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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.
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.
Kyle P
Top Insider Advice
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.
Shaun M
Top Insider Advice
Learning to live within the values of the British Army is the best way to live for opportunities and self-improvement. Courage - have the courage to take opportunities, and volunteer for things that others won’t. Discipline - don’t be easily led, and always do the right thing - even if there is nobody watching. Respect - respect is often hard to earn and easy to lose; treat others the way you want to be treated and don’t forget to respect yourself. Integrity - be honest with yourself and others: you’ll learn faster and better for it. Loyalty - be loyal to your values and don’t fall into following the wrong crowd. Be loyal to your friends and family. And, most importantly, be loyal to yourself and what you want to achieve. Selfless Commitment - do things with conviction, work hard, and offer yourself up to always being there for people when you can. Following these values will give you the best chance to achieve anything you want in the Army - whether that's a promotion, time away doing sports, or making friends. All your winnings and failings will come back to asking yourself, "Did you stick to the CDRILS?"
Jason V
Ground crew specialist
Top Insider Advice
When I first applied for the Army I knew I could better my qualifications and travel around the world, but never knew I could gain so much more, for example I would have never of said in 10 years time I want to be a skiing instructor, but the Army has given me that experience and helped me work towards it.
