The Iditarod and Alaska SPCA announce partnership

The Iditarod announced on September 19 that they have formed a partnership with the Alaska Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Starting on October 1, 2024, 10% of all proceeds from the Iditarod Lotto will be donated to the Alaska SPCA to help towards their mission of promoting animal welfare in the state of Alaska. The Alaska SPCA is not affiliated with the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) but is based right here in Alaska, taking care of Alaskan animals and helping to connect Alaskan pets with Alaskan owners.

“The Alaska SPCA’s mission of providing low-cost veterinary care and shelter and adoption services is extremely aligned with our values of disseminating our thought leading knowledge of canine wellness to all pet owners,” says Rob Urbach, Iditarod CEO.

“The Alaska SPCA is proud to be partnering with the Iditarod Trail Committee. This collaboration is grounded in a shared commitment to ethical treatment and care for dogs, whether they be pets or canine athletes. As an organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare, we are excited to join forces with the Iditarod team to ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being for all canine athletes participating in upcoming races,” says Kelly Donnelly, Executive Director & CEO of the Alaska SPCA.

The Iditarod Lotto was introduced in March 2023 as a new fundraising endeavor. The Iditarod Lotto: Race to Nome. is a 50/50 lottery to raise funds for both the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and the Museum of Alaska transportation and Industry, with one winning ticket is drawn each Wednesday at 12:00 pm and the winner receives 25% of the weekly pot. The winning ticket is drawn from that week’s purchases.

In a press release, the Iditarod maintained that it is firmly committed to its partnership with the Alaska SPCA, as both organizations share common values. The Alaska SPCA focuses on providing exceptional care for pets in need throughout Alaska, reflecting The Iditarod's pride in community engagement. The SPCA actively helps the community by rehoming dogs across the state and offering services such as spaying and neutering, affordable veterinary care, a pet food bank, and adoption clinics. In support of these initiatives, The Iditarod Lotto is thrilled to sponsor the Alaska SPCA’s Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month this October, donating 10% of all Iditarod Lotto ticket sales to the SPCA through the end of 2024.

Additionally, The Iditarod will host an Adoption Clinic, managed by the Alaska SPCA at their adoption clinic located in Anchorage at 8301 Petersburg Street., on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Alaska SPCA is an independently-run 501(c)(3) organization that concentrates on low-cost veterinary care for dogs, cats and rabbits, shelter and adoption for abandoned and homeless cats and dogs throughout Alaska, plus mobile/rural outreach clinics around the state. Learn more at: www.alaskaspca.org

To learn more, visit www.iditarod.com/lotto