Rescue Me
Individual and the IJA Groom Bowl Teams

​IJA offers the Rescue Me Round-Up Competitions for bathers, groomers, and stylists. The classes are divided by coat type, degree of difficulty, and type of technical skills required.
Types of Classes
Short & Sassy - Designed for Bathers
Class Category for the Short, Smooth, Medium Smooth and Nordic Coat Type Rescue Dogs
Furry & Fabulous - Designed for Groomers
Class Category for the Medium Long, Rough Nordic, Rough Coat Type Rescue Dogs
Stacked & Styled - Designed for Stylists
Class Category for the Wire, Curly and Long and Flowing Coat Type Rescue Dogs
Number of Classes
Shows offer three different class categories at the same time to create a place for all rescue dogs with all coat types and all sizes. Categories can be combined or separated to award placements.
*For shows with less than 50 entries, if the number of entries in a class is less than 10 for Rescue Me Class, the Short and Sassy, Furry and Fabulous, and Stacked and Styled will be judged together and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placements awarded to the class. 1st place winner will be a finalist for best in the show.
Substitute for a Coat Type or Class Category
IJA Rescue Me Coordinator Team makes every effort to secure all 3 coat type categories, however, the dogs supplied for the competition is determined by the rescue groups. If rescue groups are not able to supply coat types promised, competitors will be asked to draw from another coat type category.
Rescue Groups Not Providing Enough Dogs or Dogs Not Eligible for Competition
IJA depends upon rescue groups to arrive on time and furnish the number of dogs and coat types promised, however, it is not a guarantee and competitors must understand the challenge. There are many reasons why the number of dogs and coat types changes each day.
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Rescue dogs may not be eligible due to temperament or other reasons such as age and coat condition.
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Rescue dogs can be adopted the day before the competition.
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Rescue groups may be late due to traffic, issues with dogs, etc.
If numbers and coat types change, the team will attempt to secure rescue dogs that have recently been adopted or are waiting for approval. The team may also secure pets from other resources in an attempt to make sure every competitor has a dog to compete with. All competitors will draw from the group of dogs to make it fair and all competitors will be judged and eligible for the awards no matter the type of competition dog.
Entry Date Changed
Competitors can change entry 3 days before the date of the competition. Entries changed after 3 days before the date of the competition, rescue dogs cannot be guaranteed. Competitors can enter rescue competitions on the day of the competition if rescue dogs are available.
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Rescue Me Competitions are all about bathing, drying, and finishing rescue dogs to help them find homes! All rescue with all coat types and all sizes. Classes are divided by coat type and technical skill requirements. Time frames to complete Weight, height, and temperament are also considerations. Listed below are the 3 coat type categories and the approximate dog.
Exception to the Rule:
Coat types may be placed in a different category due to length, weight, temperament, and condition
Short & Sassy
Class Category for the Short, Smooth, Medium Smooth and Nordic Coat Type Rescue Dogs
Designed for Bathers and junior groomers
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16 inches and under Competition Dogs (1 Hour)
Over 16 inches up to 20 inches Competition Dogs(1 Hour)
Over 20 inches up to 23 inches Competition Dogs (1 Hour 30 Minutes)
Over 23 inches Competition Dogs (1 Hour 30 Minutes)
Furry & Fabulous
Class Category for the Medium Long, Rough Nordic, Rough Coat and Long and Flowing Coat (Trimmed)
Designed for Groomers and intermediate competitors
16 inches and under Competition Dogs (1 Hour 30 Minutes)
Over 16 inches up to 20 inches Competition Dogs (2 Hours)
Over 20 inches up to 23 inches Competition Dogs (2 Hours 30 Minutes)
Over 23 inches Competition Dogs (3 Hours)
Stacked & Styled
Class Category for the Wire, Curly and Long and Flowing Coat Type (Styled) Rescue Dogs
Designed for Stylists and experienced competitors
16 inches and under Competition Dogs (2 Hours)
Over 16 inches up to 20 inches Competition Dogs (2 Hours)
Over 20 inches up to 23 inches Competition Dogs(2 Hours 30 Minutes)
Over 23 inches Competition Dogs (3 Hours)