At Bearhill Husky, we believe that a code of conduct serves as the ethical and operational compass to guide our company, its vision, and its people through an ever-changing landscape, emphasizing responsible and sustainable actions from top to bottom. Through our code of conduct, we state and share our values, principles, and expectations, fostering a positive and cohesive work environment. We establish a benchmark for acceptable behaviour, reinforcing our standards of professionalism and integrity, ensuring that everyone understands what is expected of them.

Over 20 years in the tourism industry, we have evolved and learned to adapt to the demands that are placed upon us by not only our guests, but also by our staff and our dogs. We emphasize the importance of trust between our team members and clients, safeguarding our reputation in the industry. We seek to mitigate and minimize legal and compliance risks by setting clear expectations for compliance with regards to legislation and regulations. We promote and open organisational culture, encouraging and celebrating diversity, inclusion, and respect.

Structured into three pillars, our code of conduct addresses the most important aspects of our business: providing a safe and enjoyable experience, ensuring proper and proactive animal welfare through attentive training and care, and the establishment of a nurturing and support workplace for our employees. Our code of conduct provides a foundation for ethical decision-making, fosters a culture of accountability and responsibility, and builds a resilient and ethical work culture within Bearhill Husky.

At Bearhill Husky, safety is more than a priority—it’s a shared responsibility. Every musher is expected to work with care, caution, and awareness, not just for their own well-being, but also for their colleagues, our guests, and the dogs in their care. We require that all team members take part in regular safety training and possess up-to-date first aid certification, equivalent to Red Cross Level 2 or higher. Before the season begins, mushers gather for a mandatory pre-season meeting, where we align on standards, updates, and expectations.

Safety at Bearhill Husky is also about being proactive. Every musher is expected to familiarize themselves with our detailed safety manuals and operating procedures for each location and tour. From fire plans to trail guidelines, everything is documented—and signed off annually. Mushers are urged to report any safety or welfare concerns they encounter, whether it’s faulty equipment, an injured dog, or a risky trail condition. Serious concerns must be reported in writing to our Safety Officer or Kennel Manager, depending on the issue.

We also operate in winter darkness, where visibility can mean the difference between routine and risk. That’s why all mushers and dogs must wear reflective gear—light collars and vests are mandatory, although red lights are not allowed. At Bearhill Husky, safety isn’t a checklist—it’s a culture.

The health and happiness of our dogs are at the heart of Bearhill Husky. No dog should ever be asked to work if they are sick, injured, or otherwise unfit. If a dog shows any signs of distress or injury—visible wounds, limping, or abnormal behavior—they must be pulled from the team immediately and given appropriate veterinary care.

Our philosophy of respect extends to everyday handling. Dogs must always be led with a leash, never bounced by the collar, and they are not allowed to run free unless it’s safe and agreed upon by all present handlers. Gentle, calm interaction is our standard—forceful behavior has no place in our kennels or on our trails. Even our youngest team members are protected: no dog under 12 months is allowed to pull a sled, with those between 12 and 18 months being placed on a limited work schedule.

We ensure that all dogs meet all legal and health requirements. All dogs working at our facilities must be microchipped, passported, and fully vaccinated against Rabies, DHPPi, and kennel cough. Puppies too young for vaccines are exempt, but they must still be registered. Complete dog list databases, including chip numbers, ages, sexes, and vaccination statuses, are kept on record to ensure the safety of all dogs in our facilities.

We pay special attention to how our dogs are transported and housed. Trailers must be safe, clean, and roadworthy, and dogs should never be left in them overnight unless extreme weather makes it necessary. Our standards also prohibit leaving dogs in distress, especially in vehicles or trailers during work hours.

Recordkeeping plays an important role in ensuring each dog’s welfare. Mushers are expected to keep detailed logs of each dog’s work, training, and health. Finally, there’s no room at Bearhill Husky for neglect, abuse, or anything that puts a dog’s wellbeing at risk, with any such behavior resulting in the immediate dismissal and appropriate legal action to be taken, if necessary.

Working at Bearhill Husky is about more than just the job—it’s about being part of a team that values professionalism, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Mushers are expected to be punctual and ready to work before the guests arrive, ensuring that every tour begins smoothly and on time. Shifts aren’t over until the work is done, and lending a hand to teammates in need is part of the culture here.

Cleanliness and care for our spaces matter, too. Kennels must be cleaned daily, before guests arrive or before leaving for tours. Communal spaces should be left tidy after each use, and kennels rented for the season must be cleaned thoroughly before departure. Good communication and honest ownership of mistakes help us solve problems before they grow—and create a supportive work environment in the process.

Bearhill Husky embraces diversity and has a zero tolerance for discrimination or bullying. Every musher is expected to treat guests and colleagues with respect, regardless of gender, nationality, religion, or identity. A positive attitude, willingness to help, and a bit of flexibility go a long way here.

Above all, we expect high standards of conduct both on and off the trail. Behavior that harms the reputation, safety, or well-being of Bearhill Husky, our staff, our guests, or our dogs is not acceptable. We believe in holding ourselves accountable, supporting each other, and working together to create an exceptional experience for everyone who joins us—whether human or canine.