Do not register an SES call sign before speaking with us. While we welcome additional participants, admission is subject to certain conditions.

First, you should know that our activity is not about performance or competition. We want to converse with our QSO partners—discussing pets, animal care topics, animal shelters, and so on. For this reason, we do not operate using digital modes. If FT8/4/2 whatever is your preferred mode, you cannot participate. We realize that for some radio amateurs, FT8 is the only way to get on the air at all. However, our focus is on communication rather than a QSO that is merely logged but devoid of actual conversation.

Nevertheless, there is interest in an award. We therefore use the hamlog.online platform to log QSOs and generate awards. Using hamlog.online is essential for our activity. If you wish to participate, you must create an account there. A prerequisite is installing the associated authentication app on your smartphone; this app is the core product of the company behind the platform. Use of the platform is free, and we receive no benefits for promoting it.

We can only add you to the team once your account on hamlog.online has been created.

Operational procedure: When we go on air, we schedule it via hamlog.online. "Chasers" (stations wishing to work us) can see active stations on the platform, along with call signs, bands, and modes. Activities can be scheduled in advance; in such cases, the platform announces the event with the date and time. QSOs are logged either via the hamlog web-based interface (CAT software for connecting to your transceiver is available) or by using a logging program of your choice, provided it is supported by the hamlog software. The hamlog.online software runs on MS Windows. If you do not use Windows, you can upload your logbook (in ADIF format). The logbook should be updated promptly, as chasers can sometimes be impatient. Paper logs are not suitable for this activity.

We use a Signal channel and an email distribution list for communication. You should use at least one of these channels to stay up to date. From spring until the actual event, we hold monthly video conferences (via Zoom)—scheduled for the evening (for Europe), midday (for the Americas), or night (for Asia). Participation is not mandatory, but this is where decisions are made.

Who to contact:

Caryn (KD2GUT) coordinates all activities in the USA as well as—together with Hanz (see below)—matters related to dogs.

Micha (DF4WX) coordinates all activities in Germany as well as activities related to cats.

Hanz (YL3JD) coordinates activities in Latvia and—together with Caryn—the "dog" aspect of the project.

Local teams: Caryn (USA) and Micha (Germany) hold club station call signs. If you wish to join one of the local teams, you do not need to register your own SES call sign; simply contact the respective call sign holder. To be part of a local team, you must be located in either the USA or Germany. ITU radio regulations and national laws prohibit the use of club station call signs outside the country where they are registered.
However, you must still register an account with hamlog.online.