Actions to help AKC CAT and Fast CAT Clubs Impacted by COVID19
The AKC Performance Events Department has been processing numerous event cancellations as the COVID19 virus continues to spread throughout the country. Clubs and participants are encouraged to view the AKC Performance Events Cancellation Listing page to see which events have been cancelled.
To ease some burdens or bring clarity to now commonly experienced situations during these troubling times, CAT and Fast CAT clubs should be aware of the following:
- Clubs are reminded to inform the Performance Events Department if they have to cancel their event by calling: 919-816-3908 or sending an email to: perfcancel@akc.org.
- Any club that notifies the Performance Events Department that their event is cancelled due to the COVID19 virus will automatically retain their corresponding date for 2021 unless the club asks the Performance Events Department otherwise. This has been implemented since COVID19 cancellations were first received.
- AKC Event Application fees that were paid for a cancelled event will be credited towards the club’s next event of the same type provided the club has notified the AKC Performance Events Department by calling 919-816-3908 or emailing perfcancel@akc.org.
- All late fees for event applications will be waived through October 31, 2020 in order to provide clubs flexibility in scheduling their events.
- A cancelled event will not count against the total number of events allowed per year.
- Clubs at their option can now send copies of their results including their Secretary Report in PDF format via email to: performanceresults@akc.org. Clubs will then be contacted to confirm receipt and handle their event service fees by phone.
- Information regarding the government stimulus package, referred to as the Federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act has been posted to the Government Relations webpage.
The AKC Performance Events Department wants to assist clubs as much as possible during these unprecedented times. Please feel free to reach Performance Events at 919-816-3908 or performanceevents@akc.org for any questions you may have. We hope you and your club members stay well and keep safe.
Want an easy, low-stress way to get involved in the world of dog sports? Start with a Coursing Ability Test (CAT) because it is designed specifically for newcomers.
The first thing to know about the CAT is that – as with all of our tests – dogs do not compete against each other (as opposed to Field Trials where winners are chosen). Each dog runs individually and chases after an artificial lure on either a 300- or 600-yard long course. Your dog must finish in less than 1 ½ minutes and 2 minutes, respectively. Because the course is for beginners, it is set up with safety in mind, as we recognize that many of the dogs are new to the sport and might not possess the agility of an experienced sighthound.
Don’t worry about being judged: Dogs only earn a pass/fail, and the maximum time is not meant to be difficult to achieve. But yes, your dog will need to run, not walk, to earn a passing grade. But even if he doesn’t do his best, don’t worry! Think of it as just a fun day out for both of you to meet other dogs and dog lovers.
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Eligibility
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To compete, your dog must:
- Be 12 months or older
- Have an AKC number via one of the following:
- AKC Registration as one of the recognized breeds.
- AKC Canine Partners, which is for mixed-breed dogs and dogs ineligible for AKC registration.
- Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program, which is for purebred dogs that cannot be fully registered with the AKC to participate in AKC events.
- Foundation Stock Service®(FSS), which is for recorded breeds on the road to full AKC recognition.
In addition:
- Spayed females and neutered males are eligible to participate.
- Females in season are not eligible to participate.
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Get Started
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There’s not much you need to do to prepare for your first CAT besides get your dog in shape! You can also play with him often by giving him things to chase in your yard like plastic bags on a windy day, or toys and balls to run after. Just get him used to seeing something and chasing after it. As with all Coursing Ability Tests, the goal is not to harm any living animals so make sure you don’t encourage him to chase after any squirrels or other creatures running through your yard.
Your local AKC Club is the best place to find a CAT event in your area, or you can search for them here. To enter, you need to get an entry form from the club putting on the test, which is located in the premium list.
- Find an Event +
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Resources
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- How to Post Your Premium List
- CAT Rules and Regulations
- Best Practices
- CAT Event Application
- Judges Eligibility
- Corresponding Date Table
- Participants with Disabilities
- Downloadable Forms
- Find a Club
- Find an Event
- Points and Awards
- Titles and Abbreviations
- Judges’ Directory
- Judges’ Resources
- Seminars