Conservation
Detection Dog
Services

Dog & Handler Teams Provision

Our Conservation Detection Dog Services

Our certified dog and handler teams support a wide range of ecological and conservation projects, working sensitively across varied landscapes and survey contexts.

Discover how working with conservation detection dogs can add accuracy, efficiency, and confidence to your project.

Invasive Species Support

We use dogs trained to locate signs of invasive predators. This service includes:

Targeting Control Measures: We map exactly where invasive predatory species are active—identifying “hotspots”—so traps can be placed tactically. 
Eradication Verification: We confirm if an area is truly predator-free following an eradication programme. 
Abundance Mapping: We help assess predator density to inform project planning.

Protected Species Monitoring & Renewables

We assist with population monitoring and ecological impact assessments. This includes: 

Scat & Species Detection: We locate specific elusive species or their droppings (scat) to assist with reintroduction projects and population studies. 
High Accuracy: Our dogs undergo discrimination training to ignore “similar” non-target species, ensuring data accuracy. 
Renewables Support: We support the onshore wind and energy sector by conducting searches for bird or bat fatalities.

Island Biosecurity Screening

We help prevent invasive predatory species from reaching sensitive island ecosystems. Our services include:

Pre-Departure Screening: We check cargo, vehicles, and vessels to ensure no pests are accidentally transported. 
System Design: We assist in designing biosecurity plans by identifying high-risk areas where pests are most likely to hide.

Coaching, Training & Dog Supply

Specialist Coaching  and Dog Provision

Handler Coaching: We offer expert coaching for external dog and handler teams.

Provision of Trained Dogs: We can train and supply detection dogs for your organisation or specific project needs. 

Niche Training: We can train dogs to detect specific target odours by arrangement, creating a custom solution for unique requirements.

HAR Conservation Detection Dogs Guide

Practical guide on how conservation detection dogs can be advantageous.

DETECTION DOG EFFCTIVENESS

Why use Detection Dogs?

Accuracy & Sensitivity
Dogs can find evidence invisible to the human eye—such as scat, deep burrows, or animals in low numbers. Unlike visual searches, a dog’s nose is not limited by vegetation cover.

Sample Integrity
We use positive reinforcement training to ensure a “passive indication” (the dog sits or stares). This ensures the dog does not touch the target, preventing contamination of DNA samples and ensuring the welfare of live species.

Flexible Efficiency
A dog team can search large areas much faster than a human team. We can adapt our search style to cover vast landscapes quickly or conduct detailed, methodical searches depending on your needs.

Works Alongside Technology
While drones and AI are useful tools, dogs can detect targets hidden deep underground or under thick vegetation where thermal cameras cannot reach.

FAQs

Why use a detection dog's to complement camera's and drones?

Dogs are fast and proactive. While cameras are stationery and drones take the vantage from above, a dog actively sweeps the landscape using scent. They fill the gap that digital technology cannot reach, finding targets hidden in deep burrows or dense grass.

Is it safe to use dogs around nesting birds or livestock?

Yes. Safety is our priority. Our dogs are trained to work safely both on and off lead around wildlife and livestock. Because they use a passive indication, they do not disturb or stress the target species they are detecting.

What species can the dogs detect?

We can train dogs to detect almost any specific target odour. If you have a niche requirement, we can conduct a risk assessment and then look at developing a detection dog specifically for your project.