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🐕❄️ Huskies Norwegian style: how to choose an ethical tour and not regret it

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Get ready for the most incredible, romantic winter adventure of your life! Dog sledding in Norway is absolutely amazing! But what if we told you that there's a way to ensure your pooch gets the royal treatment? Many tourists are curious: how can they choose a truly ethical tour that cares for dogs with love and attention?

We've created an awesome guide that will help you spot a responsible tour operator, what to look for, and how to enjoy your tour without harming the animals. In this article, we draw on real reviews from tourists on Instagram and TripAdvisor to help you make the right choice.

I'm so excited to tell you about this!

Husky dogs stand on a snowy trail with Norwegian mountains behind.

🌟 But why is it so important to choose ethical tours?

Huskies are the most resilient and energetic animals around! They're always running around like crazy, because running is just what they do! The great news is that most operators do adhere to high standards of animal care! Choosing the right tour operator is the key to ensuring that you have an amazing experience and don't feel guilty about participating in questionable activities.

✅ Criteria for an Ethical Kennel & Tour Operator

Before booking a tour, ask the organisers a few important questions:

📌 How many hours a day do the dogs spend on the route?
📌 How often are the dogs given rest, food and water during the tours?
📌 Are there any restrictions on the load and age of the dogs?
📌 How many days a week do the dogs work?
📌 What happens to the dogs after their “career” ends?
📌 Is it possible to visit the kennel before the tour to see the conditions in which the dogs are kept?

If the organiser is unable to answer these questions or evades them, it is best to look for another option.

📌 Review from Instagram @VisitTromso:

"Before booking the tour, we visited the kennel to make sure the animals were happy and healthy. We were shown in detail how the huskies are cared for, and only then did we decide to go."

🐾 3 verified ethical operators in Norway

Based on real reviews from tourists on Instagram and TripAdvisor, we have selected three operators that take excellent care of animals:

1️⃣ Tromsø Villmarkssenter (Tromsø)

● 🏅 TripAdvisor rating: 4.8 out of 5

● Features: open tours of the kennel, transparency regarding animal welfare, maximum workload for dogs does not exceed 4 hours per day.

Instagram review @VisitTromso:

"These people really love dogs. The kennel is clean and spacious, and all the animals look happy and well cared for!"

2️⃣ Holmen Husky Lodge (Alta)

● 🏅 TripAdvisor rating: 4.9 out of 5

● Features: care for each dog, limited number of tours, active involvement of volunteers.

TripAdvisor review:

"The best kennel we've seen in Norway. The care and love for the dogs is top notch, and the trip itself is simply magical!"

3️⃣ Sjusjøen Husky Tours (Lillehammer)

● 🏅 TripAdvisor rating: 4.7 out of 5

● Features: family-friendly approach, special attention to puppies and older dogs, possibility to visit the kennel any day.

Review from the TravelFamily blog:

"We spent the whole day at the kennel with our children before going on the tour. Excellent conditions for the animals, no doubts about our choice!"

🎒 How to prepare for a husky tour: useful tips

Two travelers with a husky on a snowy trail before a sled tour.

Equipment is extremely important for a comfortable trip:

● Warm clothing: a layered system is essential (thermal underwear, fleece, windproof jacket).

● Footwear: insulated boots designed for temperatures of -15°C and below.

● Face and hand protection: balaclava, warm mittens (not gloves!), goggles or mask.
● Additional items: thermos with a hot drink, light snacks.

📝 Checklist before booking a husky tour

● Check ratings on TripAdvisor and reviews on Instagram.

● Ask the organisers about the conditions in which the animals are kept.

● Choose an operator that allows you to visit the kennel before the tour.

● Check the cancellation or rescheduling policy in case of bad weather.

● Make sure that insurance and protective clothing are included in the price.

📸 Best photo spots and moments on husky tours

● 🐕 Photos of dogs at the kennel before departure.

● 🌄 Panoramic views during stops along the route (especially in the Tromsø and Alta areas).

● ☕️ Photos during breaks by the campfire or in Sami lavvu tents.

🚨 Tourism Ethics: What NOT to Do

Do not book tours if the operator refuses to tell you about their animals.
Do not participate in tours where animals appear emaciated, tired or poorly cared for.
Avoid companies with low ratings and negative reviews on websites.

Dog sledding tours are an absolute must! They're easily one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Norway, so long as you choose the right operator and tour. I am thrilled to tell you that ethics and animal welfare are the main criteria that will make your holiday comfortable and emotionally rewarding.

We know we can make your dreams come true! Our advice is all about creating unforgettable memories without any of the usual guilt.

A musher in a blue jacket guides a husky team along a snowy trail in Norway at sunset.

💬 Share your experiences and recommendations!

Have you been on a husky tour in Norway? We can't wait to hear all about your experiences and to see your photos and reviews – so please share them with us in the comments! If you have any favourite blogs, Instagram accounts or useful resources about ethical tourism, we would love to hear about them – be sure to leave the links below.

We can't wait to include the best of these in future articles in our catalogue!

Ksenia
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Ksenia

Post:I write about Norway — simply, clearly, and with respect for the details.

I’m 33 years old, and I’m one of the contributors to the Norway travel guide. I write for those who want to understand the country more deeply — not just what …

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