Dog Visiting Scheme

The Dog Visiting Scheme is a new addition to our volunteer activities at the OPCC.  

Alongside their regular visits to police custody suites, Independent Custody Visitors now also visit police dog kennels and attend dog-related events, including training sessions. These visits provide independent oversight of how police dogs are cared for by Kent Police, and ensuring that the conditions of the dog kennels and other facilities are up to standard. In addition, care records of dogs seized under the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 are reviewed, ensuring that these dogs are being well cared for in the kennels they are being held at.

What do the volunteers do?

In small groups, the volunteers will;

• Visit police dog kennels to observe the conditions of the dogs held there
• Look at areas such as the kennels themselves, exercise areas and the police vehicles used to transport dogs
• Speak with dog handlers where possible
• Review care records to check that dogs are receiving appropriate care, including vaccinations and veterinary check-ups
• Record their findings, highlighting good practice and any concerns
• Attend events where police dogs are present, including training sessions and public events, to check that the dogs are well cared for and have access to water, shade and rest periods
• Dip-sample the care records of dogs seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, to ensure that they are being taken care of appropriately