Bad Dogs Wanted

March 2007

AQIS 20704

Is your dog driving you crazy? Does he eat non-stop? Dig up your garden?  Escape from the yard and go walkabout?

Your pesky pooch could become a star with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service — AQIS — and save Australia from imported exotic pests and diseases.

AQIS detector dogs work at airports, international mail centres and air courier depots where they sniff out fruit and vegetables, meat, plant material, eggs, birds, reptiles . . . even bees!

If you think your pooch has what it takes, AQIS recruiters are looking for beagles and other dogs that:

  • are under 20 kilograms -- no bigger than a cattle dog or kelpie
  • are 1—3 years of age
  • will do anything for food or a game of tug-of-war — in fact, your dog should want to keep eating or playing all day
  • are outgoing, playful and get along with people and other dogs

AQIS’s ‘brown collar workers’ undergo extensive training in Sydney before they’re teamed with a handler. Accommodation, meals, veterinary care and professional development are all part of their employment package.

Last but not least, dog owners need to be quick. AQIS will be holding trials as soon as possible.  If you think your pooch has what it takes to protect Australia, please contact Yvonne Harris, AQIS Dog Handler, on mobile 0409 360 978

Media contact:
Jen O’Reilly DAFF Media +61 2 6272 3232