Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
For those pursuing a career as a Dog Handler in the British Army, professionalism, patience, and adaptability are essential qualities. Success in this role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare, as building a reliable working partnership with a Military Working Dog takes time, consistency and trust. Physical fitness and resilience are also key, as the role involves demanding tasks in varied environments, including exercises and operational deployments. As a Dog Handler, you are responsible not only for your own actions but also for the performance and safety of your dog. Embrace continuous learning, whether in dog training, military tactics or teamwork with other units. Lastly, always take pride in your role. As a Dog Handler, you will be representing a specialised and highly respected capability within the British Army.
Career path
Dog Handler (Royal Army Veterinary Corps)
British Army
Started 09/2022 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
Working as a Dog Handler in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps is an incredibly fulfilling role that allows me to combine my passion for animals with military service. I take great pride in building a strong working partnership with my Military Working Dog, knowing that our skills directly contribute to the safety and effectiveness of operations. The role is both physically and mentally challenging, offering variety each day and constant opportunities to learn and develop. Whether on exercise, deployment, or during routine training, I find real purpose in the responsibility of caring for and deploying alongside such highly trained and capable animals. Being part of a specialist team within the wider Army also gives me a strong sense of professional pride.
Greatest achievements
One of my greatest achievements as a Dog Handler in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps was successfully operating alongside NATO allies during the Cambrian Patrol exercise. I was responsible for deploying with my MWD, alongside 3 other Dog Handlers, on this international recognised exercise to support patrol‘s and act as a visual deterrent on a reconnaissance tasking. The experience enhanced my confidence, adaptability, and appreciation for international military cooperation, and it reinforced the critical value that Dog Handlers bring to complex, joint operations.
Samuel L
Top Insider Advice
In my experience the Army isn't looking for one type of stereotyped Officer or Soldier. In fact it is the diversity of our organisation that makes us so effective.
David O
CSgt Infantry Nurture LO
Top Insider Advice
Job knowledge, research and physical preparation are key to achieving a basic training place.
Tori C
Regimental Medical Officer
Top Insider Advice
All doctors at some point will have a difficult time, and many will have considered leaving medicine or the NHS. That might be why you are reading this! I am very glad that I decided to find a different way to continue my career, and would recommend that anyone having doubts has a look to see what else is available. If you love adventure and a bit of a challenge, the Army is an excellent opportunity. You will need to take 3 years out between FY2 and starting specialty training, but most Army doctors will tell you this is the most enjoyable 3 years of your career! After those 3 years, you will likely have a great looking CV and a much clearer idea of what you want to specialise in. The majority of doctors will stay employed by the Army during the training years, although some may choose to return to the NHS to train, this is usually if they decide to do a specialty that the Army doesn't provide (eg Paediatrics). It has been an excellent career change for me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
