Why we rehome our dogs
One of the questions we’re asked most often is, “What happens to your dogs when they retire?”
But we’re also frequently asked, “Why do you rehome your dogs?”
To us, the answer is quite simple. The question is not why do we rehome them? The real question is: Why wouldn’t we?
Our dogs spend years working alongside us as working sled dogs. They give us so much, season after season and they truly love what they do. But there comes a time when they are no longer as interested in the work or simply not as physically capable as they once were. When that time comes, why would we deny them the opportunity to enjoy a different kind of life?
At our kennel, we don’t only think about the next winter – we think about each dog’s entire lifetime. From the day our puppies are born, we already begin preparing them not only for a career as sled dogs, but also for the day that career eventually comes to an end.
Every puppy learns its own name and a reliable recall. We teach them basic manners such as sitting calmly, walking on a leash without pulling and being house-trained. These skills certainly make them enjoyable dogs to work with, but that’s not the main reason we teach them. We teach them because one day they may become someone’s family companion and we want that transition to be as smooth and successful as possible.
Our goal has always been to raise well-rounded dogs – not simply exceptional sled dogs. We believe a great sled dog should also have the confidence, social skills and adaptability to thrive in whatever chapter of life comes next. Whether that means becoming a family pet or continuing to work in a smaller kennel, we want every dog to have every opportunity available to them.
We believe this is simply a natural part of their journey. They’ve given so much to us and we feel they deserve the chance to experience a new chapter.
There is never any pressure for our dogs to leave. They are always welcome to stay with us for the rest of their lives if that is what is best for them. But if the right home comes along, it would be a shame to deny them the opportunity to sleep on a couch, go on adventures with their own family and enjoy a closer, more personal bond with people.
Our dogs already have a wonderful life here. They live in a pack, they run, they work and they do what they were born to do. But they are also incredibly adaptable. They settle into family life surprisingly quickly and often thrive as companion dogs. They appreciate the comfort, the attention and the one-on-one connection that comes with having a home of their own.
Many of our retired dogs have found new homes through people who already knew them well. Former staff members, seasonal employees and interns often spend months working closely with the dogs, and it’s not unusual for them to form a special connection with one of them.
Over the years, many of those dogs have gone on to become much-loved family companions with the people who met them here at the kennel.
We’ve been happy to see these dogs settle well into their new lives. They adapt to family routines, enjoy spending time with their new owners, and continue living active lives after retirement. As more of these rehoming stories have been shared, we’ve also started hearing from people outside our own community who specifically ask if they could adopt a retired sled dog.
Of course, every dog is different, and not every retired sled dog is suited to every home. But in our experience, many adapt remarkably well. They are used to working with people, are generally well socialised, and with the right match and a little patience, they often make wonderful companions for active families.
Our no-kill commitment
Our approach to rehoming is closely connected to another core value at Bearhill: we are a no-kill kennel.
For us, retirement is never a reason to end a dog’s life. A dog does not lose its value because it grows older, slows down or finishes its working career. Healthy retired dogs remain part of our responsibility for the rest of their lives.
Whenever possible, we give retired dogs the opportunity to stay with us or find them loving homes where they can enjoy a well-earned retirement. Euthanasia is only ever considered as a last resort, when a veterinarian determines that a dog is suffering from a severe medical condition or has an untreatable behavioural issue that seriously compromises its welfare or safety. It is never a decision based on age, convenience, economics, or kennel efficiency.
Being a no-kill kennel means accepting responsibility for every stage of a dog’s life – not just the years when they are pulling sleds.
Looking ahead: Project RePaw
Over the years, we’ve successfully rehomed many of our retired dogs throughout Europe and seen just how well they adapt to life as family companions. Those experiences inspired us to think bigger.
That’s why we’re developing Project RePaw, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to helping retired sled dogs – and dogs that simply aren’t suited to kennel life – find the right homes.
The project will focus on rehoming, educating future owners about Alaskan Huskies and building a network of trusted adopters and volunteers who share our values. We also hope to support other kennels that want to offer their retired dogs the same opportunities.
Project RePaw reflects something we’ve believed for a long time: retirement should be another stage of a sled dog’s life, not the end of it. With the right preparation, patience, and support, many retired working dogs make exceptional companions.
For us, rehoming isn’t about finding dogs a place to go. It’s about making sure every dog has the opportunity to enjoy the next chapter of its life.
