Volunteering at a husky kennel is a unique and rewarding experience, offering you the chance to work closely with these incredible animals, learn about the musher lifestyle in remote areas, and immerse yourself in a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, landing a position at one of these kennels requires careful planning and a well-crafted application. Here’s your guide on where, when, and how to apply successfully.
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- Where to Find Volunteering Opportunities at Husky Kennels?
- When to Apply: Timing is Key
- Crafting the Perfect Application for Volunteering at a Husky Kennel
- What to Expect volunteering at a Husky Kennel: Compensation and Experience
- Do You Need Prior Experience with Dogs to Volunteer at a Husky Kennel?
- What Personal Skills Would Help Me While Volunteering at a Husky Kennel?
- Is Sledding With Huskies Easy to Learn?
- What Will Be My Major Tasks Volunteering at a Husky Kennel?
- I Got Accepted by Different Husky Kennels, Which One Should I Choose to Volunteer?
- Final Thoughts
Where to Find Volunteering Opportunities at Husky Kennels
Husky kennels are spread across the Northern Hemisphere, with the majority located in Northern Europe, particularly in countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland and Estonia. However, opportunities also exist in North America, notably in Alaska and Canada, and even in parts of Asia, such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan.
The most popular platform for finding these opportunities is Workaway, which lists around 30 husky kennels looking for volunteers. Beyond Workaway, you can explore other volunteering platforms like WWOOF or HelpX, which occasionally list similar opportunities.
For a more direct approach, consider reaching out to kennels via their websites, email, or social media platforms like Facebook. Many kennels appreciate this initiative and might respond positively to a well-timed, thoughtful inquiry.
When to Apply: Timing is Key
When it comes to applying for a volunteer position at a husky kennel, timing is crucial. These kennels operate on a seasonal schedule, particularly those in the northern regions, where winter is their busiest time.
To maximize your chances of securing a spot, it’s best to start your application process as early as six months in advance. While some kennels might still be finalizing their teams closer to the winter season, most will have already selected their volunteers well ahead of time. Applying late—around October or November for the winter season—could mean you’re relying more on luck than anything else, though it’s still worth trying if you’re passionate about the experience.
Be prepared for a long wait after you’ve sent out your applications. Many of these kennels are in remote areas, where internet access can be sporadic, and communication might not be as prompt as you’re used to. It’s not uncommon to wait anywhere from one to three months for a response, and in some cases, you might hear back nothing or much later—sometimes even a year down the line as happened to me just some days ago 😀 !
Crafting the Perfect Application for Volunteering at a Husky Kennel
When writing your application, personalization is key. Kennels receive a high volume of requests, especially from enthusiastic volunteers just like you from all over the world, so your message needs to stand out.
Here’s what to include in your application:
- Introduction: Start with a brief introduction about yourself. Mention who you are, where you’re from, and a little about your background. This sets the stage for the rest of your application.
- Duration of Stay: Make it clear how long you can commit to volunteering. Kennels prefer volunteers who can stay for at least three months, as this allows you to truly integrate into the team, get to know the dogs and contribute meaningfully.
- Relevant Experience:
- If the kennel offers guest houses or tours, mention any experience you have in hospitality, such as cleaning, preparing meals, or dealing with guests.
- Highlight your work ethic and physical and mental fitness. Working at a husky kennel is demanding, and showing that you’re up for the challenge will set you apart.
- Detail any experience with dogs or animals. While prior experience isn’t mandatory, it’s a bonus if you’ve worked with or cared for dogs/animals before.
- Mention any handyman skills or experience in physical labor. Kennels often need help with maintenance, and these skills are highly valued.
- Highlight any other skills that could be useful, such as social media management or photography, especially if you have experience with camera gear and filming.
- Personal Touch: Share a bit more about yourself, your journey, and why you’re drawn to this experience. Kennel owners appreciate volunteers who are genuinely passionate about what they do and who have a clear reason for wanting to participate.
What to Expect Volunteering at a Husky Kennel: Compensation and Experience
Volunteering at a husky kennel is more about the experience than financial gain. While some kennels may offer a modest wage based on local standards, many do not provide any monetary compensation. If you do come across a paid opportunity, it’s important to understand that earning money could shift the dynamics of your experience. The true reward often lies in the unique lifestyle, the deep bond you form with the dogs and the host family, and the chance to immerse yourself in some of the world’s most breathtaking and remote landscapes.
