Huskyfarm im finnischen Lappland, 300 km im nördlichen Polarkreis
Beschreibung
We run a husky farm and a centre for Arctic and Polar exploration.
Our husky farm has, at present, 100+ adult dogs and 7 pups. Throughout the year, there are standard tasks that volunteers can help with on the farm and then there are additional daily duties that change with the seasons: from lead-dog / puppy training / construction & maintenance work in the Summer, through dog-conditioning and safari preparation work in the Autumn, to actually running safaris and entertaining guests in the Winter and Spring.
Our farm is located c. 4km from the main village of Hetta in the region of Enontekio, in Finnish Lapland. There is a small downhill ski centre locally, 120km of XC ski tracks and many opportunities for hiking and kayaking in the summer through one of the most beautiful national parks in Scandinavia.
The farm owners are ex professional athletes / explorers - one of whom was the first finn to complete an unsupported expedition to the South Pole, so this is a good place to visit for those who really want to expand their outdoor skills.
Having said that, working days here and long and the conditions can be pretty tough, so if you choose to come here, please expect a challenging adventure as opposed to a relaxing holiday. To that end, we have a comprehensive guide manual that we send out to prospective volunteers that pretty much covers everything about life and work on our Arctic farm.
Our husky farm has, at present, 100+ adult dogs and 7 pups. Throughout the year, there are standard tasks that volunteers can help with on the farm and then there are additional daily duties that change with the seasons: from lead-dog / puppy training / construction & maintenance work in the Summer, through dog-conditioning and safari preparation work in the Autumn, to actually running safaris and entertaining guests in the Winter and Spring.
Our farm is located c. 4km from the main village of Hetta in the region of Enontekio, in Finnish Lapland. There is a small downhill ski centre locally, 120km of XC ski tracks and many opportunities for hiking and kayaking in the summer through one of the most beautiful national parks in Scandinavia.
The farm owners are ex professional athletes / explorers - one of whom was the first finn to complete an unsupported expedition to the South Pole, so this is a good place to visit for those who really want to expand their outdoor skills.
Having said that, working days here and long and the conditions can be pretty tough, so if you choose to come here, please expect a challenging adventure as opposed to a relaxing holiday. To that end, we have a comprehensive guide manual that we send out to prospective volunteers that pretty much covers everything about life and work on our Arctic farm.
Region
Enontekio
Arten von Arbeit
Other,Helping with Tourists,
Animal care,
Help with Eco project,
Farming,
General Maintenance,
Babysitting / child care,
Building
Arbeit
Volunteers tend to work c. 8.30 - 6.30, (although the days are definitely longer in the winter client season). We tend to have one main break during the day and occassional other breaks, depending on conditions / work priorities. The work with the dogs is physically demanding and this is by no means an easy holiday option. However, having said that, we pride ourselves in the conditions in which the dogs and the workers live and many of our volunteers come back for return visits to see how the dogs and the farm function at different times of the year. We have a 'select yourself out' system of application. The manual does its best to present the work and the life here (dogs, 24/7) accurately, and we hope that those who complete the application process are really committed to the lifestyle that we are offering.
gesprochene Sprachen
English, finnish, french, Nepali, Indonesian
Unterkunft
We have two guide houses c. 2km from our farm, complete with open-plan kitchen and living area, so as to provide independent self-sufficiency in the evenings. One car goes back and forth, most days, but many people prefer to walk or ski to work.
Was noch ...
We ask that people visit for at least a month - preferably three. This not only gives the dogs a chance to get to know and trust you but it also means that you will have enough energy by week 3 and 4, (when you are hopefully able to cope with the basic tasks yourselves), to be able to explore the area a little more in the evenings.
We have a hugely comprehensive manual that we send to potential volunteers. It is in a question format, based on both the questions that previous volunteers have asked, pre arrival, and on the questions that, with hindsight, they wish they had asked. It answers questions about the area, the farm jobs through the year and how to travel to and from this remote location.
We also have a standard application form that we ask potential volunteers to complete so that we can learn a little more about you, ahead of time.
Competition for places here is pretty tough and we are generally full months in advance, although we do get last-minute openings from time to time. Once you are accepted, that spot will be taken away from everyone else who would love to have come - and since we get c. 30 applicants for every spot, please think seriously before applying since it will seriously impact on the dogs if we have less people here at any given time than we have planned and it is not always possible to find last-minute replacements.
