Please review the important information below to ensure a safe, smooth, and positive experience for you, your dog, and your fellow attendees.

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Location and Venue
The working dog sessions will be in the Exploration Hall in the Schaumburg Convention Center located at 1551 N. Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg, IL 60173.
Check-in for the event will be located just outside the Exploration Hall.
Outdoor areas for dog bathroom breaks will be clearly designated. Please ONLY use these designated areas when on the Convention Center or hotel property.

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Eligibility & Health

• Dogs must be in good physical health and fit to participate.

• Up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper, etc.) required per local laws.

• CANIS CON INC reserves the right to request proof of vaccinations.

• Dogs must be free from contagious illness or parasites.

• Handler must disclose any known bite history or significant behavioral risks.

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Handler Responsibility During Working Sessions

• Dogs must be under direct supervision at all times.

• Handlers are responsible for all aspects of their dog’s behavior and safety.

• Handlers must follow all instructor and staff directions immediately.

• Handlers assume full liability for any damage, injury, or incident involving their dog.

• Handlers will be required to leave their contact number for the CANIS team.

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Crating Area

• A supervised crating area will be provided for working dogs during FDSA sessions.

• Attendees are required to bring their own crate, which must be secure, appropriately sized, and suitable for their dog.

• Attendees are required to bring water bowls (clean drinking water access will be provided.)

• Dogs in the crating area will be supervised by event staff during active session hours only.

• Supervision is not provided during breaks, lunch periods, or any off-session times

• Handlers are responsible for their dogs during these periods and must pick-up their dogs from the crating area when working sessions are not scheduled.

• Handlers are responsible for ensuring their dog is comfortable, safe, and able to rest appropriately while crated.

• Dogs that exhibit excessive distress, vocalization, or disruptive behavior in the crating area may need to be removed by the handler.

• The crating area will be visibly sectioned away from foot traffic (using pipe and drape) to maximize comfort for your dog(s).

• CANIS Conference is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage occurring in the crating area.

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Safety & Behavior Standards

• Dogs must be manageable in a high-stimulation environment.

• To maintain a safe and supportive environment for all participants, handlers may be asked to step out with their dog if the dog is unable to safely or comfortably engage in the session.

• Dogs that are persistently disruptive (e.g., continuous barking, lunging, interfering with sessions) will require the handler to leave the session with their dog.

• No off-leash activity unless explicitly directed by instructors.

• Event organizers reserve the right to remove any dog or handler without refund if safety or learning environment is compromised.

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Emergency & Veterinary Care

• Handlers must provide emergency contact information.

• In case of emergency, handlers consent to basic first aid or transport to a veterinary facility if they cannot be reached.

• All veterinary costs are the responsibility of the handler.

• In the event of an emergency with your dog, including but not limited to illness, injury, or dog bites, we ask that you inform a member of the CANIS Team immediately.

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Welfare & Ethical Treatment

• Handlers agree to always prioritize their dog’s welfare.

• Dogs showing signs of excessive stress, fear, or distress must be removed or given a break.

• Training methods must align with guidelines and policies.

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Facility & Cleanliness

• Handlers are responsible for immediate cleanup of waste.

• Dogs must be house-trained or appropriately managed.

• Any damage to the venue is the responsibility of the handler.

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Venue & Accommodation Compliance

• All hotel and venue rules regarding dogs must be followed.

• Excessive noise complaints may result in removal from the hotel and/or event.

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Media & Recording

• Handlers consent to their dog being photographed or recorded during sessions.

• Footage may be used for educational or promotional purposes.

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Acknowledgment of Risk

• Participation involves inherent risk (e.g., bites, scratches, stress responses).

• Handlers voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation.

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Organizer Discretion

• Event staff and instructors have final authority on dog participation, safety decisions, and removal from sessions.