What we do
Animal Control Officers supplies professional security dog teams turning passive guarding into Active Guarding.
Security Dog Teams are a security Multiplier, they can operate on sites, or mobile patrols, providing a visible deterrent and active controlled response to intruders, vandalism, theft, or public-facing risk. Handlers comply to BS 8517 best practice for the operational use of security dogs and work within your local site H&S rules and escalation policy.
We cover vacant properties, construction sites, utilities compounds, depots, events and high-risk locations nationwide. Where the role is manned guarding, handlers hold the relevant SIA licence (Security Guarding or Door Supervision) in line with current SIA guidance.
Typical scenarios we handle
- Vacant or high-value sites needing an active deterrent overnight or out of hours
- Construction & infrastructure with repeated trespass, theft, or plant interference
- Utilities & depots requiring perimeter patrols and response to alarms
- Events & venues needing crowd-facing deterrence and controlled intervention
- Remote compounds & large perimeters where dogs extend a handler’s detection range
On-site approach (controlled, compliant)
- Site brief & risk review with your supervisor (threats, zones, comms, escalation).
- Patrol plan set (static post, mobile patrol, or hybrid with alarm response).
- Proportional response to challenge intruders; incident logged and reported.
- Welfare & professionalism: kennelling, rest, hydration and handling standards per BS 8517; monthly continuation training for teams.
Where security dogs add most value
- Large, dark, or complex sites where CCTV/guards are routinely tested
- Locations with repeated tool/plant theft or copper/fuel loss
- Lone-worker risk where a dog significantly increases early detection range
- Short-term void/property protection pending handover or works (pairs well with keyholding)
- Event build/derig windows with limited perimeter control
Reporting you receive
- Duty logs and patrol records (times, routes, observations)
- Incident reports with actions taken and police/ARC references where applicable
- Training & welfare records on request for audit (team continuation training, insurance, vaccinations)
Standards & compliance
- BS 8517 code of practice for the operational use of security dogs (general purpose/static & mobile).
- SIA position: there’s no specific “dog handler licence,” but where the role is manned guarding a front-line SIA licence (Security Guarding or Door Supervision) is required.
- Training: teams follow NASDU frameworks for security dog handling (with ongoing refreshers).
What we don’t do
- We don’t provide attack-style “bite work” demos or any practice that conflicts with BS 8517 or welfare standards.
- We’re not a police response substitute; we deter, detect, delay and report within the law and your escalation plan.