You could take a course that will increase your knowledge and skills to handle and work with animals like a:

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Animal Care or Animal Management
• T Level in Animal Care and Management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could apply to do an Animal Training Instructor Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

This takes around 2 years to complete.

Employers offering the scheme may expect you to have experience of working with animals.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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

You can train to be a dog handler if you work or have worked in the uniformed services.

Check the entry requirements for applying to be a dog handler in the:

• police
• British Army
• Royal Air Force
• Ministry of Defence Guard Service

You can gain confidence with dogs and develop your training skills through volunteering.

Organisations like the National Search and Rescue Dog Association and dog rescue charities may be useful places to search for opportunities.

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.

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

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• have a good level of fitness

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

You could work in kennels.

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

You may need to wear a uniform.