Dog handler police qualifications

You also need to demonstrate that you have a home with a garden, a driving licence and a vehicle that can accomodate a dog. For most Home Office forces, you are looking at a minimum of 7-10 years on the job before this kind of opportunity comes your way, and even then there's no guarantee.

If it's more the dogs than the job you're into - you can apply direct for Border Force dog handler, but I would be pretty sure you have to be a police officer or Border Force officer to apply..

You can’t join directly as a dog handler.

You will first need to apply to become a PC via the degree holder or apprenticeship entry route. Depending on how you join, you will then need to complete your 2/3 year probation period. You will then be able to apply for specialist roles such as dog handler etc.

Being realistic, it’s an incredibly difficult job to get, as you can imagine a lot of other officer will also want to be dog handlers. In my force they call them dead man’s boots, as they only take on when someone’s retired.

You need the desire to become a police officer first of all, and then a dog handler.

Good luck


Take a look at the below site for what qualifications you will need.

https://www.college.police.uk/career-learning/joining-police/joining-new-pc