Keeping Your Teams Safe and Jobs on Track
Utility providers and field service companies face the recurring challenge of dogs and other animals blocking safe access.
ACO works alongside your engineers, warrant officers, and locksmiths to manage that risk — quickly, discreetly, and with full welfare compliance — so you can complete meter changes, disconnections, and inspections without delay.
How We Support Utility Operations
Our nationwide network of 80+ trained Animal Control Officers is designed to slot straight into your workflows. Whether it’s a pre-planned warrant visit or an urgent call-out, we help you:
- Contain and manage dogs and other pets on site
- Secure safe work zones for engineers and contractors
- Handle animals discovered during access
- Document every step for your compliance trail
This means fewer aborted jobs, reduced risk to staff, and peace of mind knowing that animal welfare has been prioritised at every stage.
Typical Scenarios We Handle
Many of our utility clients call us when:
- Dogs prevent safe access to a meter or service point
- Multiple animals are loose on the property or in a shared space
- An address is due for disconnection and the owner is absent
- Pets are discovered once access has been gained
In each case, our nationwide team of dog handlers contain the animals so your team can focus on the technical work.
Our Approach on Site
When attending a utility job, our handlers follow a clear process:
- Pre-visit briefing — confirm site details, animals reported, and team requirements
- Risk check & containment — calm, welfare-first handling using appropriate equipment
- Establish safe work zone — create clear entry and exit routes for engineers
- Support during works — remain on site until the job is completed
- Handover & reporting — can provide notes, photos (if permitted) via our dedicated app.
This structured approach ensures compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and aligns with health & safety expectations in the utility sector.
Documentation You Receive
Every attendance includes a clear, evidence-ready record:
- Date, time, location, and handler
- Welfare observations and actions taken
- Photos or video if required
- Summary report suitable for job packs and audit