SLED DOG ADOPTION
Our commitment to these amazing athletes means that we will be upfront and honest about their personality traits, good and bad. All we ask is that YOU are honest with us about your situation and ability to care for one of our dogs. Please review our qualifications for adoptive homes and frequently asked questions below. If you have unanswered questions or have interest in adopting, please contact us.
1.
EXERCISE PLAN
While our retirees are on the older side they still need more than just a walk around the block. They make great running/skiing/hiking partners! Our dogs do not have great leash manners and owners must be able to handle them pulling on a lead. Our dogs are not crate trained, while a crate might be appropriate at night to help with housebreaking leaving them in a crate all day while at work is not a good fit for our dogs.
2.
HELP THEM TRANSITION TO HOUSEPET LIVES
While our dogs are very well socialized, they are accustomed to living outside and used to our schedule. Adoptive homes must be willing to help them adjust to a different lifestyle. Some challenges can be household things like stairs, hardwood floors, loading in the car etc.. Our dogs can be timid for the first few days or weeks. Getting adopted is a big adventure for them and it will take them some time to feel comfortable in a new environment. Adoptive homes must be diligent at keeping their new buddy on a leash when outside at all times until they get settled in.
3.
PROVIDE A STABLE, LOVING HOME
Our dogs do best with consistency, so having a stable living/housing situation is best.
Qualifications for Adoptive Homes
Is a retired sled dog right for you and your family?
F.A.Q.
DO SLED DOGS MAKE GOOD HOUSE PETS?
Absolutely, with a little time and patience that is! While our dogs are used to living outside and being working dogs, most transition easily to life on a couch. With training and patience, the effort is well worth the reward.
ARE SLED DOGS GOOD WITH KIDS?
Yes. While some of our dogs are more outgoing with children, most have been running on commercial tours and meeting kids of all ages their whole lives. That being said NO DOG should be trusted around young children without supervision.
HOW OLD ARE THE DOGS WHEN THEY RETIRE?
Our retirees are anywhere from 8 to 11 years old. Siberians have a lifespan of 12-14 years. On occasion we also adopt out younger dogs for various reasons.
ARE THEY GOOD WITH OTHER PETS?
Our dogs are pretty social with other dogs of their size. If you are looking to add a sled dog to your existing pack, we recommend you bring your current dog to the adoption appointment to help see if they will get along. Our dogs are NOT raised around cats! While we have had some alumni go on to live successfully around cats, our dogs are big, strong, and may have prey instincts so we would suggest STRONG caution introducing them to a feline.
ARE THEY HOUSEBROKEN?
Not exactly. While all dogs have an instinct not to eliminate in their "den" or house, it may take a little while to teach your sled dog they have a much bigger, sweeter doghouse! Accidents may happen, but housebreaking does not seem to be difficult for our previous adoptees.
DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO ADOPT A SLED DOG?
We do not charge an adoption fee. We do however suggest a $100 donation that we will give to a dog charity of our choice. This allows you to give back to the K9 community and it shows us you are serious about adopting a dog.
WILL A RETIRED SLED DOG STILL WANT TO RUN?
Yes! Each of our dogs will have slightly different exercise requirements, from a daily walk, to a 5 mile run. These dogs are bred to travel and for the first few weeks new owners must be diligent on keeping them close. A fenced yard, walk on a leash, or a dog park are great way to exercise you new friend safely. While some of our alumni are awesome running loose, some may never be able to be trusted off leash.
ARE YOUR DOGS CURRENT ON SHOTS?
Yes, all of our dogs are up to date on their shots, vaccinated by our veterinarian on a regular basis. We are happy to give you all of your dog's records so you can continue their care with the vet of your choosing.
WILL IT BE HARD TO TRAIN A RETIRED SLED DOG?
Yes and no. While huskies as a breed require more work to train than say a Golden Retriever, our sled dogs are accustomed to having the humans be in charge. They do however need exercise, discipline, and boundaries to make them a well behaved pet. We are always available for advice, we want to see our kids succeed as much as you do!
DO YOU EVER ADOPT 2 DOGS AT THE SAME TIME?
We have on occasion adopted two dogs at the same time to a family. Our dogs are used to being in a pack and for some being adopted with a buddy can help with the transition. Also, we sometimes have dogs that are bonded pairs that we believe would like to stay together in their golden years.
WHAT IF IT DOESN'T WORK OUT?
While we try to fit dogs and owners as best we can, sometimes things just don’t work out. In the event you must give up your dog and cannot find an appropriate home, they must return home to us. These dogs are our family and they will always have a home here with us.
DO YOU ADOPT OUT OF STATE?
Yes. We have adopted dogs to families outside of Colorado. However, we do not adopt our dogs to hot climates. Since they have been raised in the mountains, moving to a warm, humid climate is just too hard on them.