We encourage teams to create original, fun, interesting and one-of-a-kind designs that will be enjoyed by dogs of all sizes! Below are the minimum guidelines that all competition entries must meet. If any home does not meet the below criteria, the team will be asked to re-design, re-build their home or the home may be removed from the competition and/or display at the Gallatin Valley YMCA.
Design and Construction
• All dog homes must provide a safe and comfortable shelter for animals.
• Homes will not expose animals to harm via toxic materials, exposed nails, rough edges, etc.
• All homes designed for outdoor categories or use must be built with exterior-grade materials and provide a sheltered entry and means to keep the floor of the home dry from natural elements, such as floor being raised slightly off the ground.
• All teams cannot have more than 5 members unless they have opted for the team building exercise/option, or register as a student group from Montana State University.
• The maximum amount each team can spend in materials for their dog home entry is $2,000. Each team must keep their receipts to prove they are within budget.
Delivery of Homes
• A delivery schedule will be no later than October 11, 2024, and delivery will be to the Gallatin Valley YMCA. Teams are required to deliver at the time scheduled. This schedule will be sent out one week before October 11th. Each team will have access to submit their gallery photo on the Bark & Build website prior to delivery or when their dog home is complete
• Teams will need to check in with a Bark & Build Committee member outside of the entrance before moving houses inside.
• Teams will be responsible for unloading homes from vehicles and moving homes inside.
• The homes are likely to be touched by thousands of visitors. All design elements are to be firmly attached, avoid sharp edges or corners, and avoid the use of unfinished materials.
• All doors and/or operable openings must be fixed in the open or closed position with mechanical fasteners.
• All staging of houses (accessories, etc.) must be complete before the home is moved into the Gallatin Valley YMCA.
Teams may not create, display, or add any signage in or on their homes displaying any company names or logos unless they have approved it with the GV YMCA. If these guidelines are not met at the time of delivery, the homes will not be accepted for display and could result in elimination from the design/build competition and will be ineligible for awards.
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