Welcome to Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, where the welfare of our sled dogs is our utmost priority. With over 40 years of expertise in the sled dog sport, we are dedicated to ensuring that our dogs live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. As passionate advocates for animal welfare, we commit to maintaining the highest standards of care for our sled dogs and strive to be a leader in the industry.
Our comprehensive approach to sled dog welfare includes top-notch veterinary care, a tailored nutrition program, and well-designed kennel facilities. We ensure our dogs receive ample socialization, mental stimulation, and physical exercise, reflecting our dedication to their well-being. Transparency is key to our operations, and we regularly share updates about our dogs and welfare practices, so you can see the love and care we invest in our sled dog family.
Being a responsible consumer
To make informed decisions as a consumer, look for transparency in sled dog welfare programs. Check if welfare practices are accessible and detailed online, and if their photos show both the dogs’ lives on and off the trail. Compare multiple operators, ask questions, and ensure the conditions match their claims, as there are no formal regulations in the sled dog sport.
"Sled Dogs are different"
The statement “sled dogs are different” is often used to justify poor care practices. Despite their unique genetics, sled dogs have the same basic needs as any other dog, including love, care, enrichment, food, water, exercise, socialization, housing, bedding, and veterinary care. While sled dogs thrive on work, this does not excuse neglecting high standards of care.
spca "inspections"
Some companies claim SPCA inspections as proof of good sled dog welfare, but these inspections only occur after complaints. The SPCA follows the Animal Protection Act, which has limited criteria and only intervenes when animals are in visible distress. This means dogs must be visibly deprived of basic needs or suffering before action is taken.
Our sled dog welfare program
Health & Hygiene
At Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, our pack’s health is meticulously managed by our team in collaboration with the professionals at Cochrane Animal Clinic. Our sled dogs receive the same level of veterinary care as household pets, including annual health check-ups, vaccinations, teeth cleanings, and any necessary specialized procedures. For minor issues, our team handles de-worming, parasite defense, grooming, nail clipping, and administering medications under veterinary guidance.
Retired or terminally ill sled dogs are usually adopted into loving homes, but those who remain with us continue to receive exceptional care and are involved in various activities. When a dog is no longer thriving due to age or illness, we use a quality-of-life scale to decide on humane euthanasia, ensuring the process is as compassionate as possible.
Maintaining a clean kennel environment is crucial to preventing illness and infections. Our facility is set on a gradual incline with a limestone base for natural drainage. Feces are removed at least six times daily, and urine is managed effectively, especially in summer. Weekly raking removes any soiled bedding, and all waste is properly bagged and disposed of at a local landfill.
Daily sanitation extends to all feeding equipment and bedding. Bowls are kept in holders to prevent spills and are washed daily, as are feed scoops and buckets. Bedding is checked daily, with seasonal changes in straw and wood shavings to ensure comfort. Collars and harnesses are regularly cleaned and switched seasonally, maintaining hygiene and comfort for our dogs.
The dedication of our team ensures that every aspect of our sled dogs’ health and hygiene is managed with the utmost care, providing a safe, clean, and positive environment for our beloved husky heroes.
Nutrition & Hydration
At Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, we recognize that our sled dogs are the ultimate ultra-marathoners, with unique metabolic needs that surpass those of any other mammal. As super athletes, their nutrition and hydration are critical to maintaining their health, energy, and performance. We are deeply committed to providing our dogs with the best possible care, which includes a meticulously planned feeding and hydration program tailored to their specific needs.
Our feeding philosophy is based on the understanding that each dog is unique in breed, work ethic, body condition, and type. This requires a personalized feeding schedule that can be adjusted based on factors like temperature, trail conditions, and workload. By closely monitoring these variables, we ensure that each dog’s diet supports their current activities and environmental conditions. Our team prepares and delivers custom meals to each dog, taking into account their individual needs to maintain optimal health and performance.
Hydration is another vital component of our care, especially during the colder months when water can freeze. To ensure our dogs stay well-hydrated, we use hot water to prevent unnecessary calorie burn from drinking cold liquids. Each dog needs at least 12 cups of water daily, and our team checks and refreshes their water multiple times throughout the day. We also provide hydrating soups and strategically placed water buckets to keep our pack hydrated in all weather conditions.
In warmer seasons, our dogs have constant access to fresh, clean water, which is checked and replenished four times a day. This consistent access to water helps maintain their hydration levels and supports their overall well-being. Our dedication to their hydration needs is as rigorous as our commitment to their nutrition, ensuring that our sled dogs are always ready to perform at their best.
At Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, we take immense pride in the care we provide for our sled dogs. By focusing on their unique nutritional and hydration requirements, we ensure that our husky heroes remain healthy, happy, and energetic year-round.
Housing & lifestyle
Our commitment to our dogs’ well-being extends to their housing and overall lifestyle. Each dog house is hand-built using high-quality pine, providing excellent insulation and comfort in all seasons. The natural properties of wood ensure our huskies stay cool during summer and warm in winter, thanks to the air pockets within the wood’s cellular structure that act as natural insulators.
