Thames Valley Police
The forces which jointly run the Dog Section under the Joint Operations Unit (JOU) are looking for people to take on the responsibility of helping to develop and train the next generation of Police Dogs.
As Puppy Socialisers the role would require the puppy to live with you from 8 weeks old to approximately 12 months old.
During this period, as Puppy Socialisers, you would be required to introduce the puppy to as many new environments and experiences as possible, whilst also starting the foundation of puppy training.
The puppies we produce are not normal pet dogs. They are keen, enthusiastic and highly motivated and as such they are not the type of dog that is happy to lie down and sleep all day, they are going to need lots of regular exercise and stimulation. It can be a challenging but extremely rewarding role.
To become a Puppy Socialiser you will need to answer YES to the following questions.
If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team at RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 22605. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible.
The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 4th Jan 2026. (Subject to change)
Please use Google Chrome when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance.
Please note this vacancy may be removed earlier once sufficient candidates have been sourced.
As a volunteer within the police service, you will be subjected to a level of police vetting. The level will be dependent upon the role and it’s access requirements. With the higher levels of vetting, applicants could be asked to provide details of family members, partner, partner’s parents and co-residents, as well as additional information regarding their own personal circumstances. This process is required to ensure that Thames Valley Police comply with the legislation of the Vetting Code of Practice.
Whilst we endeavour to complete all vetting within 30 working days of receipt of vetting forms, unfortunately this is not always the case due to operational demand and back-logs, and could take considerably longer.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your application please do not hesitate to get in touch.
At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.
Working Smart. You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.
Supporting You. Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.
Developing You. We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.
Vetting. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
