Adopting a Green Dog

When adopting a retired sled dog, it is important to remember that you are adopting an older dog. We cannot guarantee how long the dog will live or whether it will remain in good health throughout its retirement.

Our dogs are well cared for, well fed and active throughout their lives, and many reach a high age. Still, there are never any guarantees, and every adopter must be prepared for that responsibility.

Moving from Svalbard to mainland Scandinavia is a major change for dogs that have spent their whole lives in the Arctic. The transition is usually very successful, but adopters should allow the dog time to adjust to its new environment.

We prefer that potential adopters have visited our kennel before adopting. We also prefer adopters to be based in Scandinavia, as international transport has become increasingly complicated.

Although these dogs are retired, many still have plenty of energy. Ideally, adopters should live in a rural area or small community and be able to offer an active lifestyle with both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

We recommend feeding the dog once daily and ensuring access to fresh water at all times.

Our dogs are loving, social and people-oriented. They are also individuals with their own personalities, quirks, energy levels and needs. Some love adventures and long hikes, while others are happiest spending their retirement close to their people.

Because many sled dogs can be territorial and protective, males may be aggressive toward other males, and females toward other females.

We do not recommend immediately introducing the dog to smaller pets such as cats or small dog breeds. Most sled dogs also retain a strong hunting instinct and may chase chickens, wildlife or other animals if given the opportunity.

If you are interested in adopting a Green Dog, we ask that you fill out our adoption questionnaire. This helps us learn more about you and find the dog that best matches your lifestyle and expectations.

Our goal is not just to find a home for our retired dogs, but to create lasting friendships between the right dog and the right family. It is also possible to join a waiting list for a specific dog.

Once it has been decided which dog you will adopt, you must contact our local veterinarian: Longyearbyen Dyreklinikk, phone +47 941 44 321, email post@longyearbyendyreklinikk.no. Please explain that the dog will be moving from Svalbard to the mainland.

The veterinarian will guide you through the required procedures, including blood testing and travel documentation. You are responsible for contacting the veterinarian, ensuring that all travel requirements are fulfilled, and providing your own transport crate.

Once your veterinary appointment has been booked and your travel arrangements have been made, please contact us so we can arrange transportation to and from the veterinary clinic and assist with transport to Longyearbyen Airport.

Dogs living on Svalbard do not have passports. A pet passport can only be issued on the mainland. If you plan to bring a dog from Svalbard to the mainland, the process takes approximately four months from the date of the blood test, assuming all requirements are met.

Only the registered owner may travel with the dog. Green Dog Svalbard AS cannot be held responsible for misunderstandings or delays related to your communication with the veterinarian.

After adoption, we stay connected through our Facebook group, Green Dog Oldies But Goldies. This group allows owners to get to know each other, share photos and stories, and stay updated on former kennel companions.

Please keep communication within the Facebook group or contact us directly at post@greendog.no. During busy periods, we may not respond to Messenger or other platforms.

As the owner of a Green Dog retiree, you will also receive 20% off Green Dog tours. Bookings can be made through post@greendog.no.

Commercial sled dogs are not insured. If you would like your dog to be insured, you must arrange this yourself.

Our dogs are mixed-breed sled dogs with Greenland Dog and Husky ancestry. They are not purebred. Their thick coats, large paws and highly social nature are inherited largely from their Greenland Dog heritage.

Most dogs retire between 8 and 10 years of age, although younger dogs occasionally become available for adoption. In all our years of rehoming dogs, we have never experienced an adoption that did not work out. However, if circumstances change, we ask that you inform us and involve us in the future rehoming process.

If you live in Longyearbyen, you are welcome to send us a request for a boarding spot for your Green Dog retiree whenever you go on holiday. We do not charge for this service, but our handlers always appreciate a small token of gratitude such as fruit, snacks or cake.

Please send requests to post@greendog.no. Local owners may also purchase suitable dog food for their retired dog from us at a reduced price. Contact us for the current price. Vipps: 647701.