Police force looking for puppy foster homes before they join the force

Surrey Police are currently seeking applicants.

The force are looking for minders to take in some of their future police dogs for a period of around 12 months, before they progress to become fully fledged police dogs.

A statement posted to the Surrey Police Facebook page last week reads: "Did you know that our police puppies are fostered by puppy minders in their own homes for the first six to 15 months of their lives?

"It is not always an easy task, but help is given along the way by our police dog training school, and these puppies are raised to become fantastic potential police dogs."

The post continues: "The puppies are allocated to their foster parents at eight weeks old and remain with them for the first formative months of their lives. They can live with other dogs, and children, if they understand the expectations of puppy minding. No experience is necessary, but a willingness to travel to training venues across Surrey and Sussex is required. We raise German Shepherds, Labradors, and Spaniels.

"If you think you might be interested in fostering a police puppy, you can get in touch for an application form by emailing KennelAttendants@surrey.police.uk. Once you have completed and returned this you will be invited to a new minder session, where we can answer all of your questions and discuss the scheme in more depth.

"Yes – it can be heartbreaking when these incredible puppies go off to start their careers, but knowing what a difference they make and the important work they do makes it all worth it!"

Those interested can email KennelAttendants@surrey.police.uk for an application form.