Working Animals

How working animals serve society and the careers that support them. Articles cover police dogs, assistance animals, farm dogs and therapeutic partnerships.

Assistance Dogs for Extra Support

Assistance dogs trained to perform specific disability-related tasks have legal rights in the UK, unlike emotional support dogs without formal training.

Heavy Horses and What They Do

Heavy horses like Shires, Clydesdales and Suffolk Punches powered British farming before machines took over, and here's what they actually did.

How to Start an Animal Shelter or Dog Rescue in the UK

How to start an animal shelter or dog rescue in the UK: the planning, funding, licensing and day to day reality of running a rescue.

Sniffer and Police Dogs at Work

How police and sniffer dogs use their incredible sense of smell to detect drugs, explosives and other threats faster than any machine.

The Working Life of Sheepdogs and Gundogs

Working sheepdogs and gundogs are bred for the job and thrive when trained from proven stock in country environments.

What Is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Animal Assisted Therapy uses carefully selected animals like dogs and cats to help people lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional wellbeing.

Working for a Hunt

Hunt work involves managing hound packs and maintaining centuries-old traditions on horseback across rural Britain, with specific roles and strict dress codes.

Working Horses on Duty

Police horses in the UK start work at 6am with protective gear and training designed to keep them calm during patrols and crowd control.