Pets With Jobs in Australia—Police Dogs

(Photo courtesy: ABC News)

When we think of pets, we often imagine furry companions lounging on couches or chasing tennis balls in the backyard. But some pets have important jobs—and they take them very seriously. In Australia, police dogs are a shining example of animals working side by side with humans to help keep our communities safe.

These four-legged officers aren’t just adorable—they're highly trained professionals playing vital roles in law enforcement. 

What Do Police Dogs Do?

Police dogs perform a variety of specialised tasks, depending on their training. In Australia, they are commonly used in:

• Tracking and apprehending suspects

• Searching for missing people

• Detecting illegal drugs, firearms, explosives or cash

• Crowd control and public order policing

• Evidence recovery at crime scenes

Some dogs are general-purpose police dogs, trained to handle multiple tasks. Others are specialists, such as detection dogs who work in airports, ports and even postal facilities.

Which Breeds Are Used?

Not all dogs are cut out for police work. Breeds commonly used by Australian police forces include:

• German Shepherds – known for their strength, intelligence and loyalty. These dogs often serve in general duties, such as tracking and suspect apprehension.

• Belgian Malinois – similar to German Shepherds but lighter and faster. They're agile, driven and have sharp instincts, making them ideal for dynamic police work.

• Labrador Retrievers – used mainly for detection tasks due to their incredible sense of smell and calm temperament.

(Photo courtesy: Victoria Police)

Training a Police Dog

Training starts when the dogs are still puppies and can take many months to complete. Dogs must pass strict assessments to qualify for duty. They’re taught obedience, agility, bite work (for general-purpose dogs) and how to detect specific scents.

Training isn’t a one-time event—it continues throughout the dog's career to maintain high performance standards. Their handlers, who are also specially trained police officers, form strong bonds with their dogs, often taking them home after hours and adopting them once they retire.

Life on the Job

Police dogs work in all sorts of environments—from city streets to bushland. They may be involved in fast-paced vehicle pursuits, quiet sniff-searches at the airport, or large crowd control operations.

Their days are structured and busy, but they’re not all work and no play. Police dogs receive plenty of praise, enrichment and downtime. They live with their handlers and are treated like members of the family.

Retirement and Beyond

A police dog typically retires between the ages of 7 and 10, depending on their health and the demands of their role. After retirement, they usually stay with their handler or are rehomed with loving families. Some retired dogs go on to become therapy animals or enjoy well-earned rest as pampered pets.

A Final Salute

Australia’s police dogs are more than just pets with jobs—they are heroes. Their keen senses, courage and loyalty make them indispensable partners in keeping Australians safe.

So, next time you see a police dog, give them the silent respect they deserve (resist the urge to pat them—they’re working!). Behind that wagging tail is a highly trained officer, doing their duty with heart and paws.