In addition to the hands-on experience with the huskies, most kennels will provide free meals, often shared with the host family, and accommodation. Your living arrangements can range from a shared room with other volunteers to more unique setups like a treehouse (as was my case). These elements contribute to the overall richness of the experience.
Do You Need Prior Experience with Dogs to Volunteer at a Husky Kennel?
While having prior experience with dogs is certainly a plus, it’s not a strict requirement for volunteering at a husky kennel. What’s more crucial is that you’re comfortable around dogs, including large and sometimes noisy ones. From what I have seen while researching it, and from experience at my own kennel, they would have typically a mix of seasoned volunteers and newcomers of both genders, creating a supportive environment where you can learn on the job.
What Personal Skills Would Help Me While Volunteering at a Husky Kennel?
Some personal qualities which could significantly enhance your volunteering experience:
- Independence: The ability to work autonomously is vital, as you’ll often need to manage tasks on your own.
- Love for Animals: A genuine affection for animals, especially dogs, will make your experience more rewarding.
- Mental Resilience: In many locations, you might be working during the dark season, such as the polar nights in Norway. Being mentally prepared for these conditions is important.
- Physical Fitness: Handling strong dogs, harnessing them, and taking care of them requires physical strength, but I would say mental fitness comes even before the physical one. Our other volunteer was a tough girl, handling all dogs with ease. But of course some heavy physical activities, we would share and support each other. Teamwork is key.
- Comfort with Meat Handling: You’ll likely be involved in feeding the dogs, which often involves cutting and handling fresh meat, sometimes even preparing game yourself.
- Team Player: Sledding, in particular, requires excellent teamwork, both with your human colleagues and the dogs.
- Communication Skills: Good communication is essential (including good english skills), especially if you’ll be interacting with other volunteers/tourists/family during your stay.
Is Sledding With Huskies Easy to Learn?
Sledding is an exhilarating activity, especially on days with fresh powder snow, and often also the only way to get from A to B as you cannot drive anymore. You’ll learn it on the job, so don’t overthink it. The kennel staff will help you prepare and guide you through the process. Initially, you’ll sit at the front of the sled, and then you’ll learn to stand on it, which is somewhat like skiing with a heavy load in front of you. Later you’ll learn how to prepare the sleds. Establishing a strong connection with your lead dogs and the rest of the team is crucial. This bond, built through genuine care, confidence, and consistent interaction, ensures that the dogs respond to your commands, which is particularly important when navigating new trails.
What Will Be My Major Tasks Volunteering at a Husky Kennel?
Your tasks will vary depending on the needs of the kennel and your skills, which the team may assess during the first few weeks. Here are some common responsibilities:
- Feeding: Preparing and distributing food, which often involves cutting and handling different types of fresh meat.
- Cleaning: Maintaining clean and comfortable living areas for the dogs, including cleaning up after them and spreading fresh sawdust.
- Exercise with dogs: Taking the dogs and puppies for walks or runs in the forest, and training them.
- Sledding: Assisting with sledding activities or even leading a team, once you’ve gained some experience.
- Cuddling: One of the most rewarding tasks—spending time bonding with the dogs through affection and play.
- Maintenance and building: There is always something which needs some fixing or maintenance at a kennel.
I Got Accepted by Different Husky Kennels, Which One Should I Choose to Volunteer?
Trust your intuition. Consider the kennel that communicated better and offers the experiences you’re most excited about, whether it’s the surrounding area’s attractions or the specific tasks you’ll be involved in. Also, think about the team and kennel size—do you prefer working in a larger team with many other volunteers, or are you looking for something more exclusive and intimate? For example, I volunteered at a non-profit kennel with around 50 huskies and just one other volunteer for one month, afterwards I took over all tasks, which provided a very unique, dynamic and hands-on experience in different things. The choice ultimately depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking and how well it aligns with your personal goals and preferences. Also ask them how they ensure the well-being of the huskies and see how they react. If it is a profit or non-profit kennel would be also a point to consider.
Final Thoughts
Volunteering at a husky kennel is a life-changing experience, but securing a position requires preparation, patience, and a genuine passion for the work. Start early, craft a thoughtful application, and be ready for an adventure that will stay with you forever. Whether you’re caring for the dogs, maintaining the kennels, or assisting with tours, the time you spend at a husky kennel will be an unforgettable chapter in your life.
