Sled dog rig rides on a private trail

Tourists, day-trippers, families, school and group bookings, and guests of nearby farm stays, wineries or holiday parks.

Price per person per ride, with higher-priced private or longer sessions. Add-ons include photo packages, group and event bookings, and partnerships with local accommodation and tour sellers.

• Confident dog handling and training
• Good with visitors and a clear safety briefing
• Basic animal care and fitness management
• Marketing to tourists

• Council approval for commercial activity and for keeping multiple dogs, check your local council's rules
• National parks and many public lands restrict dogs, so check before planning any trail on public land
• State animal welfare laws and codes of practice, plus dog registration and microchipping requirements
• Public liability insurance that covers adventure or animal-based tourism, and signed participant waivers
• Heat limits on running dogs, which can restrict operating days in warmer months and regions
• Seasonal and weather-dependent income, with ongoing dog costs all year (food, vet, housing)

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on your dog team, rigs and trail setup. Ongoing dog costs such as food, vet care and housing continue all year.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on bookings and operating days. Income is seasonal and weather-dependent, and heat limits can restrict operating days in warmer months and regions.

Check your council's rules for commercial activity and keeping multiple dogs. Check restrictions on dogs in national parks and public land, state animal welfare laws, dog registration and microchipping, and public liability insurance covering adventure or animal-based tourism.