Our Ethical Approach to Sustainable Husky Tours in Lapland
Why Choose Our Sustainable Husky Tours in Lapland?
For over 30 years, Harriniva Hotels & Safaris has provided unforgettable husky safaris for both international and domestic customers.
At Harriniva Hotels & Safaris, we believe that the magic of the Arctic should be preserved for generations to come. Our commitment to the Arctic is long-standing; we have led the way in sustainable husky tours in Lapland for over 30 years, ensuring ethical practices are at the heart of every day work. Our commitment to the environment and the welfare of our over 400 Alaskan and Siberian huskies is the foundation of everything we do.
Proudly Green Activities Certified Excellence
We are proud to be a Green Activities certified operator. This certification is a testament to our continuous work in sustainable tourism practices, energy efficiency, and waste management. Independent audits ensure our husky, reindeer, and wilderness programs meet the highest standards of sustainability.
As a family-owned pioneer in Lapland tourism since 1973, we are committed to protecting the Arctic. In addition to the Green Activities certificate all our destinations – Harriniva Adventure Resort, Jeris Lakeside Resort, and Torassieppi Eco Reindeer Resort – hold the Sustainable Travel Finland label. Harriniva Adventure Resort and Jeris Lakeside Resort are also certified with the international Good Travel Seal.
Plan your complete Lapland holiday
Combine a husky safari with accommodation and winter activities at Harriniva Hotels & Safaris. Stay at Harriniva Adventure Resort, Torassieppi Eco Reindeer Resort, or Jeris Lakeside Resort and build your trip around authentic Arctic experiences.
Our holiday packages make it easy to include reindeer tours, husky safaris, snowmobile excursions, and Arctic Sauna World in one seamless stay.
Ensuring the Welfare of Our over 400 Huskies at Harriniva Husky Farm and Torassieppi Husky Farm
At the Harriniva husky kennel, we have ten permanent animal caretakers working year-round. The role of an animal caretaker is demanding, and on average, each caretaker has been with us for 16 years. These professionals are true experts in their field, mastering not only animal care but also the challenging tasks of guiding safaris, customer service, mentorship, and year-round maintenance work.
We currently have about 435 dogs in our kennels: ~225 at the Harriniva kennel and ~210 at Torassieppi. Each caretaker is responsible for an average of 50 dogs, ensuring their well-being on a daily basis. The close relationship between caretakers and their group of dogs allows for quick detection of any changes in their health.
In addition to our permanent staff, we hire guides and animal caretakers for the winter season, many of whom return year after year. We take care of the dogs’ basic needs daily, including cleaning the kennels, feeding, watering, and administering necessary medical treatments. Veterinary check-ups and deworming are performed as needed, based on individual monitoring.
We also pay attention to other aspects of care, such as inspecting the dogs’ coat, nails, paws, teeth, and muscles, as well as caring for them after work. Special attention is given to the dogs’ natural behaviors, including socialization, sleep patterns, feeding, movement, grooming, temperature regulation, reproductive functions, and play and exploration. Breeding is carefully planned, and some dogs are spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters.
Each dog has its own unique characteristics, such as stress tolerance, sociability, motivation, and physical performance. The caretaker knows each dog’s needs and strengths, ensuring their well-being. Our operations are supported by comprehensive documentation, including pedigrees, vaccination records, health cards, medication logs, and sled dog rosters. These allow us to track and plan the care and activities of each dog year-round and holistically.
Year-Round Care: A Dog’s Life During the Summer Months
In the summer, the dogs can run freely in the kennels and cool off in water pools. They also like to dig under their kennels to find cooler ground, so the warm summer weather doesn’t affect them too much. Once the weather cools down and autumn sets in, training for the winter season begins. Sled dogs are arctic animals, so training requires sufficiently cool conditions.
Preparing for the Season: Ethical Training and Conditioning
When the temperature is low enough, we start training with the help of ATVs. ATVs are a safe tool for snowless seasons, as they have speedometers, lights, brakes, and excellent handling. The dogs’ motivation is maintained by pairing them with dogs of similar skill levels, and their work enthusiasm is supported by sufficient training. The dogs’ fitness is gradually improved, and training is always stopped while they are still energetic and strong. The dogs are never pushed to exhaustion. Each training session is documented so we can closely monitor their progress.
High-Quality Nutrition for Our Sled Dogs
The dogs are fed daily with kibble and meat. Meat provides them with the necessary fat, and their consumption of it increases several times during the winter season compared to the summer. In addition, they are occasionally given reindeer bones as treats. Each dog’s feeding is adjusted according to their individual needs to ensure balanced nutrition.
Instructions for husky farm visit
We appreciate your interest in visiting Husky Farm! Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- For dog farm visits and bookings, please contact us at sales@harriniva.fi.
- The farm is home to our beloved huskies, who also require rest and peace. Therefore, visits are generally scheduled before 5 p.m.
- We kindly ask that you maintain a calm demeanor during your visit, and take these factors into consideration:
- Please refrain from running and ensure your children are well supervised.
- Avoid placing your fingers or any other objects into the dogs’ cages.
- Please take care of your belongings – gloves and such – as young puppies are especially eager to steal things.
- Please watch your step and check the soles of your shoes when leaving the shelter.
- If you are visiting in the summer, please dress appropriately to withstand the enthusiastic nature of our huskies. In winter, Harriniva clothing is available for your use.
- We ask that you refrain from cuddling the dogs while they are in their work mode before the safari, as they are very excited to begin. After the safari, many of them enjoy cuddles and attention — please feel free to ask your guide which ones are open to it.
- Smoking is not permitted in the husky farm area.
- We kindly request that you use the restroom before your visit.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you to Husky Farm!
