoints and/or burned depending on the type. Iditarod equipment is to be returned to the checkpoints for transfer back to Wasilla. Vet supplies are the responsibility of the veterinarians and will travel with them to their appointed checkpoints.

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