Australia’s detector dog handlers work across airports, seaports and mail centres to help prevent harmful pests and diseases from entering the country. Their partnership with highly trained detector dogs is an important part of our biosecurity system.
People are drawn to the Detector Dog Program because it offers meaningful, hands-on work that contributes directly to protecting Australia’s agriculture, environment and communities. New handlers receive structured training that builds foundational biosecurity knowledge, practical dog handling skills and experience in real screening settings. While animal handling experience can be helpful, the role suits people who are observant, adaptable and confident working in busy environments.
Each day begins with preparing detector dogs for deployment, including undertaking readiness and health checks. Handlers then move to operational deployment where they screen passengers, baggage, cargo and mail depending on their location. Regular training sessions throughout every shift help ensure dogs remain confident and capable in detecting a wide range of biosecurity risk material.
Working closely with a detector dog and contributing to Australia’s biosecurity makes this a rewarding and unique career.
This month’s video provides insight into the role of our detector dog handlers, the training that supports their work, and what motivates people to join the program.
March detector dog calendar video
DAFF’s biosecurity detector dog handlers play an important frontline role in Australia’s biosecurity system.
Working with highly trained detector dogs, they screen travellers, cargo, and mail across the country to help prevent harmful pests and diseases from entering Australia.
This protects Australia’s agriculture, fisheries, and forestry industries that are worth over $100 billion dollars, as well as our nation’s environmental, plant, animal, and human health.
SLIDE: What does a typical day include for a detector dog handler?
Handlers typically start their day with a health check on their dogs, then deploy with their dogs to airports, seaports, and mail centres across Australia to screen for biosecurity risk material.
They also undertake training exercises for their dog to remain proficient in detecting a wide range of biosecurity risk commodities.
SLIDE: What attracts people to the Detector Dog Program?
People are often drawn to the Detector Dog Program because it offers meaningful, hands-on work that directly contributes to protecting Australia’s biosecurity.
Detector dog handlers enjoy the fast-paced operational environment, the analytical problem-solving, and the opportunity to work closely with their highly trained detector dog.
It’s a job like no other.
SLIDE: What training is required to become a detector dog handler?
The department provides a structured handler training program, starting with foundational biosecurity training followed by a 12-week development program.
Practical dog handling skills, on the job experience, and exposure to real screening environments, are all part of the training to prepare handlers for a wide range of deployment situations.
SLIDE: Is an animal handling background necessary?
An animal handling background can be helpful, but isn’t required.
What matters most is a willingness to learn, good situational awareness and the ability to work confidently in busy operational settings.
SLIDE: What do handlers enjoy most about the role?
Many handlers enjoy the role because every day is different and offers variety. One thing does stay the same each day however – they get to go to work with their detector dog.
Handlers play a vital role in safeguarding Australia’s biosecurity.
Every day, they apply their skills, judgement, and operational expertise to help protect our borders.
Stay tuned for upcoming videos in this series, where we introduce more of the people behind DAFF’s detector dog program.