Our dog houses are designed with functionality and comfort in mind. The entrance is strategically placed on the left side to offer full protection from the elements, and the arctic door frame further shields against wind, rain, and snow. Each house is elevated to prevent foundation issues and features a large roof for sunbathing and shade structures for additional comfort during summer. The roofs are also openable, making bedding changes efficient and keeping the interior environment fresh and clean.
In summer, we use cedar and pine shavings for bedding due to their insect-repelling qualities and comfort. During the colder months, we switch to straw, which provides excellent insulation due to its air pockets. We check the bedding daily to ensure it remains clean and dry, removing any soiled material promptly to maintain a healthy environment for our dogs.
We utilize a tethering system that allows our dogs to have a spacious 16-foot living area while ensuring their safety and comfort. Each tether is equipped with a post and swivel system, providing freedom of movement without strain on the neck. Our setup also includes emergency snaps for quick release in case of natural disasters. Tethering allows us to monitor individual eating habits, hydration, and health, ensuring each dog receives personalized care and attention.
Our kennel facility spans 2 acres within a 6-acre property, protected by a sturdy 8-foot high chain link fence to keep our dogs safe and wildlife out. The kennel is divided into sections for males and females, with additional pens for expectant females, puppies, dogs in recovery, and seniors who prefer not to be tethered. The property also includes a cabin that serves as the kennel headquarters, a 5000-gallon water tank for hydration needs, a walk-in freezer for meat treats, and ample storage for food, supplements, and equipment.
Huskies are well-adapted to outdoor living due to their double-layered coat, which insulates and protects against insects and parasites. This coat helps regulate body temperature by trapping air, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. However, proper care requires constant supervision to ensure they are comfortable and healthy. We provide 24/7 monitoring, adjusting our care routines based on weather conditions, and taking all necessary precautions during extreme temperatures to maintain a safe and supportive environment for our pack.
Breeding, training & retirement
our breeding program is highly selective, ensuring that each generation of dogs maintains the high standards necessary for both work and companionship. We breed only when necessary, typically in the spring, to anticipate future retirements and keep our pack healthy and capable. This approach focuses on producing “companion sled dogs” with the right disposition, build, genetic health, work ethic, warm coats, and tough feet, bred for endurance, speed, and adaptability.
The breeding process begins with careful selection of compatible pairs, monitoring the female for pregnancy, and providing special care throughout the 63-day gestation period. We prepare a comfortable whelping environment and support the mother during delivery, ensuring both she and the puppies are healthy and comfortable. After birth, we continue to monitor and care for the puppies, introducing them to human interaction early and ensuring they are well-fed and warm.
Training starts early, with gentle interactions by two weeks and social play by four weeks. At six weeks, puppies receive vaccinations and begin daily walks to develop social skills and muscle strength. These walks with older, retired dogs help the puppies learn essential behaviors and adjust to their future working environment. By six months, they start light training runs, paired with experienced dogs to build confidence and familiarity with team dynamics.
During warmer months, our training program emphasizes play and socialization, with daily free runs and pool time to keep the dogs cool. As autumn approaches, we transition to using an all-terrain vehicle to simulate sledding, gradually increasing the distance and intensity of runs to build endurance. Our training focuses on building trust and strong bonds with the dogs, using real scenarios to teach trail etiquette and problem-solving skills.
Our sled dogs typically retire between eight and nine years of age, enjoying a balanced life of work and leisure. With an average life expectancy of 14-15 years, they spend about half their lives in active service and the other half in retirement. Our adoption program carefully screens potential adopters to ensure our retired dogs find loving forever homes, maintaining a lifelong connection with the Snowy Owl family.
Dog Welfare FAQs
Yes, we breed ethically. We maintain a healthy number of working sled dogs for our tours by only breeding when necessary. Our selective breeding program ensures that we produce dogs with excellent disposition, build, genetic integrity, work ethic, warm coats, tough feet, and a desire to run and pull.
Yes, our dogs are happy. Each dog is treated as a unique individual, and we provide them with the best possible care, love, and attention. Our dogs are well-socialized, enjoy their work, and have ample opportunities for play and relaxation. Their happiness is evident in their behaviour and enthusiasm both on and off the trail.
Yes, we adhere to high standards of sled dog care, even though there are no official regulations in the sled dog sport. Our practices exceed the basic requirements for animal welfare, ensuring our dogs receive exceptional care.
Inspections by the SPCA are typically complaint-driven. While the SPCA does not conduct regular inspections, our high standards of care would ensure we pass any welfare checks. Our transparent practices and excellent care record speak to our commitment to animal welfare.
Our dogs receive custom meals tailored to their individual needs. Their diet is carefully managed based on their work, body condition, and environmental factors. Each dog has two bowl holders attached to their houses for easy access to their food and water.
Our dogs sleep in hand-built, high-quality pine dog houses designed for all seasons. These houses provide excellent insulation, keeping the dogs cool in summer and warm in winter, ensuring they have comfortable and restful sleep regardless of the weather.
learn more about sled dog welfare at snowy own
If you’re curious about our welfare pratices and want to learn more about how we care for our pack, download the full guide below or get in touch.
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Read more about our dogs and their lives here at Snowy Owl.
