Husky Ranch Scotland
Highlands, Scotland
$1795.00The Experience
Combining breath-taking scenery, one-of-a-kind art and science museums, and castles found nowhere else, Scotland is one of the most gorgeous places on earth! While visiting this amazing place, take the opportunity to be a part of our Husky Ranch Scotland project to experience off-grid living, dog care and best of all, dog mushing!
Scotland seduces travellers with its unswerving beauty and opulent history. Being the U. K’s northernmost country, Scotland is known to be a land of vast landscapes, mountains interspersed with glacial valleys and lakes. If you are looking to experience the rugged lifestyle then this is the destination for you.
Our Husky Ranch Scotland project is a large kennel comprising of approximately 50 Sprint racing Siberian Huskies, other domestic animals and livestock. The owners of the Ranch are both very successful at racing large teams in Dryland Competition and they also enjoy racing on snow at international Championship level. One of the founders is on the board of the World Sleddog Association as director of Dryland racing and is involved in organising races internationally. They also provide husky rides for members of the public, usually running three teams per day, approx. 5 or 6 miles per team, with passengers, up to 5 days per week. Apart from their passenger rides, they also train their dogs for racing, and will undertake training without passengers to work on speed training.
This project has excellent opportunities in winter however summer has its own advantages and many opportunities to hike, mountain bike, Kayaking, visit nearby castles and so much more! The work on the ranch is physically demanding and it is by no means an’ easy holiday option’! The minimum duration of stay is 4 weeks. Come be a part of this exciting and unforgettable experience!
This Is Why
- Play with huskies and go dog sledding along with caring for the other animals of the ranch!
- Live off the grid in a cosy cabin for the ultimate Scottish wilderness experience.
- Volunteer in one of the most beautiful places in the world and explore all that Scotland has to offer. Opportunities for hiking, Kayaking, touring, mountain climbing and so much more on time offs!
- Key Start Dates
Year round (book early in advance to be assured of a volunteer placement) - Package Prices
04 Weeks: $1795.00 US -
06 Weeks: $2195.00 US
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08 Weeks: $2495.00 US
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10 Weeks: $2895.00 US
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12 Weeks: $3295.00 US
- Volunteer duration
12-24 weeks - Average Work hours
Flexible days, with an average of 5 days per week, flexible hours, averaging 8 hours per day. - Number of Volunteers
3 - Volunteer accommodation
Available - Housing Type
Cabins/Statics. - Internet Access
Yes, there is usually a good mobile internet signal here, and they will have access to the wifi broadband connection in the barn with the dogs (though this can be quite slow!) - Who Are They Looking For?
Love of the outdoors and a passion for wildlife is a priority. You should not be fussy, picky or hypersensitive about cleaning as this is one of the main chores. We will not tolerate smoking, alcohol or the use of drugs. Please remember that you are a guest, therefore, respecting the rules is essential.
Fast Facts: Scotland
Where? Europe, Scotland
Country Size: 78,387 km2
30,414 sq mi
Population density? 67.5/km2, 174.1/sq mi
Country Famous for? Scottish Highlands, Bagpipes, Golden Eagles, Otters, Loch Ness, Mountains, William Wallace, Ale's
When to visit: All year round
- What's Included
- Placement
Husky Ranch Scotland - Airport Pick Up
You will be picked up from the Edinburgh International Airport and from there, you’ll be meet and picked up then transferred to your accommodation on the project site. - Accommodation
Shared back to basic cabins/statics. - Meals
Meals are not included. Volunteers would need to buy & prepare their own meals, though the family would be happy for you to join them for lunch or dinner once or twice per week when they are able to do so. There is a supermarket in Blairgowrie, just a few miles away, if you have a valid driving licence, then you can use their truck to go shopping, or you can travel into town with them. There is also the option to order groceries online and have it delivered. - Ongoing service
If there are any problems with your volunteer project we are always there to help you and mediate between yourself and the organization. - Tours
Through FRONTEERING you have the possibility to book tours in Scotland after you have finished your volunteer project. - 24/7 Emergency contact
If there are any problems during you stay in Scotland you can reach us 24/7 to assist you.
What's not included: International flights, Meals and Insurance along with any activity apart from the project.
