Reply To: Chapter Test Entry & Refund Policies?

[BRIAN PIKE]

Here are the Yankee Chapter Test Entry and Refund Policies for 2026. They are fairly similar to your chapter’s.

KEY DATES
• January 5, 2026 – Test entries open
• February 6, 2026 – Deadline for entries to be included in the lottery
• Week of February 9, 2026 – Lottery drawing

Entries received after the lottery will be placed on the waiting list if all test spots are filled through the lottery.

LOTTERY PROCESS
To be included in the lottery, the following must be submitted together:
• Completed Test Entry Form
• Test entry fee
• NAVHDA member number

Entries missing required information will be held until the missing information is received, except for puppies from litters that have not yet been born or registered.

The lottery will be conducted mid-February by three representatives from the Yankee Chapter Board.

After the drawing:
1. The Test Secretary will enter the results into the testing database.
2. Tests will be organized according to the NAVHDA sanctioned test capacity chart.
3. Handlers will be assigned test dates.

Participants will then be notified whether they:
• Have been assigned a test date, or
• Have been placed on the waiting list

If a handler cannot attend their assigned date, they will be moved to the bottom of the waiting list.

Yankee Chapter Member Preference
Yankee Chapter members receive priority in the lottery.
• Non-members will be placed on the waiting list unless test spots remain after the lottery.
• Please renew your Yankee Chapter membership before submitting your entry form if you wish to receive priority.

Refund Policy
Entry fees will only be refunded under the following conditions:
• Your entry is replaced by another participant at least 30 days before the test date
• A medical condition prevents participation and is supported by a doctor’s or veterinarian’s note
• You remain on the waiting list and are not placed into a test

If a handler/dog withdraws and is replaced by someone from the waiting list, the replacement entry will be placed at the bottom of that day’s running order.