Any frequent customer to Disneyland Resort is certain to have handed by a K9 unit safety checkpoint. At first look, one could merely discover how cute the canine is whereas laborious at work. Nevertheless, behind that cuteness is a complete workforce of safety solid members, each human and furry, who work tirelessly to maintain Disneyland Resort secure.
The K9 unit (lovingly dubbed the Pluto unit) is comprised of assorted roles, every very important to their general success.
Kennel Technicians
This devoted workforce of detail-oriented solid is integral to fostering the connection between K9 handlers and their canine. They do that by guaranteeing the canine are taken care of whereas they’re off-duty and getting ready them for each shift.
Doing day by day well being checks on the canine, feeding them, and holding their setting clear and calm are amongst the kennel technicians’ obligations. The kennel technicians get to know each canine’s distinctive persona from spending plenty of time with them on the kennel. This is a crucial a part of the position, because it helps the technicians determine if a canine wants changes to their common routine.
Meet Nicholas Hernandez, a kennel technician of 4 years now. Nicholas began his journey with the corporate as a safety visitor screener, and instantly he knew he needed to develop his information of safety on the resort.
By steering from management, Nicholas realized that one of the best ways to grow to be a K9 handler was to achieve expertise working with safety canine as a kennel technician. Since transferring in 2021, Nicholas has realized a lot about working with safety canine as a kennel technician.
“Being a kennel tech is so rewarding since you get to work alongside our superb K9 handlers, in addition to a human’s greatest pal – what extra are you able to ask for?” mentioned Nicholas.
K9 Handlers
K9 handlers have the closest relationship with the safety canine on the resort. Every K9 handler is assigned a safety canine to work with, making the pair a licensed workforce. Generally, K9 handlers stay with the identical canine till the canine, or handler’s, retirement.
K9 handlers are chargeable for working the safety checkpoints with their canine and persistently training with their canine so their abilities stay sharp.
Meet Joey Santos, a K9 handler who works as a workforce with safety canine Thor. Joey began his journey as a safety host solid member. He first realized of the K9 unit in a coaching course on the resort, the place they had been launched to varied roles throughout the safety division.
Joey was first accepted to affix the kennel technician workforce as a part of the opening workforce in 2019! By steering from the K9 handlers he supported and thru alternatives he was given to apply working with the safety canine, he was capable of obtain his dream of turning into a K9 handler in 2020. After six months of rigorous coaching, Joey was assigned his first canine associate, Thor.
Joey continues to be grateful to be in his dream position, and says, “I want to thank all of the handlers that guided me into this thrilling position. What I realized from this expertise is that when you give it your all…ultimately it’s going to repay.”
Safety Canines
Now, onto the furriest members of the unit! Disneyland Resort is at the moment dwelling to twenty-eight skilled safety canine of assorted breeds. Earlier than starting their roles right here, they’re skilled at an offsite facility and should go a number of exams to attain certification. They meet their assigned K9 handler whereas nonetheless on the facility, so their transition to the resort is comfy and their bond is already established.
As soon as on the resort, these completed canines are inducted as official Disneyland Resort solid members! They obtain their very own ID card and nametag and even get their very own customized retirement events.
A part of what makes safety canine nice at their job is their power, countless curiosity and pleasure to carry out their assigned duties. Working turns into a recreation for the K9s – a recreation that they take significantly and work to carry out to one of the best of their means. These devoted canine are actually security stars at our resort!
The K9 unit gives solid members with a singular profession journey the place they will study and develop by their numerous roles. Subsequent time you go by a safety checkpoint at Disneyland Resort, take a second to understand the superb workforce behind these lovable K9s and the eagerness they carry to holding solid members and friends secure daily.
