Love Dogs and Adventure? Become a Professional Dog Sledding Guide This Winter

Spend the Winter Working With Sled Dogs in Michigan’s Snow-Covered Upper Peninsula

Imagine spending your winter surrounded by a team of enthusiastic Alaskan Huskies, guiding guests through silent, snow-covered forests, and experiencing the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula like few people ever do. At Husky Haven, every day is different, but each one begins with eager dogs ready to run and ends with the satisfaction of sharing an unforgettable adventure.

We’re looking for a Seasonal Dog Sledding Guide to join our team from October through April 15. This is more than a seasonal job—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of a working sled dog kennel while living in one of the snowiest and most beautiful regions in the country.

You’ll learn the art of mushing, care for an incredible team of sled dogs, operate snowmobiles for trail safety and trail grooming, and help create lasting memories for guests experiencing dog sledding for the very first time. On-site accommodations are provided, along with a monthly stipend, guest tips, and comprehensive hands-on training.

As a unique bonus, there is also the possibility of trading work for flight instruction. During the warmer months, I work as a helicopter pilot and flight instructor. If earning your pilot’s license is a dream of yours, we may be able to arrange a work exchange toward flight hours.

Applicants of all ages are encouraged to apply.

The Right Person Would Be

• Physically active and comfortable with outdoor work

• Reliable, calm, respectful, and responsible

• Humble, patient, and kind with dogs

• Interested in sled dogs, outdoor recreation, fitness, and learning new skills

• Comfortable living simply in a quiet rural environment

• Able to work independently once routines are established

• Motivated to learn and take initiative

• Someone who enjoys working as part of a small, close-knit team

Typical Responsibilities

• Feeding and watering sled dogs

• Cleaning kennel and dog yard areas

• Spending time socializing and caring for the dogs

• Guiding dog sledding tours

• Operating utility vehicles, including side-by-sides, ATVs, and snowmobiles

• Grooming winter trails with a snowmobile

• Snow removal after storms

• Helping with basic maintenance, construction projects, repairs, and daily property upkeep

Experience That Is Helpful (But Not Required)

Previous experience is appreciated but not expected. We’d especially love to hear from applicants with experience in:

• Dog handling or animal care

• Carpentry, maintenance, construction, or other hands-on trades

• Outdoor recreation or guiding

• Photography, videography, or content creation

• Customer service or hospitality

Life at Husky Haven

Husky Haven is best suited for someone who enjoys dogs, nature, physical activity, and a slower pace of life. This isn’t city living, and it isn’t a luxury vacation. It’s a simple, rewarding lifestyle centered around caring for an incredible team of sled dogs and sharing them with guests.

I’m not necessarily looking for the person with the most experience. I’m looking for someone with the right attitude—someone who is dependable, humble, hardworking, curious, and genuinely excited to learn.

A Rewarding Challenge

Working with sled dogs isn’t for everyone—and that’s perfectly okay.

This is a physically demanding job. You’ll spend most of your days outdoors in Michigan’s legendary snow belt, where winter storms, deep snow, and below-freezing temperatures are simply part of everyday life. You’ll shovel snow, care for dogs, maintain trails, and stay active from morning until evening.

But if the thought of spending your days surrounded by the happiest, hardest-working dogs you’ve ever met, traveling beautiful snow-covered trails, watching fresh snow fall through towering pines, and ending each day tired, fulfilled, and smiling sounds like your kind of adventure, then this may be the perfect place for you.

The work is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. There are few jobs that allow you to build such a close bond with a team of sled dogs while helping people experience the magic of dog sledding for the first time.

If you’d rather spend your day on a snowy trail than behind a desk, we’d love to hear from you.