Dog Handler

Typical Salary

£16,000 To £26,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Dog Handler

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You could do an animal trainer higher apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You can apply to be a dog handler if you're already working in an organisation like the police, British army or Royal Air Force.

See the appropriate job profiles for more information on career paths in the police or armed services.

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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to teach people and animals how to do something
physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
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
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

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.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

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 direct teams of dog handlers.

You might also become a trainer, working with organisations like search and rescue, to help train dogs and their handlers.

Volunteering Opportunities

You could get voluntary experience with the National Search and Rescue Dog Association before applying to be a dog handler.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a dog handler from the College of Animal Welfare.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks
have a good level of fitness