Wildlife Detection Dogs

Credit: Alana Scott

Author: Louise Wilson

Approved by Mammal Society Science Advisory Committee September 2026

The Mammal Society recognises the significant contribution that appropriately trained conservation detection dogs can make to mammal research, monitoring and conservation across the United Kingdom. When selected, trained and deployed within a robust scientific, ethical and welfare framework, detection dogs provide an effective, non-invasive survey methodology that can improve species detection, strengthen ecological evidence and support informed conservation decision-making.

As the use of conservation detection dogs continues to expand, it is essential that the profession develops alongside clear standards of competence, ethics, animal welfare and professional practice. The Mammal Society believes that maintaining these standards is fundamental to protecting wildlife, ensuring scientific integrity and retaining public confidence in this developing field.

Conservation detection dog work should be recognised as a specialist professional discipline. It requires carefully selected working dogs, competent handlers, an understanding of canine behaviour and learning, sound knowledge of the ecology and behaviour of target species, and an appreciation of the wider ecological context in which surveys are undertaken. It is not simply an extension of general dog training or recreational scent work, but a specialist ecological survey methodology requiring appropriate knowledge, experience and professional accountability.

The Mammal Society considers that professional competence cannot be demonstrated through attendance on a short-duration training course alone. Competence should instead be evidenced through structured training undertaken over an appropriate period, practical field experience, documented performance, appropriate mentoring where applicable, independent or third-party assessment, and an ongoing commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Attendance on a course, in isolation, should not be regarded as sufficient evidence of operational competence.

Professional conservation detection dog teams should be able to demonstrate appropriate documentation, including training records, competency assessments and operational performance records, together with robust biosecurity procedures and ethical working practices. Teams should also work with appropriate ecological or species-specific expertise to ensure that surveys are scientifically robust, methodologically appropriate and suitable for the conservation objectives being addressed.

The Society recognises that inadequately trained or poorly prepared dog-handler teams have the potential to adversely affect wildlife, sensitive habitats, livestock, working dogs and the wider environment. Poor practice may compromise data quality, necessitate repeat surveys, waste valuable conservation resources and reduce confidence in conservation detection dogs as a reliable ecological survey tool. As with many emerging professional disciplines, the actions of a small number of poorly prepared practitioners can have disproportionate consequences for the credibility and future development of the wider sector.

The welfare of both wildlife and working dogs must remain paramount. Detection dog teams should operate in accordance with recognised welfare principles, ensuring that dogs are physically and mentally prepared for operational work, appropriately managed throughout deployments, provided with suitable opportunities for rest and recovery, and not subjected to excessive workloads. Working practices should take account of environmental conditions, terrain, search duration and the individual capabilities and welfare needs of each dog.

Robust biosecurity procedures should be implemented throughout all stages of training and operational deployment, including the collection, storage, transport and use of biological training materials, to minimise the risk of disease transmission, cross-contamination and environmental harm.

The Mammal Society therefore endorses the accompanying Wildlife Detection Dogs for Ecological Surveys and Conservation Research: UK Good Practice Guidelines (First Edition) as a framework for promoting consistent, ethical and evidence-based practice. These Guidelines are intended to support practitioners, ecological consultants, conservation organisations, regulators, land managers, commissioners and other end users by establishing clear expectations for the responsible training and deployment of conservation detection dog teams within the UK.

By promoting professional competence, transparency, independent assessment, high standards of animal welfare, robust biosecurity and a commitment to lifelong professional development, these Guidelines seek to safeguard wildlife, improve the quality and reliability of ecological evidence, support responsible practitioners and contribute to the continued development of conservation detection dogs as a trusted and respected methodology within conservation and ecology.

These Guidelines are not intended to restrict innovation or discourage participation within the sector. Rather, they seek to provide a professional framework within which innovation can develop responsibly, while encouraging competent, ethical and evidence-based practice that protects wildlife, supports practitioners, promotes working dog welfare and maintains confidence in conservation detection dogs as a professional ecological survey methodology.

The Mammal Society encourages practitioners, commissioners of ecological surveys, training providers, conservation organisations and other organisations using conservation detection dogs to adopt these principles and to work collaboratively towards maintaining and advancing the highest professional standards.

Through collective commitment to competence, welfare, scientific integrity and professional accountability, the conservation detection dog community can continue to develop in a way that delivers meaningful benefits for wildlife, conservation and the future of the discipline.

Full Best Practice Guidelines (free pdf download)