NAVHDA Tests

The RMC Board is excited to announce our 2024 NAVHDA Test Schedule.

May 18 & 19 Two-Day Natural Ability test
June 7, 8, 9 Three-Day Natural Ability Test
August 9, 10, 11 Three-Day Natural Ability, UPT and Utility Test

Learn More About the NAVHDA Tests: NAVHDA International produced videos describing the Natural Ability and Utility tests.

* You may sign up for either the May or the June test, but not both. There are no restrictions for the August test.

* Applications will not be accepted before February 3rd. Please make sure applications are postmarked on or after the third, or they will not be accepted.

Once applications are received you will receive a confirmation email. The email will state if you have a confirmed spot in the test or if you are on the waitlist. If you have a confirmed spot, you will receive another email approximately 45 days from the test with your run date (we make every effort to put you on your preferred run date, but it can’t be guaranteed). Please keep an eye out for it, because this will also be your last opportunity to pull from the test and receive a refund. If you are on the waitlist, the Director of Testing, Jake Heesacker, will contact you when you’re at the top of the list. Normally, you won’t hear anything until we are within 30 days of the test. This is when the most movement happens on the waitlist. If you would like to have an idea where you are on the list, you can contact Jake at any time.

In order to secure your dog a spot in the test:
1) Fully complete the NAVHDA Tests Entry Form.

2) Become or ensure you are a current member of NAVHDA International.

3) Prepare a check, made out to RMC-NAVHDA, for the appropriate amount (see test fees below).

4) Send both the completed NAVHDA Tests Entry Form and the completed check to the Director of Testing to:

Jake Heesacker
8820 County Road 96
Nunn, CO 80648

Testing fees for 2024:

  • Natural Ability – $150
  • Utility and UPT – $175
  • Add $50 to the above fees if not an RMC NAVHDA Member.

Cancellation policy: Full refund for cancellations more than 30 days before the first day of the test. Within 30 days of the first day of the test, refund ONLY if the dog is medically unable to run. Proof from a veterinarian is required. Otherwise, there will be no refunds. Contact the test director if you have any questions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

What to Bring:
Be prepared for all kinds of weather for both you and your dog. We usually have hot and dry conditions, so bring plenty of water for you and your dog(s). Also, be prepared for inclement weather. Afternoon thundershowers are common in Colorado. Other items to bring include a first aid kit, dog food, your dog’s NAVHDA registry (to record your score and have a judge sign), and a shotgun for UT and UPT tests only. A folding chair and binoculars are also recommended.

Directions to Testing Grounds:

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UyuoXSL9eXhXZt827

Directions from north of Wellington, CO:

• Take I-25 south
• Exit Wellington exit
• Go east across the interstate and go south on the frontage road.
• Take County Road 58 east Take left (east) at stop sign Go approximately 1.5 miles.
• After road turns to dirt there will be a white fence on the right, turn right after fence ends in to Cobb Lake Wildlife Area.

Directions from south of Wellington, CO:

• Take I-25 north
• Exit Mountain Vista exit (the Budweiser brewery will be visible on the west side of I-25 as you exit). This is the exit after Ault.
• Turn right and take an immediate left on the frontage road.
• Take County Road 58 east Take left (east) at stop sign.
• Go approximately 1.5 miles.
• After road turns to dirt there will be a white fence on the right, turn right after fence ends in to Cobb Lake Wildlife Area.

Hotels close to Cobb Lake State Park:

Go south on I-25 from the test site to Exit 269B. This is the Mulberry Street/Hwy 14 Fort Collins exit. All the following hotels are located on at the Mulberry Street exit on the West side of I-25. The following hotels all accept dogs. Some may charge a damage deposit or a flat extra fee. Please verify when you make reservations.

Quality Inn and Suites
970-568-0444 for reservations.
7860 6th Street, Wellington, CO 80549

Days Inn
1-800-DAYS INN for reservations.
3625 E. Mulberry, Fort Collins 970-221-5490 (Local)

Sleep Inn
1-800-SLEEP IN for reservations.
3808 E. Mulberry, Fort Collins 970-484-5515 (Local)

Motel 6
1-800-466-8356 for reservations
3900 E. Mulberry, Fort Collins 970-482-6466 (Local)

Plaza Inn
1-800-434-5548 for reservations
3709 E. Mulberry, Fort Collins

Emergency Care for Dogs:

Animal Emergency Services of Northern Colorado
201 W. 67th Court Loveland, CO
Hours: 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
(970) 663-5760
Directions:
Take I-25 south to the Windsor exit (#262)
Head West 4.5 miles to Highway 287.
Turn left on 287 and go 1/2 mile to 71st.
Turn right on 71st and proceed to the first left on Harrison.
Turn left on 67th and proceed to clinic.

Emergency Care for People:

Poudre Valley Hospital
1024 S. Lemay Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 495-7000
Directions:
Take I-25 south from the test site to Hwy. 14 exit.
Head west on Hwy. 14 to Lemay Ave, and turn south for ½ a mile.
The hospital is ½ mile south of Lemay and Hwy 14.