Every dog that runs in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race must pass extensive medical examinations. Blood work and ECG recordings are included in the exam process. All dogs have microchip implants for identification.  During the race, vets are along the trail at checkpoints to examine the dogs.  Keeping dogs healthy before, during, and after the race is priority.

Learn more about the care of the dogs at this link.

This virtual field trip was created by Sally Simon, an educator in New York. Sally attended the 2009 Winter Teacher’s Conference in Anchorage. She visited Iditarod Headquarters and later created the video for her students. Sally is a past finalist for Iditarod Teacher on the Trail.