Victory! A Major Luxury Tour Company Put the Iditarod on Ice
PETA’s wagging our tails because another company has frozen the deadly Iditarod out. After PETA informed luxury tour operator Insight Vacations that more than 150 dogs have died in the Iditarod since its inception—including a pregnant dog who, in the 2025 race, collapsed and died after being forced to run more than 300 miles—the company wiped all Iditarod-related content from its offerings and committed to not promoting the cruel race in future marketing. To say thanks, PETA is sending the company some well-earned paw-shaped vegan chocolates.
Why This Is a Paw Forward for Dogs
Dogs forced to run in the Iditarod are no different from the loving, loyal companions with whom we share our homes—but in this race, mushers push them to sprint around 100 miles a day through biting winds, blinding snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and treacherous, icy terrain. Many dogs suffer from stomach ulcers and airway dysfunction similar to “ski asthma,” and one study found that more than 80% sustain persistent lung damage. Every year, hundreds are pulled off the trail because they’re too exhausted, injured, or sick to continue.
And those are the ones who survive. The leading cause of death for dogs in the Iditarod is aspiration pneumonia—caused by inhaling their own vomit. Many others die during the off-season after being chained outside like bicycles in freezing temperatures, with nothing but inadequate plastic barrels or dilapidated wooden boxes for shelter.
That’s why Insight Vacations’ decision to stop promoting the Iditarod is a meaningful step forward. Every company that refuses to support this cruelty helps to cut off the race’s funding and send a powerful message—to the public and to the race itself—that abuse and exploitation are NOT entertainment.
Meanwhile, Iditarod Sponsors Are Falling Like Dominoes
The Iditarod’s support is crumbling like ice in spring. After hearing from PETA, major companies—including ExxonMobil, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, and many others—have already cut ties with the race, proving that compassion is catching on and that every victory counts. Insight Vacations’ parent company, The Travel Corporation, already bans elephant rides, dolphin shows, animal circuses, trophy hunting, bullfights, and other cruel and exploitative attractions from its offerings—and this victory is an excellent cherry on top.
PETA won’t stop until no more dogs are put at risk of injury, illness, or death for human entertainment. With each company that chooses to walk away, the message gets louder and clearer: It’s high time this abuse to end for good.
