[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1431670008004{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}” parallax_speed=”0.3″][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][stm_sidebar sidebar=”801″][/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1431070716473{padding-left: 45px !important;}” el_class=”right_column” offset=”vc_col-lg-9 vc_col-md-9″][vc_column_text]

dog_policy_headerPLEASE RESPECT OUR PET POLICY

The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials maintains a policy that does not permit any spectator pets on the event grounds, excluding services dogs. Emotional Support animals will only be admitted if the owner provides a mental health and veterinary health documentation as well as confirmation that the animal has appropriate behavioral training. Please see Guidelines below.  While this is an event for dog lovers, spectator’s dogs are not allowed.  We fully understand your desire to have your animals with you, but ask that you understand our position.  This is a highly competitive event, with handlers traveling from all over the world to compete – an escaped dog or disruption could ruin a run.

This policy is enforced out of respect and safety for the competitors, demonstrators and the animals. Furthermore, the nature of the sheepdog competition and other events held on the grounds requires due caution to prevent possible injury to the animals.

The Meeker Classic encourages visitors to make prior arrangements to ensure proper care is given to their pets while attending the trials. The Meeker Classic in no way whatsoever wishes to encourage or support leaving pets unattended in parked cars, regardless as to whether a window may be open. We encourage spectators to take advantage of our off-site daily boarding option by calling 970-878-5655.

In addition to the competing dogs, the following dogs are welcomed at the Meeker Classic:

  • Seeing eye and service dogs
  • Dogs involved in official event demonstrations or performances
  • Pre-registered dogs belonging to the Handlers

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding with this issue.   The Meeker Classic reserves the right to ask any dog to be removed from the premises. 
Meeker Classic Board of Directors

GUIDELINES FOR SERVICE AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOGS AT THE MEEKER CLASSIC

**please note requirements if you intend to bring an Emotional Support dog to the Meeker Classic

Required Behavior of Service and Emotional Support Dogs:

  • The owner is responsible for behavior and controlling the dog.
  • If a service animal behaves in an unacceptable way and the person with a disability does not control the animal, the Meeker Classic does not have to allow the animal onto its premises. Uncontrolled barking, jumping on other people, or running away from the handler are examples of unacceptable behavior for a service animal.
  • The Meeker Classic may exclude a service animal when the animal’s behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
  • The animal must behave properly in public and should follow directions from its owner.

Trained service animals:

Trained service animals are animals that receive specific training to perform life functions for individuals with disabilities. Examples include animals that assist with visual impairments, deafness, seizures and mobility limitations.

 

Emotional support and psychiatric assist animals:

Emotional support animals are animals that that provide emotional, psychiatric or cognitive support for individuals with disabilities, but may or may not have training with respect to the disability.

Emotional support and psychiatric assist animals are accepted to the Meeker Classic  if certain documentation requirements are met. Visitors must provide 5 days notice to the Meeker Classic and a letter from a licensed medical/mental health professional in addition to a veterinary health form documenting the health and vaccination records for the animal as well as confirming that the animal has appropriate behavioral training.

 

Service animals in training:

The Meeker Classic only recognizes service animals which have been trained and certified.

 

Therapy animals

Therapy animals, which are pets that have been trained and registered by a therapy organization in order to visit nursing homes, hospitals, schools and other facilities, are not considered to be service animals.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Guidelines For Service and Emotional Support Dogs” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fmeekersheepdog.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F03%2FGUIDELINES-FOR-SERVICE-AND-EMOTIONAL-SUPPORT-DOGS-AT-THE-MEEKER-CLASSIC-2-2018.pdf||target:%20_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row]