FastCAT

Fast CAT (Coursing Ability Test) is an exciting and inclusive event where dogs get to showcase their speed and agility in a timed 100-yard dash. Open to dogs of all breeds, sizes, and experience levels, it’s a fun and rewarding way to engage your pup in an activity that taps into their natural instincts. Whether your dog is a seasoned sprinter or just loves to run, Fast CAT offers an opportunity to bond and celebrate their unique athleticism.

If you’ve been looking for a fun new activity to try, Fast CAT is a fantastic choice. Join us and give your dog the chance to race into an unforgettable experience!

New to Dog Sports? Check out our FastCAT FAQ!

Whether you’re brand new to dog sports or just curious about FastCAT, you’re in the right place! FastCAT is one of the most beginner-friendly dog sports out there, it’s fun, low-pressure, and easy to try. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

🏁 What is FastCAT?

FastCAT (Coursing Ability Test) is a 100-yard dash just for dogs! Each dog runs one at a time, chasing a lure (usually a fluffy white plastic bag) down a fenced-in racing lane. Timers record the dog’s run time, and that is used to see how fast each dog ran in MPH! Dogs of all breeds & mixes and speeds are welcome.

FastCAT is a fun way to:

Bond with your dog
Get them moving in a safe, structured activity
Earn official AKC titles and ribbons
See just how fast your dog can run!

✅ Can My Dog Compete?

Your dog can participate in an Official Run (called a Test) if:

They are at least 12 months old
They are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC)

Your dog can participate in a Fun Run if:

They are at least 12 months old
They are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC)
You have these documents on file with TVKC:
- Proof of current rabies vaccination
- A signed TVKC Activity waiver
They are also entering one of the Official Test Runs at the event since Fun Runs are intended to be a practice run to prepare for the Official Runs.

Your dog can participate in the Bunny Hop if:

They are 4 months – Under 12 months
You have these documents on file with TVKC:
- Proof of current rabies vaccination
- A signed TVKC Activity waiver

✍️How do I register my dog with the American Kennel Club?

As a pet owner, one of the primary reason to have a dog registered with the AKC is to be able to compete in various dog sports held by the AKC.

Visit the AKC website and find the registration type that fits your dog. Enroll your dog using the AKC online registration process. Once approved, you’ll receive a registration number, this is your dog’s unique AKC ID and what you’ll use every time you enter an event.

Registration Types
AKC Dog Registration	For purebred dogs with an AKC Dog Registration Application.
AKC Canine Partners	For mixed breed dogs, unregistrable purebred dogs, or any dogs without AKC papers.
Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL)	For purebred dogs without papers. Great for competing and earning titles.
Foreign Registration	For purebred dogs registered with an acceptable foreign registry.
Open Registration	For purebred dogs registered with an acceptable domestic registry.
Foundation Stock Service	For rare breeds that are currently being recorded in our FSS program.

📝 How Do I Sign up for a FastCAT event?

How do I Sign Up my Dog for FastCAT events?

Once your dog has an AKC Registration Number, you can sign up your dog for a TVKC FastCAT trial in one of three ways:

ONLINE: Using TVKC’s ‘Online Entry’ located on this webpage. Fee Payment will be collected during checkout using PayPal.
EMAIL: Download the entry form, fill it out, and email it to the Trial Secretary. Pay the fees via the ‘Trial Payment’ portal on this webpage. (Downloadable blank entry forms are located on this webpage as well).
MAIL PAPER ENTRIES: Print the entry form, fill it out, and Mail it with a check to the trial secretary (mailing addresses are listed in the Trial Premium, which can be found on this webpage).

When can I sign up?

Each trial has a set time period when entries are accepted. You can sign up starting on the opening date. And your entry must be received before the closing date. These dates are listed in the trial premium. Many trials fill quickly, so it is best to enter early rather than wait until closing day.

What is a Trial Premium?

A Trial Premium is a document with information about the event. It has information such as event type, dates, location, sign up fees, trial secretary contact information, etc.

See the ‘Trial Premiums’ section on this webpage to view current premiums. (Premiums are typically posted a couple of weeks before submissions open up).

