Hi, my name is Claire, and I’m a Kennel Manager in the Border Force National Dog Unit.
At school, my dream job was to be a police dog handler. After completing my A-Levels I wanted to take a year out before going to university, so I applied for job with HM Customs and Excise in 2001. After 2 years I became a Customs Anti-Smuggling Officer working across the North West of the UK, carrying out a wide range of duties. This included detecting restricted and prohibited goods at the airports and seaports, seizing goods and arresting passengers when appropriate. In 2005 I became a Dog Unit Team Leader. I stayed within the department as it changed to HM Revenue and Customs, UK Border Agency and then finally to Border Force. I never did make it to university!
I thoroughly enjoy working with the Detector dogs every day. Each dog has their own personality, and I love getting to know all of them.
A big part of the Kennel team’s job is enrichment for the dogs, during their ‘downtime’, whilst they’re not working. Being able to enjoy their time off allows the dogs to concentrate more and work to their full potential, therefore resulting in increased positive detections. Sometimes it’s a case of trial and error to find out what each dog enjoys and what they don’t. We make sure there is always a different range of treats, toys and activities available to ensure the dogs’ lives are as fulfilled as possible.
I have two school aged children, two dogs and a horse, and I’m able manage my life outside of work around my shifts. My role includes working early, mid and late shifts during the week, weekends and public holidays, which can include Christmas Day, for example.
Working in Border Force has given me a stable career with prospects for promotion and the chance to work in a variety of roles across the country. If you’re thinking about applying, then do it: you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference and build a meaningful career at the same time.
