We promote the welfare of these magnificent athletic animals through outreach projects, services and programs listed below. Become a Member and join people who are passionate about sled dogs. Your membership directly supports our mission around the world to ensure the health and safety of racing sled dogs.

A few awesome perks of membership are:

  • Our members quarterly newsletter featuring articles pertinent to sled dog health – Members Only Content Pages Coming Soon!
  • Discounted travel and accommodations to our yearly biennial conference. Click to see highlights from out 2024 biennial conference.
    Our 2022 Conference was held in Proctor, Minnesota at the Blackwoods Event Center. Become a member now and get special pricing for our biennial conferences! Our February training seminar schedule is Posted NOW! Click Here to learn more about the February Seminar.
  • Access to Members Only downloadable content – Coming Soon!
  • Access to special tours, virtual presentations, special exhibits and seminars that offer in-depth knowledge on a variety of topics and practical tips from recognized experts in the field.
  • Opportunities to engage and connect with trail veterinarians, race organizers and mushers who are informed of current techniques, and have expert knowledgable about the health and safety of sled dogs.
  • Live and “In-The-Field” experiences working with seasoned professionals who are passionate about the care, health and safety of athletic northern dogs.
  • Learn about the history of this unique sport and be a part of building the future of sled dog racing.
  • Travel and experience working with these magnificent animals at -40 below zero!

Scroll down to see all of the direct ways to support the mission and Join Us Today!

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Doc Lombard Research Award

The Doc Lombard Student Research Award is named after Dr. Roland “Doc” Lombard, who was a sled dog veterinarian and World Champion musher that contributed significantly to the health and welfare of the modern sled dog through his research. He made significant contributions to the practices and principles of sled dog health and medicine.

Each year we honor his commitment and passion with a Call for Submissions which gives veterinary students world-wide a chance to win a scholarship.

2023 Doc Lombard student research award:
“The genetics behind class 2 malocclusion in Husky dogs.”


Research Articles

Visit our website often to learn more about sled dog races across the globe, current veterinary research and guidelines for dog care, and musher health.


Membership Supports the Cause!

Click HERE to learn about membership levels, benefits and how to join us.


4th edition Musher and Veterinary Handbook

Musher and Veterinary Handbook

The NEW 4th edition ISDVMA Musher and Veterinary Handbook is now available! This handbook is the best way of learning more about sled dogs and mushers. You can order it by clicking HERE. Visit the Membership Page for more information about joining ISDVMA and receiving the 4th edition Musher and Veterinary Handbook as part of your membership.

Topics covered in the 4th edition include unique features of the racing sled dog, nutrition, general and orthopedic examination, specific diseases and traditional treatment, alternative treatment approaches, drugs and toxicities, practical tips and tricks for mushers and veterinarians on the trail, race organization and pathological findings. Every purchase creates revenue to support the ISDVMA; authors or editors do not obtain any royalties.

The older mushers handbook is currently out of print. IF copies of the old handbook come available we will send a notification to members via the website.


Conferences and Training Seminars

Whether you are new to sled dog medicine or an experienced trail veterinarian, you can learn about the latest topics by attending these conferences, virtual presentations, training seminars and behind-the-scenes tours. Our yearly conference is held biannually all over the world! Visit the conferences page for further information on our next adventure. In 2024 we went to Kiruna Sweden. Trail veterinarians and students had the chance to present research abstracts, and meet colleagues. Our website includes all travel planning information for our next adventure; stay tuned! To see highlights of 2024 Sweden Conference click the link.


Click to See Photos of Whats Happening Around the World!


Support the cause!

Order official ISDVMA gear and merchandise. Visit CafePress for a full line of official gear or visit our merchandise page to order your favorite t-shirts, baseball caps, laptop covers and travel mugs.

Become a member and engage with people that are passionate about these magnificent animals and follow us around the world. Visit our Membership Page and join us today!


Get in touch with us!

The fastest way is always by email  ISDVMA@ISDVMA.org