Their comfort sets the schedule

Thirteen rules every event follows. Each one names its source, so you can check it.

1. 01 · Heat

   Outdoor events run November to February, at dawn or after dusk.

   Temperature is measured one hour before the start, 1 m above the ground in shade. Courses are shortened at 20°C and above, and cut further above 25°C. A Temperature Officer carries a WBGT meter. UAE events from May to September are indoor and air-conditioned only, because summer normal maximums are 38–43°C. [canicross.international] [thekennelclub.org.uk, 2025-05-20] [ncm.gov.ae]

2. 02 · Surfaces

   Every surface passes the 7-second hand test.

   At 30°C air, asphalt can reach 57°C. We prefer grass or turf, with shade. [aaha.org, 2024-06-12]

3. 03 · Age and distance

   Running dogs are 18 months or older.

   This is the stricter ICF rule. Giant breeds must be 18–24 months. No dog runs more than 10 km or 3 races a day. Puppies walk only, from 4 months and fully vaccinated, which is above the AWBI 3-month floor. [akc.org puppy exercise] [thekennelclub.org.uk, 2017-11-01]

4. 04 · Breed

   Flat-faced, senior and heavy dogs join stroll formats only, after a tolerance check.

   Brachycephalic dogs have 2.10 times the heatstroke odds of other dogs. [nature.com]

5. 05 · Equipment

   Harnesses leave the shoulders free. Retractable leads are banned.

   Bungee lines are 2.0 m or shorter.

6. 06 · Profile gate

   Every pet has current vaccinations, parasite control and a microchip.

   Dogs need rabies and DHPPi current; cats need rabies and FVRCP current. Parasite control within 30 days. Females in season, late pregnancy and reactive dogs are excluded from group formats. Pets 8 and over need vet clearance for travel formats. UAE banned breeds are excluded. [dm.gov.ae]

7. 07 · Vets

   A licensed vet is at every event.

   The vet checks pets at entry, keeps an isolation area, and can withdraw any pet.

8. 08 · Noise

   Sound stays below 80 dB. No fireworks, sirens or pyrotechnics.

   Speakers point away from the pet areas. [health.osu.edu, 2022-06-29]

9. 09 · Crowd size

   One adult per pet. Play groups of six or fewer, banded by size.

   Caps follow the event catalogue. Runs start in size-banded waves. Cats never share a space with dogs.

10. 10 · Rest and water

    Every event has a shaded rest zone and water every 15–20 minutes.

    The 15–20 minute interval comes from a single 2014 source and is unverified.

11. 11 · Cats

    Cats get quiet rooms and low-stress handling.

    Any cat showing distress is removed at once.

12. 12 · Pet's Veto

    Any host, vet or owner can stop a pet's participation at any time.

    It never counts against the member.

13. 13 · Paperwork

    Permits, waivers and animal insurance are in place before an event goes live.

    AWBI registration for performing animals in India. Dubai DET e-Permit at least 30 days ahead. Abu Dhabi MOCCAE and ADAFSA approvals 15–30 days ahead. Waivers, plus insurance that covers animals, because standard business policies often exclude them. [awbi.gov.in] [dct.gov.ae] [wagbar.com]