Maintaining a kennel of sled dogs is a major commitment. This is how we look after ours. The following norms are generally-accepted ethical practices. All dogs are adequately fed and watered at least once a day, although some medical or training circumstances may require that this schedule be altered. All dogs are provided adequate shelter from the elements, in the form of an insulated house which also provides shade from the sun, is easy to clean and located in a well-drained area.
The dogs are safely confined with a swivel-equipped chain to prevent accidental strangulation. The kennel is equipped with a special dog run for female dogs which have not been spayed, so as to prevent breeding by stray males. The anchored cables are long enough to allow dogs to exercise and maintain their health.
The kennel is surrounded by a fence of a size and height sufficient to restrain escaped dogs from getting close to children. The excrements are removed from the kennel daily. Dogs are seen by a veterinarian regularly. They are trained adequately and physically prepared for the effort dog sledding requires of them. They are also socialized sufficiently to be handled by strangers. In no circumstances are artificial substances administered to the dogs to enhance their performance. In the event a dog becomes unable to enjoy a good quality of life while pulling a sleigh, a new home is found for the animal.
At an operational level, we use recycled products as much as possible and try to minimize waste. We create jobs for the local population; we buy our supplies from local businesses. We employ staff that has undertaken professional guide training programs offered by the Quebec Tourism Human Resource Council (CQRHT). We are active in our community, while introducing mushing as a rewarding activity for local citizens. We share our knowledge, provide opportunities for self-fulfilment to young citizens facing special challenges, and we contribute to the preservation of a traditional cultural activity indigenous to the region. On this we collaborate with area First Nations. We also offer adapted experiences for people who face mental and physical challenges.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
