Aviation Security Service Explosive Detector Dogs

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Aviation Security Service Explosive Detector Dogs

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AvSec's detector dogs are specially trained to detect explosives, keeping you safe at NZ airports. Each EDD team consists of one dog and one handler.

About our dogs

Avsec’s explosive detector dogs (EDD) are different from Customs and MPI dogs. Their job is to sniff for explosives and explosive materials not drugs or food. These teams do a very important job protecting travellers, airline crew, airport workers and New Zealand at large by ensuring that no dangerous materials are present on aircraft or in our airports. They are based at the main airports: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Why do we need dogs? Our dog teams search for any explosives in car parks, navigation facilities, unattended cars and unattended items/bags, cargo, and aircraft. They also conduct random searches around the airport environment, at check in counters, screening points, and gate lounges. By being visible they can act as a deterrent for any wrongdoers. They also help other agencies like the Police, Customs and Corrections when there are bomb threats at airports as well as other places. Our dog teams are mobile, quick and the most reliable and cost-effective way of detecting explosives. Training
Teams undergo a 10 week training course and graduate from the Police Dog Training Centre as ‘Operational’. To be suitable for our programme the dogs need to be happy, confident, sociable, love to play with toys, with no aggression. Avsec’s explosive detector dog training programme was officially recognised by the United States’ Transportation Security Administration in October 2014 — a world-first acknowledgement. History
The EDD unit was started in 1992 with one team and will soon expand to over 32 teams. Collectible cards
Avsec’s collectible cards for each of its 32 dogs are designed to educate children about the safeguards that exist to protect them at the airport and in the air. Some children want to play with the dogs and others find their presence intimidating. The cards aim to help them understand that the dogs are at the airport to do an important job. The cards are handed out at airports where the dogs work and are an economical and effective way to educate, because the teams are often focused on their job and unable to stop and talk to travellers about what the dogs are doing. For further information please go to our website at the following address;

http://www.avsec.govt.nz/travellers/explosive-detector-dogs/about-our-dogs/

25/09/2026

High fives all round! Trainee Detector Dog Reggie is ready for the weekend ✋🐶

09/09/2026

Join the team 🙌🐶

We’re hiring Explosive Detector Dog Handlers 🐾🐕

Looking for a career with purpose, challenge, and impact?

This is more than a dog handling role. It is a frontline operational position requiring sound judgement, professionalism, resilience, and a strong commitment to public safety.

You’ll be joining the Aviation Security Service (AvSec), part of the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA), that helps protect New Zealand's aviation system and the people who rely on it every day.

Location: Auckland
Start Date: mid-Jan 2027
Applications close 16 September

Learn more here: https://careers.aviation.govt.nz/job/Auckland-Explosive-Detector-Dog-Handlers-2150/1366824466/

13/08/2026

Quality control check complete. ✅

Rock? Stable. Beach? Excellent. Sunset? Approved.

Final assessment: a successful off-duty adventure.

06/08/2026

Sunsets, sand, and a very photogenic detector dog. 🌅🐾

Thanks for striking a pose, Libby!

28/07/2026

Tua, Rusty and Georgia hanging out after shift ☀️🐾

21/07/2026

Ned’s not just a cute face 🐶🐾

This doggo does a very important job protecting travellers, airline crew, airport workers and New Zealand at large by ensuring that no explosive materials are present on aircraft or in our airport.

15/07/2026

I spy Ned, the Explosive Detector Dog! 👀

07/07/2026

By day, Bridget works for the Civil Aviation Authority of NZ and Aviation Security Service - AvSec. Outside of work, she and her dog Bandit are a dedicated Search and Rescue team, helping locate lost, missing and injured people across New Zealand.

Like our Explosive Detector Dogs, Bandit is a working dog with an extraordinary sense of smell and impressive tracking skills that help keep people safe.

Recently, Bridget and Bandit, alongside their wider search and rescue team, received a Gold Award at the New Zealand Search and Rescue Awards at Parliament. The award recognised their role in the 20-day search for Argentine tourist Hector Gaston Artigau, who went missing while walking the Rob Roy Track in Mt Aspiring National Park.

We're incredibly proud of Bridget, Bandit and all the award recipients — including the working dogs whose dedication, skill and teamwork help keep New Zealanders and visitors safe every day.

👏 Congratulations, Bridget and Bandit! 🐕🏅

06/07/2026

Happy Monday! Check out this dynamic duo: Ned and Otto 🐶💕

30/06/2026

Keeping New Zealand's skies safe and secure is all in a day's work for Otto the Explosive Detector Dog. Off duty, he's all about walkies with his handler. 🐾

Address

Auckland Airport
Auckland
2022

Website

https://www.aviation.govt.nz/passenger-information/about-our-dogs/

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