Can-Am Crown trail veterinarians should have a solid background in medicine and surgery. Previous exposure to sled dogs and their unique problems is highly desirable, as are flexibility and the ability to work with others in sometimes trying conditions.

1. Trail veterinarians will follow the instructions of the chief veterinarian regarding race procedures. However, it is advisable for trail veterinarians to read and understand the race rules before such instruction.
   
   
2. Trail veterinarians will participate in pre-race examinations of sled dogs. If a contagious illness is suspected, then the Chief Veterinarian should be informed.
   
   
3. At every checkpoint, the musher will present a veterinary diary for review. When required or requested, the trail veterinarian will examine a dog or dogs, recording disorders in the diary with some indication of the severity of the disorder, medications, recommendations, and comments. The driver should be nearby during the exams. The diary is then returned to the driver, the veterinarian explains his/her findings, and, with the driver’s consent, appropriate treatment is applied, followed by rechecks when necessary.
   
   
4. If a musher challenges the recommendation(s) of a trail veterinarian, then the trail veterinarian should inform the Chief Veterinarian.
   
   
5. A trail veterinarian will examine a dog or dogs as soon as possible if a driver requests it. A trail veterinarian may also demand at any time to examine a dog or dogs that appear unfit, but every effort must be made not to delay the team unnecessarily. Ideally, a veterinary examination should take place immediately after a team is safely parked at the checkpoint. This will allow early treatment of problems and maximum recovery time at the checkpoint as well as a longer period of uninterrupted rest for the team.
   
   
6. Following the plan of the Chief Veterinarian, a trail veterinarian may be required to collect and test blood and urine samples at any time during the race to determine the presence of prohibited drugs. It will be the driver's responsibility to assist the veterinarian in collection of these samples.
   
   
7. As scheduled by the Chief Veterinarian, a trail veterinarian may be required to examine and care for dropped dogs.
   
   
8. A trail veterinarian who suspects cruel or inhumane treatment of dogs shall immediately report his/her observations to the Chief Veterinarian, the Race Marshal, or the Checkpoint Coordinator.
   
   
9. Trail veterinarians should notify the Chief Veterinarian of any crises or problems.
   
   
10. Trail veterinarians must be present throughout the race unless released by the Chief Veterinarian.