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Dog handler
Police dog handler, detection dog handler, security dog handler
Dog handlers work with specially trained dogs to help detect and prevent crime, find lost or missing people and protect property.
Average salary (a year)
£16000
Starter
£30000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; applying directly
College
You could take a course that will increase your knowledge and skills to handle and work with animals like a
Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Animal Care or Animal Management, T Level in Animal Care and Management
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could do an animal trainer higher apprenticeship.
Some employers may expect you to have previous experience of working with animals.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You can train to be a dog handler if you work or have worked in the uniformed services.
Check the entry requirements for applying to be a dog handler in the:police, British Army, Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defence Guard Service
Volunteering
You can gain confidence with dogs and develop your training skills through volunteering.
Organisations like the National Search and Rescue Dog Association and dog rescue charities may be useful places to search for opportunities.
Direct Application
You can apply to work with a private security firm as a dog handler. You'll need a Security Industry Authority licence to do this.
You'll have an advantage when you apply for jobs if you've got experience of working with dogs.
More Information
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming a dog handler from the College of Animal Welfare.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    The ability to teach pupils how to do something
    Physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    The ability to work on your own
    The ability to work well with others
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Excellent verbal communication skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Related Restrictions
have a good level of fitness
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
Depending on the service you work for, you could
patrol premises and protect property, search for lost or missing people, detect drugs, firearms or explosives, control crowds, look after your dog in your own home, attend training courses with your dog
Working environment
You could work in kennels.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
Promotion opportunities will depend on the service or organisation that you work for. In the police and armed forces, you may have to move out of dog handling to get promoted to the higher ranks.
In security, you could go on to be head of canine services, where you lead teams of dog handlers.
You might also become a trainer, working with organisations like search and rescue, to help train dogs and their handlers.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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