Warm Hearts Make Warm Dogs 2027

Planning for Iditarod 2027 is underway and Return Dog would like to continue with the Return Dog Blanket Program and we hope you can help us!

Last year we put out a call for teachers, students and other organizations like scouts, to make blankets for the canine athletes and the response was incredible!  We collected blankets from 32 states and we are so grateful for your support. Our goal this year is to receive blankets from ALL 50 states!

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″ of ONLY 1 layer of POLAR FLEECE or ANTI-PILL 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 and swallowed. 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/troop.  
• Blanket packages are required to be RECEIVED at Iditarod Headquarters by Friday, December 18, 2026 to ensure they are able to be shipped out to the trail. If they arrive late, there is no guarantee they will be used for Iditarod 2027.

SHIP TO 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 $24.80 You can also use the large box at a cost of $34.00. 

*****NEW THIS YEAR***** Before closing the box with your blankets packed inside, please take a picture of your blankets WITH your return address showing on the box and email it to ReturnDogCoordinator@Iditarod.com

Examples:

Be creative.  Use POLAR FLEECE or ANTI-PILL FLEECE – any color, any pattern.  And your students can sign their names and/or write encouraging messages on the blankets. YES! The Return Dog Handlers, Veterinarians, and Volunteers read these messages to the dogs. 

NOTE:  We will not be sending a confirmation email that your blankets have been received at HQ, therefore we highly recommend you get a tracking number so you know your box arrived at Iditarod Headquarters.

We have limited storage space at Iditarod Headquarters, so please do not make and send blankets without being confirmed as a donor via the form below.  Once you sign up, a copy of your responses will be emailed to you as your confirmation.

If you are interested in contributing blankets for Iditarod 2027,

please click on this link: 2027 Return Dog Blankets

Thank you in advance for your continued support!  

If you have any questions, please contact ReturnDogCoordinator@iditarod.com