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Police dog handler: the canine unit in Quebec

Police dog handlers at the SPVM, the Sûreté du Québec and the RCMP: missions of the canine team, qualities required, selection, training and allowances.

October 20, 2026 · By the Agent Policier editorial team · Lire en français

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As of October 20, 2026, the canine unit of the SPVM (Montreal police service) has 15 police dog handlers and 13 operational dogs, according to its "Escouade canine" page. A dog handler is a police officer first. At the SPVM, you need at least 4 years of seniority to become one. Jobs open to graduates are listed on our page police officer jobs in Quebec. This text applies to women and men police officers alike.

Canine unit, dog team, dog handler

The Office québécois de la langue française defines the escouade canine (canine unit) as a group of police officers and dogs trained to assist them in their investigations. The French term is used almost exclusively in Quebec. The handler and the dog form a dog team.

A police officer position, not an entry point

You must first become a police officer, with the diploma of the École nationale de police du Québec (Quebec's police academy). The path is described in our article on how to become a police officer. At the SPVM and the RCMP, the dog handler is then chosen among serving officers.

The collective agreement of the Sûreté du Québec (Quebec's provincial police) names three positions: dog handler, patrol dog handler and victim support dog investigator.

The missions of the canine team

At the SPVM, each dog receives general training, then a specialization in detecting drugs or explosives. The service's "Escouade canine" page lists its missions.

Detecting drugs, explosives, firearms and money
Searching for objects outdoors, such as stolen items or evidence
Searching a building for a hidden suspect or a missing person
Tracking a fleeing suspect or a missing person
Supporting officers during high-risk interventions
Patrolling parks, metro stations and large gatherings
Supporting police forces that have no canine unit

The qualities required

The RCMP describes the dog handler it is looking for on its "Nos maîtres-chiens" page. The handler is a regular member and an above-average investigator. They work independently, are motivated and in good shape. They are patient, decisive and flexible. They control their emotions and stay even-tempered. They take responsibility for their dog's actions.

The SPVM also describes the dog it selects: perfect health, agility, sociability, courage, strength and perseverance. It generally weighs 25 to 35 kg. The breeds named are the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd.

Becoming a dog handler at the SPVM

The SPVM "Formation" page sets three requirements for each dog handler.

Hold at least a level II certificate in dog raising and training, issued by Certification Cyno-Professionnelle Canadienne
Have at least 4 years of seniority at the SPVM
Have passed every step of the selection process and the training program

The English version of the same page adds membership in the Association des maîtres de chiens policiers du Québec and the Canadian Police Canine Association.

The 2022 to 2026 collective agreement of Montreal police officers allows the Service to hold an annual selection process for the dog handler position (paragraph 7.01). Transfer requests are frozen on April 15 and the process starts on April 16.

Training the dog and the team

In Quebec, no police force has its dogs trained by a private institution, the SPVM writes. Training is always given by a police force in the province or elsewhere in Canada. At the SPVM, it has two stages.

The puppy arrives at 8 to 10 weeks in a foster family made up of SPVM members, then is tested at around 8 months
At around 2 years, the dog is assigned to its handler for full training lasting 105 days on average

The English version of the page gives other durations: a dog assigned at around one and a half years, 18 weeks of basic training and 5 weeks of specialization. The dog team then trains every day and must qualify every year in each of its disciplines.

Becoming a dog handler at the RCMP

The RCMP has more than 160 dog teams across Canada, according to its "Nos maîtres-chiens" page. A regular member who wants to become a dog handler must pass several steps.

The imprinting course for potential police dogs, and imprinting puppies
A course in map reading, compass orientation and satellite navigation
The selection week for potential dog handlers
The five-month specialized dog handler course, with their police dog

The RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre is in Innisfail, Alberta. RCMP dog teams must qualify every year in all their profiles. RCMP police recruitment is explained in our article on RCMP recruitment.

The dog lives with the officer

Schedule S of the Montreal collective agreement provides that the dog lives permanently at the handler's home, except during annual vacation. The handler must live in a home that allows an outdoor kennel and own a vehicle that can hold a cage. The Service provides the equipment and the food. When the dog retires, officers of the unit get first chance to acquire it.

A dog handler's salary

A dog handler earns the salary of their rank, detailed in our article on police officer salary. The agreements add amounts specific to the position.

Sûreté du Québec: a monthly allowance of $233 since April 1, 2021 for housing, care, custody and supervision of the dog outside working hours (paragraph 15.02 of the 2022 to 2028 collective agreement)
Sûreté du Québec: an adjustment of 2.5% of the salary scale from June 29, 2020 to December 31, 2024 (paragraph 11.12). Since January 1, 2025, Schedule B classifies the dog handler among specialist constables
SPVM: the patrol premium, paid to dog handlers, has been 2.0% since January 1, 2026 (paragraph 3.06 of the 2022 to 2026 agreement)

This text is neither legal advice nor union advice.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you become a police dog handler?

You must first become a police officer, then apply to your police force's internal selection. The SPVM requires at least 4 years of seniority and a level II certificate in dog training. The RCMP requires you to be a regular member and to pass a five-month course with your dog.

What is a police dog handler's salary?

A dog handler earns the salary of their police rank. At the Sûreté du Québec, they also receive an allowance of $233 a month for keeping the dog. At the SPVM, the 2.0% patrol premium has applied to the position since January 1, 2026.

What training do you need to become a dog handler in Quebec?

The basic training is the same as for any police officer, with the diploma of the École nationale de police du Québec. At the SPVM, the dog handler must also hold a level II certificate in dog raising and training. Training with the dog lasts 105 days on average.

What is a canine brigade?

It is a group of police officers and dogs trained to assist them in their investigations, according to the Office québécois de la langue française. In Quebec French, people mostly say escouade canine. The terms brigade canine and équipe cynophile are used elsewhere in the French-speaking world.

What are police with dogs called?

The officer is called a dog handler. The unit is called a canine unit or K9 unit, and the pair forms a dog team. The SPVM, the Sûreté du Québec and the RCMP each have their own.

How do you train a police dog?

Training is done by police forces themselves. In Quebec, no police force has its dogs trained by a private institution, according to the SPVM. The puppy first grows up in a foster family, then is trained with its handler.