Sled Dog Holidays

The following are questions which you may like to ask before booking a sled dog trip. Some questions are only relevant for multiple-day trips and the list should be modified to include your own interests and concerns:

How long have you been in the sled dog business?

Who actually conducts the trips?
What are their qualifications and/or experience:

1. In the local area
   
2. First Aid Care
   
3. Working Sled Dogs

How many dogs will be going on the trip?
How many dogs per team? How many people per sled?
How many guides?

How much are the guests involved in handling, harnessing and working the dogs?

What kind of dogs do you use for these trips (freighting or racing)?

Do you ever have dog fights?

Are the dogs well socialised to people? Also children?

What is included in the price? Food, Clothing and equipment? What kind of meals are provided, can you cater for specialist diets?

What is the total cost of the package, are there additional costs to travel to the point of departure?

What equipment is provided? What is not provided?
Is the required equipment available for rent, if not included in the price?
Do they have a list of recommended clothing, etc?
Do you have sleeping bags/rugs available for passengers?

What kind of accommodation will be used? (Tents, cabins, etc.)

Will back-up transport be provided? (snowmobile with supplies, etc.)

How much of the advertised time will be spent on transportation, preparation, orientation and training?
How much time will be spent on the trail? How many miles is covered in an average day?

Is experience required? What level of physical ability is needed?

Is everything available which is advertised in the brochure?

Do you have Liability Insurance to cover all of the activities offered?
Do you have an Accident Report Book, how many guests have been injured during trips?

Do you have all the required permits to allow commercial trips to operation in the locations?

Are there are references/recommendations available?

Date:01 Oct 2000