A trial-day care plan

Before departure

Confirm event information directly with the organiser. Pack the dog’s usual care supplies and records, and identify a veterinary contact along the route and near the venue.

At the grounds

Choose an appropriate resting place and assign someone to monitor the dog between runs. Consider weather and time spent waiting rather than counting only active minutes.

After the event

Record any concern and contact the veterinarian when needed. Review what worked in the travel and care plan before the next trip.

Include an alternative plan if the event is delayed or the dog should not run. Assign the care duties explicitly so they continue while the handler watches another class or assists the organiser.

Check the entry schedule against the care plan. If more than one dog is competing, ensure each has a clearly identified supervisor while another team is on the course.

Separate welfare from the timetable

A published run order organises the event; it does not establish that a dog should participate regardless of its condition. Build in a way to withdraw, delay travel or leave early when care needs require it. Keep a plan for dogs whose handlers are judging, stewarding or competing with another animal. RSPCA’s working-animal policy places welfare within the use of animals for work, not only during rest. In practice, that means care responsibilities continue while people are watching results, speaking to other competitors or packing equipment after the final run.

Common questions

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• RSPCA Policy C3: Working animals (opens in a new tab)
• RSPCA: Protecting dogs from heatstroke (opens in a new tab)

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