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Eloise T.

Dog Handler (Royal Army Veterinary Corps)

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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.

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Career path

Dog Handler (Royal Army Veterinary Corps)

British Army

Started 09/2022 to Present

Company

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.

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There will be opportunities that come your way, which at first may not sound great, however, if you volunteer for those you will be rewarded. I volunteered to go to Kosovo for 6 weeks, in return I was picked to go skiing for a week in Italy, all paid for by the Army. I loved both experiences and have never regretted that decision.

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Job knowledge, research and physical preparation are key to achieving a basic training place.

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So the Army is one big team, especially in Basic training you are all in same position but you work together as a team. You will remember those days for the rest of your life and form friendships for life.

Discussions with Eloise T
What's it like being a dog handler?
in General·Tuesday, May 26, 2020
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in Application Advice·Tuesday, July 22, 2025
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