2026 DOCKDOGS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP INFO

location & lodging INFORMATION:

After more than two incredible decades in Dubuque, we’re turning the page and setting our sights on an exciting new chapter—this November, the DockDogs® World Championship heads to beautiful Madison, Wisconsin! And with a new home comes a new headquarters.

Our new “home away from home” is the Marriott Madison South—and it’s everything you could want for a championship experience.

Just a 4-minute walk from the action at the Alliant Energy Center, this will be your hub for connection, relaxation, and celebration. Whether you’re swapping stories with fellow competitors, prepping for your next jump, or just kicking back after a big day, the DockDogs® Den delivers.

The Alliant Energy Center offers a stunning backdrop for our biggest event of the year—expansive, beautifully maintained grounds with plenty of room to compete, connect, and celebrate. Whether you’re ringside watching Big Air or strolling the grounds with fellow competitors, this venue brings a fresh energy and space for our community to thrive.

And when the day winds down? The DockDogs® Den delivers.

The Marriott Madison South offers incredible amenities designed to keep you comfortable, relaxed, and ready for the next day of competition. From spacious rooms to welcoming gathering areas, it’s the perfect place to unwind, share stories, and soak in the full Championship experience.

Getting around couldn’t be easier:

Take a quick, easy walk from the hotel straight to the competition
Or drive over in minutes with ample on-site parking waiting for you
Just a short drive (or hotel shuttle or Uber) to downtown Madison

Bringing the full adventure setup? We’ve got you covered there too. For those traveling with RVs, the Alliant Energy Center offers on-site camping with reservable competitor spaces—giving you the option to stay right in the heart of the action.

To help make this year’s Championship experience unforgettable both on and off the dock, we’re excited to partner with Destination Madison. From local dining and entertainment to must-see attractions around the city, their team is helping us showcase the very best of our new host city—so whether you’re competing, spectating, or exploring, you’ll have plenty of ways to enjoy everything Madison has to offer.

This year isn’t just a change of location—it’s the start of something new. A new city to explore. New memories to make. A new chapter for the DockDogs community.

Click below to learn more about hotel and camping options for this year’s DockDogs® World Championship.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ROOM
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR CAMPING SPACE

cVI INFORMATION:

If you are traveling to the DockDogs World Championship in Madison, Wisconsin with your dog, Wisconsin state law requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for every dog entering the state. Read the section that matches where you are traveling from well before the event. This FAQ is provided by DockDogs as a convenience and summarizes requirements as of June 2026. Requirements and information can change—always confirm with the official sources before you travel.

Quick Q & A:

What is a CVI, and why is it required? A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)—often called a “health certificate”—is an official document completed by a licensed, USDA-accredited veterinarian certifying that your dog has been examined and meets Wisconsin’s movement requirements. Wisconsin requires a CVI for any dog entering the state by any mode of transportation (car, airplane, or rail). It is the state’s tool for keeping the incoming animal population healthy and disease-free.
How long is my CVI valid?
A CVI is customarily valid for 30 days from the date of your dog’s veterinary exam. Schedule your vet visit so the certificate is still valid for the full duration of your trip to Madison. Don’t get it too early.
How much does a CVI cost?
Costs vary by clinic, your destination, and whether your dog needs any updated vaccines or treatments. As a general guide for U.S. domestic travel here are some rough estimates: Basic Domestic: $70-$150, Complex Domestic: $150-$350, International Travel: $400-1200
4. Is it once CVI per household or per dog?
Good news for multi-dog households: a single CVI can list up to 10 dogs. You do not need a separate certificate for every dog, as long as the dogs on one form meet these conditions: Same owner and destination, current rabies vaccination.

Please click below for a full FAQ sheet that provides more detailed information about Wisconsin’s Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) Requirements. Other important items on this document include everything that is needed if you are traveling within the US, from Canada and from outside the US and Canada.

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2026 DDWC CVI REQUIREMENTS

2026 road to worlds:

Ready to start your journey to Madison? Click below to view the 2026 Road to Worlds, your official guide to qualifying for an invitation to the 2026 DockDogs® World Championship in Madison, Wisconsin. This document outlines all qualification pathways, eligibility requirements, and participation criteria for the 2026 season. Be sure to review it carefully and start planning your Road to Worlds today!