Philosophy | Arctic Dog Adventure Co.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Ecotourism is an ecologically sustainable approach to business. It is small-scale, low impact, compatible with the environment, educational, and provides benefits to local economies. At Arctic Dog Adventure Co., we have a genuine interest in taking care of our guests, our community, and the distinctive landscapes of northern Alaska. By educating our guests about sustainable travel by dog team, ski, and foot, we hope to inspire a love and appreciation for the remarkable nature and history of Alaska.

We thrive in the elements and work closely with nature in both our lifestyle and our business. To us, ecotourism is about offering our clients a responsible, authentic Alaskan experience. Travel by dog team is an ideal way to realize this. Sled dogs have been part of the northern landscape for millennia. Their thick fur, tough pads and an indomitable desire to pull make them perfect companions in northern travel and exploration.

Our dogs are the heart and soul of our operation. We pride ourselves on offering our furry friends the highest standard of dog care possible. Guests who visit us will meet dogs that are happy and content. We are committed to our dogs for the entirety of their natural lives. We do not breed dogs for profit and we do not re-home dogs when they can no longer pull. It brings us great joy to share our love and respect for our dogs with others. The quality and uniqueness of the nature-based adventures we can create in partnership with our dogs is truly incredible!

Committed to Sustainability

We are the first dog sledding company in Alaska to be certified by Adventure Green Alaska as a Sustainable Tourism Business, meaning we practice economic, environmental, social and cultural sustainability.

We pride ourselves in offering dog sled tours of the highest quality, while also being committed to ethical practices and social responsibility in every aspect of the business:

Dog Care: Our dogs are part of our family. They are kept for their entire natural lives, even in retirement. Each dog has a unique role and story. Vet care is routine, food is high quality and kennels are kept warm and clean. Read more here.
Safety and Experience: With 18 years of guiding experience and three Iditarod finishes, Arctic Dog Adventure Co. is dedicated to providing safe and unforgettable mushing adventures. We hold multiple wilderness safety certifications such as Wilderness First Responder and have comprehensive safety plans in place to ensure the well-being of both our guests and our dogs.
Small Groups: Our trips are designed for small groups, limited to a maximum of 6 participants. This allows for personalized attention, enhanced safety, and reduces human impact on the Alaskan wilderness.
Employee Wages: We pay our employees living wages, ensuring they don’t have to rely on tips. This commitment has positively impacted their lives, allowing them to focus on providing the best possible experience for our guests.
Support for Conservation: We are involved with local conservation and advocacy groups such as The Wind River Bear Institute, Defend the Sacred Alaska, and Northern Alaska Environmental Center. A portion of each trip goes directly to the groups to support their ongoing work.

Wildlife Management: How We Protect the Wild

At Arctic Dog Adventure Co., we are deeply committed to responsible wildlife management, ensuring that our presence in the wilderness remains respectful and sustainable. A minimum of one Wind River Karelian Bear Dog (KBD) joins every overnight tour—not only for companionship and exercise but also as a key team member in wildlife detection and conflict prevention, especially when it comes to moose.

KBDs have a long history of working alongside conservationists to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Their acute senses help alert us to nearby animals, giving us the chance to adjust our route and avoid unnecessary encounters. These highly trained dogs are also part of broader efforts to keep both wildlife and people safe by preventing negative interactions.

Through our partnership with Wind River Bear Institute, we help support programs that train KBDs for wildlife conservation. Many of our guests have enjoyed meeting these remarkable dogs and learning about their crucial role in protecting the natural world. By incorporating them into our tours, we contribute to a growing movement that utilizes non-lethal, humane methods to manage wildlife interactions.

To learn more about Karelian Bear Dogs and their conservation impact, visit BearDogs.org.