🐇 What’s a Fun Run and Bunny Hop?

Fun Run

A Fun Run is a practice run designed for dogs who have never done FastCAT before as a way to introduce them to the sport of Lure Chasing. It is meant for dogs who are are participating in the official runs (Tests) at the FastCAT trial to get a practice run in the day before the event. It is a perfect way to get your dog familiar with the environment and routine of FastCAT.

Bunny Hop

A Bunny Hop is similar to a Fun Run but is designed for puppies between 4 months – under 12 months old. The run distance is reduced to 1⁄2 of the racing lane (50 yards) and can be as short as 10 feet, determined by the dog’s handler and the puppy’s ability. Puppies do not need to be participating in the official runs (Tests) at the event to sign up for Bunny Hop since they are too young to officially compete.

Fun Runs and Bunny Hops are typically held the day before the trial – each trial’s premium lists the specific dates and times.

How to Sign-up for Fun Runs and Bunny Hops:

On the Online Entry and the PDF Entry Form, there is a designated section where you can sign up for the Fun Run and Bunny Hop.

These practice events typically have limited spots, so be sure to sign up as soon as submissions open up! If the session you selected is full, you may be placed on a waitlist. The trial secretary will contact you if a spot opens up.

Required documents:

Fun Run and Bunny Hop require additional documents to participate:

If you don’t have these on file with TVKC you can submit them ahead of time using our online forms. Both digital and paper copies of these documents are accepted.

📥What happens after I submit my entry form?

What happens after I submit my entry form?

🌐If you used Online Entry:

Check your email:

A receipt with a copy of your entry form has been sent to your email. Please note that this is not a trial confirmation; it is intended to serve as a copy of your entry form for your records and reference.

Official Entry Confirmation:

The trial secretary will review your entry form and send you a separate Trial Confirmation email notifying you that your dog is officially entered in the FastCAT event. If they need additional information to process your form, they will reach out via email or the alternate contact methods you provided on your entry form. If you were on a waitlist, the trial secretary will contact you if a spot opens up. Spots and waitlists are built in the order in which entries are received.

📧If you emailed an Entry Form to the Trial Secretary:

Trial Payment:

If you have not done so, use the ‘Trial Payment” form on this webpage to pay your entry fees before the registration period closes. Please ensure your total fee payment is accurate – you will have to calculate this yourself. You will get a payment receipt in your email – please note this is not a Trial Confirmation.

Official Entry Confirmation:

The trial secretary will review your entry form and send you a Trial Confirmation email notifying you that your dog is officially entered in the FastCAT event. If they need additional information to process your form, they will reach out via email or the alternate contact methods you provided on your entry form. If you were on a waitlist, the trial secretary will contact you if a spot opens up. Spots and waitlists are built in the order in which entries are received.

📬If you mailed your entry forms to the trial secretary:

Trial Payment:

If you mailed a check with your form, no further action is needed. If you did not mail a check and would prefer to pay online, use the ‘Trial Payment” form on this webpage to pay your entry fees before the registration period closes. Please ensure your total fee payment is accurate – you will have to calculate this yourself. You will get a payment receipt in your email – please note this is not a Trial Confirmation.

Official Entry Confirmation:

Questions? Contact fastcataksec@gmail.com

🦮What can I expect the day of the event?

Event Schedule:

TVKC FastCAT trials open for Check-in at 8:30 AM and Check-in closes at 2:30 PM. You can stop by anytime in that window and do your runs. If your dog is running both Tests (runs), they are required to take a 15 minute break between runs, other than that you can run whenever is most conveient for you during the trial hours!

Fun Run and Bunny Hop are typically held the day before the official trial, times differ from event to event so make sure to check the event Premium for specifics.

Below is a short video that shows what to expect on the day of the event:

Upload your Dog's proof of rabies vaccination

Fill out the Tanana Valley Kennel Club Activity Waiver

Curious about other dog sports?

FastCAT is just one of many exciting activities offered through TVKC!
If you and your dog are loving the thrill of FastCAT, you might enjoy exploring other sports.