Could you become a Cornwall Search Dogs handler in 2027?

Somewhere out in a field, a dog handler is following a trail laid by a stranger, reading their own dog’s body language for the smallest change in pace or posture. That’s the work behind Cornwall Search Dogs, and the charity is starting to look for the next people who might do it.

Growing the team for 2027

Cornwall Search Dogs says it will be looking to grow its team of dog handlers in 2027. Recruitment hasn’t opened yet, but anyone who thinks the role might suit them can start getting to know the charity now.

Handlers work as part of a dog and handler team, with an interest in trailing and in developing their skills alongside their dog. But the charity is clear that there’s more to the role than working a search dog. Searching for a missing dog means working alongside other people, talking to members of the public who may be worried or distressed, thinking clearly when situations are difficult, and being a reliable part of a team.

More than training and searches

Being part of Cornwall Search Dogs also means contributing to the wider work of the charity. Alongside training and searches, the team helps with fundraising, events, talks and other activities that keep the service running. Cornwall Search Dogs says it’s looking for people who want to be part of the charity as a whole, rather than simply train and handle a search dog.

How to get involved before recruitment opens

Before recruiting begins, the charity would like to meet people who are interested in its work, and give them the chance to find out more too. One of the best ways to do that is to join a training day as a volunteer missing person.

Volunteers come along without their own dog and lay trails for the search dog teams to work. In return, they get to see how the charity trains, meet the team, understand more about how Cornwall Search Dogs operates, and spend time with people who share an interest in dogs and trailing. The charity gets to know volunteers too.

Volunteering doesn’t guarantee a future place on the team, and it won’t be the only route in once recruitment opens. Cornwall Search Dogs describes it simply as a chance to get involved now and explore whether joining the team is something to pursue later.

Training days take place on Sunday mornings across the county. Anyone interested can register by emailing [email protected].