Campaign for Security Industry Reform is calling on regulators to bring security dog handling under the Security Industry Authority’s formal licensing framework, closing what it describes as a major gap in oversight and safety standards.
Currently, dog handlers are licensed only as general security operatives, while dogs are treated as supplementary tools rather than trained working partners. This approach fails to reflect the level of responsibility, decision-making and risk involved when deploying dogs in live security operations.
Lack of regulation increases risk
Because the SIA does not recognise security dog handling as a specialist role, individuals can legally work with security dogs without holding recognised qualifications. This leads to inconsistent standards across the industry and places the public, handlers, clients and animals at avoidable risk.
Despite their role as deterrents, detection assets and protective partners, there is no statutory requirement covering training standards, control, welfare, veterinary fitness, operational deployment or post-incident accountability. Voluntary British Standards such as BS 8517-1 and BS 8517-2 provide clear guidance, but they are not mandatory and cannot be enforced by the SIA.
Professional frameworks already in place
Many experienced handlers are qualified through bodies such as NASDU, NTIPDU and NSCTO. These schemes typically involve formal training, written assessments, continuous professional development and re-licensing, often exceeding the requirements for other licensed security roles.
However, as participation is voluntary, less professional operators can avoid recognised standards entirely, even when working in high-risk environments involving trained animals and public contact.
Urgent call for action
Campaign for Security Industry Reform is urging the SIA and the Home Office to:
- formally recognise security dog handling as a specialist licensed role
- require accredited training and competence standards
- introduce statutory inspection and enforcement
- align regulation with fair pay and employment standards to retain skilled professionals.
Without meaningful reform, one of the most demanding and high-risk areas of private security will remain outside effective statutory control, undermining confidence, welfare and professional standards across the sector.
