ServicesDetection (sniffer) dogs
A trained nose, with a handler.
A detection dog can check a room, a car or a queue of people for traces of drugs, explosives or firearms far faster than a person can. Every dog works with its handler, who reads the dog and decides what an indication means. We find and report. What happens next, from a search to a call to the police, is your decision.
Sectors we cover
- Hospitality
- Retail
- Residential
- Corporate
- Events
- Construction
- + sites that fall between them
The dog indicates. You decide next.
Scent
Drugs, explosives or firearms
Handler
With every dog, every search
Discreet
Low-key, quick searches
Every
Search written up
Drug detection searches.
Drug dogs are trained to pick up very small traces of illegal substances. They work through buildings, lockers, vehicles and outdoor areas quickly, without the upheaval of a hand search.
Buildings and rooms
Offices, accommodation, changing rooms and storage.
Vehicles
Cars and vans checked inside and out, under your search policy.
Outdoor areas
Grounds, car parks and festival sites.
Explosives and firearms searches.
Before a large event or a high-profile visit, explosives search dogs check venues, vehicles and deliveries. Some dogs are trained to find firearms and ammunition as well.
Venue sweeps
Stages, seating and backstage areas checked before doors.
Vehicles and deliveries
Checked on arrival at the gate.
Part of the event plan
Searches timed with the event security team.
Active and passive dogs.
Active dogs search rooms and open areas at pace, often off the lead. Passive dogs stay on the lead and work around people, sitting quietly beside anyone carrying a scent they are trained on.
Active search
Rooms, vehicles and open ground covered quickly.
Passive screening
Queues and entrances checked without emptying every bag.
Right dog for the job
We match the type of dog to your site and the people on it.
Workplaces, colleges and venues.
Detection dogs suit places where drugs are a worry but a police search is not the answer. Typical sites include workplaces, colleges, venues, festivals and accommodation blocks.
Workplaces
Unannounced searches as part of a drug and alcohol policy.
Schools and colleges
Calm dogs, used under the school's own policy.
Venues and festivals
Entrance screening alongside the door team.
The handler makes the calls.
A dog is only as reliable as the person holding the lead. Our handlers read the dog's behaviour, keep it under control and follow your rules on privacy and consent. They hold an SIA licence where the role requires one.
Always together
Each dog works with its own handler.
In control
The dog stays under the handler's control throughout.
Welfare planned
Rest, water and proper transport built into every search day.
We report. You decide.
Our team does not take possession of anything found. We mark the location, tell your named contact and write it up. You decide what happens next, including whether to call the police.
Location marked
Exactly where the dog gave its indication.
Contact told
Your named person informed on the spot.
Written report
Areas searched, indications and times.
Built for places drugs get into.
Lockers, cars and crowded entrances are hard to check by hand. A dog checks them quickly and quietly.
Places a hand search misses
A dog finds traces in lockers, vehicles and bags.
Searches that stop work
Quick searches that keep disruption low.
Worries before a big event
Venues and deliveries checked before the public arrive.
Unsure what to do next
A clear report, with you deciding the next step.
How it works
From first call to search report.
- 01
Briefing
We talk through your concerns, your site and your policy on searches.
- 02
Search plan
Areas, timings, type of dog and who to tell, agreed in writing.
- 03
Search day
Handler and dog arrive, search quietly and mark any indications.
- 04
Report
A written report of areas searched, indications and times.
Dogs or not
A detection dog, or hand searches.
Hand searches have their place. A dog covers more ground, faster, with less disruption to the people around it.
Speed
Much faster
A room or a car checked in minutes.
Traces
By scent
Small amounts found that eyes would miss.
Disruption
Low
Fewer bags emptied and fewer people held up.
Deterrence
Word gets round
People think twice once they know the dogs visit.
Records
Written up
Areas searched and indications logged.
The rules
Handler in control
Every detection dog works with its handler. Ignis Shield takes no possession of anything found and never claims police status.
Rules we work toWords from a client go here once one agrees to be quoted. Until then, the search reports speak for the work.
FAQ
Questions people ask about detection dogs.
What can the dogs detect?
Depending on their training, drugs, explosives or firearms. We match the dog to what you need searched.
Are the dogs safe around people?
Yes. They are trained in behaviour and obedience as well as scent work, and they always work with their handler.
What happens if the dog finds something?
The handler marks the spot and tells your named contact. We do not handle or remove what is found. You decide the next step, including calling the police.
Can the dogs check people?
Passive dogs can work around people in a queue or at an entrance. Any search of a person that follows is carried out under your own policy and the law.
How are the dogs looked after?
Rest breaks, fresh water and proper transport are planned into every search day. A tired dog works less well, so welfare comes first.
Can searches be unannounced?
Yes, where your policy allows. Many workplaces use unannounced searches as part of their drug and alcohol policy.
Book a detection dog search.
Book a free site assessment. We will talk through your concerns and the right type of search for your site.
