Mission Statement
- To promote the health, mental and social wellbeing of each individual sled dog
- To ensure the quality of the standard of care meets and exceeds all of the needs
- To be proactive in evaluating current standards
- To promote excellence in care standards within our organization
- To educate and encourage others to be proactive in evaluating and exceeding quality standards
Prior to Summer Dog Sledding
- Musher Guides hired are accomplished and experienced with sled dogs
- Owner’s of kennels who send dogs are vetted through conversation and reputation
- Sled dogs are individually evaluated. Each dog receives a vet exam certifying they are healthy, in good physical conditions, current on vaccinations and care schedules. They are screened to insure they are well socialized
- Musher Exam passed
Veterinary care is provided throughout the season
- Staff Veterinarian
- Staff Veterinarian Technician
- Mushers are trained with Dog First Aid and CPR
- Camp is equipped with a veterinary tech level emergency kit
- On site staff with certifications ranging from Wilderness First Aid to EMT
- Vet consultation for any concern is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- Weekly communication between musher and veterinary staff with concerns and updates is mandatory
- Monthly on site veterinarian visit with a written report
In Camp
- High caregiver to Dog ratio to ensure excellent observation and care
- Dedicated full time staff to exceed all of the dogs needs
- Top-of-the-line dog food created to meet the specific needs of the working husky
- Constantly maintained and cleaned, dry houses with flat roofs giving the dogs the option to have time off of the snow
- Clean dog yards
- Fresh, clean water is always available in clean 2 quart stainless steel dog dishes
- Sufficient number of dogs in the kennel to ensure the perfect running and resting balance
- Constant individual attention with lots of ear scratches and plenty of belly rubs
Experienced Management Team Dedicated to Sled Dogs and Sharing A Personal, Quality experience with Guests
Accomplished musher’s who have received Vet’s Choice, Sportsmanship and Humanitarian Awards during winter sled dog racing events.
It is the Dog’s World at Gold Rush/Alaska Icefield.
“The sled dogs that come to join Alaska Icefield Expeditions each summer are some of the happiest and most loved and well-cared for patients I work with as a veterinarian. These amazing athletes continue to show me the value of balanced nutrition, exercise and mental stimulation for our canine companions. I am also regularly reminded of the special bond between man and dog when I witness the care and attention these dogs receive from their handlers on a daily basis. I wish all of my small animal patients could be so lucky to enjoy an existence as loving and fun as that of their husky counterparts at AIE.” ~ Alyssa Komac, DVM
“Sled dogs are the reason I moved to Alaska. Alaska Icefield Expeditions (AIE) is the reason why I have made that move permanent. AIE continues to be forward thinking and proactive when it comes to caring for the sled dog. AIE has always put the sled dog first, something I have personally witnessed for over a decade. AIE has helped educate tourists and employees on why Dog Mushing and Sled Dogs are so very important to our way of life and so very important to keep alive. I am proud to be part of AIE and help demonstrate the equal relationship between sled dog and musher.” -Matthew Failor, AIE Juneau Manager (Iditarod and Yukon Quest Veteran, 2018 Humanitarian Award Kuskokwim 300 & 2012 Humanitarian Award Northern Lights 300)
Gold Rush Crew 