Package Price:
04 Weeks: $1795.00 US, 06 Weeks: $2195.00 US, 08 Weeks: $2495.00 US, 10 Weeks: $2895.00 US and 12 Weeks: $3295.00 US - Placement
- RESPONSIBILITIES
Volunteers and Interns are the backbone and the main force that pushes the organization forward. Attitude is the first thing the project looks at. It is always important to show respect, take initiative, ask questions and to get involved in all the activities that are done at the project.
You will take part in some of the following tasks:
- Visitors: Volunteers are responsible for welcoming and talking to visitors for husky ride experiences and kitting them out in protective clothing prior to their ride.
- Sled dogs: You are responsible for Feeding, hydrating, Harnessing, hitching up teams, helping with training, walking old retired huskies, Grooming, free running exercise, poop scooping, kennel cleaning, changing straw beds, de-worming
- Sheep: Volunteers need to drive an ATV to inspect the sheep daily, help with gathering, handling and helping with sheep management tasks such as administering treatments, ear tagging, feeding, putting out mineral buckets, help with lambing, tube feeding colostrum & bottle feeding as necessary, castrating, moving sheep for shearing & record keeping
- Highland cows: You’ll have to drive an ATV to carryout daily routine checks, feeding & grooming young stock, help with cattle management tasks such as putting out mineral buckets, silage, moving cattle, assisting with vet checks & routine testing, Calving, tagging, castrating, de-horning, administering treatments, record keeping.
- MThe project is currently home to 200 - 300 sheep, 50 huskies, 70 cattle (mostly highlanders) and some cats.
- Chickens: Volunteers will be Feeding, watering, collecting eggs, cleaning out hen house. Currently all the chickens have been killed by foxes. They might get replaced by the time you start volunteering or perhaps at a later time.
- Cats: Feeding the neutered rescued feral cats
- Farm & Forest: You’ll be Repairing fences, filling in pot-holes in the tracks, draining away water, clearing fallen branches & using a wood-chipper, creating new trails, cutting low branches, pisting trails in the snow.
- TASKS AND DUTIES
This experience gives volunteers the chance to become involved with huskies and other farm animals. Your volunteering will take place on a Husky Kennel owned by 2 well-known and profesional dog mushers. You will be involved in every aspect of the kennel, you won't just be working with the huskies but with the other farm animals as well. This will increase your knowldge and understanding on animal care.
- Requirements, Guidelines & Policies
- Required to commit to a minimum of 4 weeks
- NO SMOKING is allowed on the project site.
- Strong work ethics are required: reliable, responsible, honest, good sense of humour, dependable, physically and mentally fit.
- Age: 18+
- Do not leave anything hazardous or any personal items around the dogs – out of curiosity, they may consume something toxic or harmful.
- To make sure you complete your work to the appropriate standard
- To speak up if you do not feel comfortable completing a task
- Must love animals, keen on the outdoors, happy to brave the weather, and able bodied
- No animal allergies
- Volunteer Benefits
- Go dog sledding!
- Meet and live with an Amazing family and owner of a Husky Ranch!
- Improve your English skills
- Enjoy the amazing nature and culture of Scotland!
- Fast Facts
- Project location
Blairgowrie, Scotland - Area Famous For
Scotland Bird watching, exploring nature, Hill walking, hiking, fishing, water sports, camping, visiting the cities of Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, visiting historic sites & castles, Museums, Art galleries, etc. - When to visit
All year round. - Wildlife viewing
You can view an abundance of wildlife. Mountain Hare, Red Deer, Badger, Scottish Wild Cat and so much more.
- Project location
- Accommodation
Shared back to basic cabins/statics.
Meals
Volunteers would need to buy & prepare their own meals, though the family would be happy for volunteers to join them for lunch or dinner once or twice per week when they are able to do so. There is a supermarket in Blairgowrie, just a few miles away, if volunteers have a valid driving licence, then they have use of their truck to go shopping, or they can travel into town with the family. There is also the option to order groceries online and have it delivered!
Location
The project is located near Blairgowrie, Scotland. Please keep in mind that the project is semi remote and a bit off grid so if city lights is something you are expecting then this is not the project for you. You may have chances to visit on time off but majority of your time will be spent on the Kennel.
Coming Soon!