Please note that there may also be times of the year when you may not hear back from us for weeks at a time (when we are outside with the dogs, 24/7). However, if you are really keen, just persevere. It is definitely a unique experience.
We have a hugely comprehensive manual that we send to potential volunteers. It is in a question format, based on both the questions that previous volunteers have asked, pre arrival, and on the questions that, with hindsight, they wish they had asked. It answers questions about the area, the farm jobs through the year and how to travel to and from this remote location.
We also have a standard application form that we ask potential volunteers to complete so that we can learn a little more about you, ahead of time.
Competition for places here is pretty tough and we are generally full months in advance, although we do get last-minute openings from time to time. Once you are accepted, that spot will be taken away from everyone else who would love to have come - and since we get c. 30 applicants for every spot, please think seriously before applying since it will seriously impact on the dogs if we have less people here at any given time than we have planned and it is not always possible to find last-minute replacements.
Please note that there may also be times of the year when you may not hear back from us for weeks at a time (when we are outside with the dogs, 24/7). However, if you are really keen, just persevere. It is definitely a unique experience.
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In june/july 2010 I visited Anna's and Pasi's farm. They made me feel very welcome and it was one of the best times of my life! I absolutely loved dogs before I went to the farm and I love them even more now. They all have unique characters and most people seem to find a favorite quite fast (Arrow!!!).
In the summer the work isn't as demanding, more
In the summer the work isn't as demanding, more
I volunteered here in the summer too. Anna & Pasi are very welcoming and friendly people (not weird like you might expect with all the trekking/adventure races/tv stuff/exploration etc. they've done). The house they provide for volunteers is very nice: comfortable rooms, TV, even a sauna. It's in the middle of a forest which makes it feel even more
I volunteered from mid february to the end of april. As you are warned in the manual you are sent before coming, do not expect relaxing holidays here! Days are long and demanding, but if you like challenges, dogs and meeting people, this is the perfect place! I would have never get a chance to train dogs, dog sleighing, driving a snowmobile, see more

I spent two months here in March April in 2011 and had an incredible time. The days are long ( 10+ hours) and demanding and there is so much to learn but if you can handle that then the rewards are worth it. The northern lights, cross country skiing, dog sled safaris, trips on snowmobiles, snowshoeing, skijoring, reindeer herding and dips in an more
I spent there autumn and winter season in 2010. Many volunteers come back there, and not without a reason. You just can't forget warm hearts of beautiful dogs and Anna and Pasi. This half a year I spent here I learnt everything I didn't know before. From languages, till building, animal care, medicine, dog sledding, cleaning and even baby sitting. more
I stayed here six weeks during march and april 2011 and I can only say its a very special place and I am very lucky to have found such a gem and to have been part of this place =)
I guess what makes this place so special is a mixture of things and even the best and detailed description cannot come close to the feeling of what ist really like more
I guess what makes this place so special is a mixture of things and even the best and detailed description cannot come close to the feeling of what ist really like more
I only volunteered for a month in the summer between June to July 2011 but found this place to be one of the most fun and rewarding places I've ever been to. The dogs were amazing to work with, as were the people - if you guys are reading this :) and the things you get to do will be nothing like you expected. Of course you will work and play with more

I volunteered at the husky farm for 2 months this summer. As a veterinary student I enjoyed how much dog interaction and animal experience I got out of my time here. Unlike most animal placements where as a volunteer you do not get as much animal interaction as they advertise. I became well integrated in not only the day to day tasks of working more
I've just spent October with Hetta Huskies, and it was a great experience. It's tough and hard work, so be sure you're happy to work all day outside in the cold - especially in the winter when the days are especially long. But it's worth it and a unique experience. The dogs are very well cared for, and learning about their different personalities more
Greg was here at the same time as Daniel and unfortunately, they fed into each other and it was one of the least fun filled groups that we have had. On a good day, Greg had a good sense of humour. However, he was painfully shy and lacking in self-confidence and his mood swings were totally unpredictable and felt by all. It was often uncomfortable more
I stayed and worked at here for 3 and a half months during July-November 2011 and had a great time with countless memories that will remain with me for the rest of my life. The work is challenging and rewarding - in truth there is the occassional bad day, but on the whole the husky farm is a truly unique and enjoyable experience. I especially more
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