We've recently updated our service. Because of this, you'll need to reset your password to log in. It's quick and easy!Reset Password

Dog handler

Work with a specially-trained dog to prevent and detect crime, find lost or missing people or protect property.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£308

Entry level

£577

Experienced

Monthly

£1,333

Entry level

£2,500

Experienced

Yearly

£16,000

Entry level

£30,000

Experienced

6,600

people are currently employed

High growth

600 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You and a dog would work as a team, to prevent and detect crime, find lost or missing people or protect property, depending on where you work.

You’d work with a specially trained dog, care for it and be responsible for controlling it. You would need to be confident and patient with the dog.

Dog handlers mainly work for the police, the Army, the RAF, the UK Border Agency, HM Revenue and Customs and private security firms.

In the police service you would work with your dog to:

  • Track missing people

  • Control crowds, for example at football matches

  • Search for explosives or illegal drugs

  • Chase armed criminals

  • Guard prisoners

  • Search for stolen property

  • Search for human remains

  • Support armed officers

In the Army and RAF you’d work to:

  • Guard military bases and aircraft hangers

  • Locate land mines and other explosives

  • Search for casualties

Customs officers use dogs at ports, airports and large railway stations to detect:

  • Drugs, tobacco and cigarettes

  • Food products being brought into the country illegally

In the security industry, you and your dog would:

  • Patrol and guard property

  • Guard construction sites

  • Search for explosives or illegal drugs

  • Provide security at events

You could also work for other services, such as the Fire and Rescue Service and HM Prison Service, or for a mountain rescue team.

Hours

In all services you would work shifts on a rota that covers 24 hours, seven days a week. In some organisations, such as the police force, you would look after your dog in your own home.

Environment

The job is physically challenging as you would need to keep up with your dog during tough training sessions, and would work outside in all weather conditions.

Explore more information about this job

Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:

Like the sound of this career?

Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Dog handler'

Select qualification level(s)

Show me courses

Other careers that you might like

  • Animal care worker
  • Animal technician
  • Assistance dog trainer
  • Dog groomer
  • Horse groom
  • Zookeeper
Browse all job profiles

Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

    View all industries

    Top skills

    Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

    It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

    Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

    • empathising
    • social conscience
    • cooperating
    • attention to detail
    • reliable
    • positive attitude

    Your skills are important

    Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

    Discover skills

    Getting in

    Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

    You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

    Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

    Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

    • Skills for Work: Rural Skills

    Although you do not need formal qualifications to train as a dog handler you usually need to be employed within the police, armed forces, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as a Revenue and Customs Officer or within the security industry.

    See police and armed forces profiles for the entry requirements.

    Entry to HMRC as an assistant officer requires qualifications at SCQF levels 4-6. Entry to graduate training usually requires an honours degree (SCQF level 10). Within HMRC you could apply to train as an Anti-smuggling Dog Handler.

    The security dog handler route would usually require qualifications at SCQF level 4/5, relevant experience and must hold your Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. 

    Qualifications that demonstrate experience with animals and knowledge of security such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Animal Care (SVQ level 2/3) or Skills for Work Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4).

    Explore over 22,000 courses in Scotland

    Find the perfect course to boost your career.

    View all courses

    Search jobs and apprenticeships

    View work opportunities