What you need for a search and rescue dog competition

A search and rescue dog competition needs more than obstacles and search equipment. You also need clear course markers, timing and scoring tools, dog welfare supplies, communication equipment and practical items for judges, volunteers and spectators. Use the quantities in your confirmed registration list to scale the shopping, then check the weather before buying shelter and water supplies. Keep a small reserve of critical items such as leads, waste bags, markers and batteries so one missing piece does not delay the start.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Jury tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Conesqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 6
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Bib numbersqty 60
Markersqty 12
Hoopsqty 6
Springboardsqty 8
Crawl tunnelsqty 3
Climbing rampsqty 2
Gangwaysqty 3
Search boxesqty 6
Dummiesqty 12
Ropesqty 10
Ballsqty 12
Vestsqty 20
Stopwatchesqty 8
Measuring tapesqty 3
Scoreboardsqty 3
Dog leashesqty 10
Water tubsqty 20
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 8

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Megaphone
Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Catering

Drink dispensersqty 3
Ice packsqty 20
Coffee filtersqty 100
Insulated Cupsqty 60
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea assortment - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini pistolets - 100 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Cheese - 4 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Yogurt - 6 liter
- Muesli - 2 kilo
- Croissants - 60 pieces
- Currant buns - 50 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Energy gels - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Chicken breast - 3 kilo
- Vegetarian burgers - 30 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Potato salad - 8 kilos
- Pasta salad - 8 kilo
- Raw vegetable salad - 6 kilo
- Satay sauce - 3 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Herb mix - 4 sachets
- Gluten-free bread - 4 loaves
- Vegan toppings - 12 packages
- Vegan sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Lactose-free milk - 4 liters
- Dog biscuits - 6 bags
- Dog sausage - 4 kilos
- Training treats - 20 bags
- Rice for dogs - 5 kilo
- Disposable washcloths - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls

Safety

First aid kit
Animal first aid kit
Nitrile glovesqty 100
Safety vestsqty 12
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Decorations

Directional signsqty 12
Competition postersqty 6
Prize ribbonqty 10
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 6
Certificatesqty 60
Pensqty 30

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Paper towelsqty 8
Dog waste bag holdersqty 8

Tips

Plan one water tub for every 10 to 15 participating dogs, with at least two extra tubs for busy waiting and finish areas. Refill points are easy to overlook when dogs are spread across the course.
Prepare one bib number for each registered handler-dog team, plus 5 to 10 spare numbers. Pack markers, barrier tape and cones separately so volunteers can build the course without opening every equipment box.
Allow one stopwatch for each judging or timing position and keep at least two spare stopwatches available. Test them together before the jury briefing so recorded times use the same start and finish method.
Set aside one walkie-talkie for the event lead, judges, start area, finish area and each course team. Charge all units the day before and bring the megaphone as a backup for announcements if radio contact fails.
Buy dog waste bags for the full event day, not just the expected number of dogs: allow at least 10 bags per dog and place dispensers near parking, the waiting area and the course exit.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a search and rescue dog competition?: Allow at least 2 to 3 litres of drinking water per dog, plus extra for hot weather and refilling tubs. For 40 dogs, prepare at least 120 litres and provide one tub per 10 to 15 dogs.
How many bib numbers should I order?: Prepare one bib number for every registered team and add 5 to 10 spare numbers for replacements or late changes. Confirm the final registration count at least 3 days before the competition so the number set and start list match.
How many walkie-talkies are needed for the competition?: Plan one walkie-talkie for the event lead, each judging position, the start and finish areas, and each mobile course team. For a small event, this usually means 6 to 10 radios; charge and test them the day before.
When should I buy the competition equipment and dog supplies?: Buy or confirm rented course equipment at least 2 weeks before the event. Complete the consumables shopping, including water, waste bags and batteries, 2 to 3 days before the competition after checking registrations and the weather forecast.

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