Warm Hearts Make Warm Dogs 2026
It’s race time and we are getting ready for the best race ever thanks to our volunteers!
Last year we put a call out for teachers and students to make 300 blankets and the response was OVERWHELMING! We collected almost TWICE what we asked for from 26 states and we are so grateful for your support for our furry athletes.
As a result, Return Dog would like to continue with the Blanket Program for Iditarod 2026, however we will have to implement limits.
Here is a lesson that explains the who, what, where, when, and why of returned dogs:
Returned Dogs by 2018 Teacher on the Trail Heidi Sloan
These blankets are very simple to make
- The size should be a square at least 1 yd. x 1 yd. and no bigger than 40″ x 40″ and ONLY 1 layer of fleece. Make this a math lesson – converting between standard units, converting between standard and metric, using the symbols instead of the word inches, what is the perimeter and area of the blankets you are making, how much material do you need to make 1 blanket or more, what will the total cost be, what is the cost per blanket…..and on and on and on!
- Our vets say that most blankets rest on the dogs and the dog moves it around and puts it where it wants it to be. So, no head or leg holes are necessary.
- Some of our spirited athletes look at the fringes as something to be chewed on. PLEASE make blankets without cut fringe. Blankets that arrive with fringes will be donated to the local ANC animal shelter.
- 5 blankets is the maximum donation per teacher/classroom.
- These are required to be at Iditarod Headquarters by Friday, January 9, 2026 to be able to be shipped out on time to the trail. If they arrive later than that, there is no guarantee they will be used.
ADDRESS: Iditarod Headquarters
ATTN: Return Dog Coordinator
2100 S. Knik Goose Bay Road
Wasilla, AK 99654
- The most economical way to send your 5 blankets is by rolling them tightly and sending them through USPS Priority. The medium box will work and the cost is $21.05.
Be creative. Use light fleece – any color, any pattern. And your students could sign their names or write encouraging messages on the blankets. YES! The Return Dog Handlers, Veterinarians, and Volunteers actually read these messages to the dogs.
We have little storage space, so please do not make and send blankets without being added to the list and confirmed as a donor. If you are interested in contributing blankets for the 2026 race, please click on this link, 2026 Iditarod Return Dog Blankets.
Thank you in advance!
If you have any questions, please contact ReturnDogCoordinator@iditarod.com
