Any frequent visitor to Disneyland Resort is bound to have passed through a K9 unit security checkpoint. At first glance, one may simply notice how adorable the dog is while hard at work. However, behind that cuteness is an entire team of security cast members, both human and furry, who work tirelessly to keep Disneyland Resort safe.
The K9 unit (lovingly dubbed the Pluto unit) is comprised of various roles, each vital to their overall success.
Kennel Technicians
This dedicated team of detail-oriented cast is integral to fostering the relationship between K9 handlers and their dogs. They do this by ensuring the dogs are taken care of while they are off-duty and preparing them for every shift.
Doing daily health checks on the dogs, feeding them, and keeping their environment clean and calm are amongst the kennel technicians’ responsibilities. The kennel technicians get to know every dog’s unique personality from spending a lot of time with them at the kennel. This is an important part of the role, as it helps the technicians identify if a dog needs adjustments to their regular routine.
Meet Nicholas Hernandez, a kennel technician of four years now. Nicholas started his journey with the company as a security guest screener, and right away he knew he wanted to expand his knowledge of security at the resort.
Through guidance from leadership, Nicholas learned that the best way to become a K9 handler was to gain experience working with security dogs as a kennel technician. Since transferring in 2021, Nicholas has learned so much about working with security dogs as a kennel technician.
“Being a kennel tech is so rewarding because you get to work alongside our amazing K9 handlers, as well as a human’s best friend – what more can you ask for?” said Nicholas.
K9 Handlers
K9 handlers have the closest relationship with the security dogs at the resort. Each K9 handler is assigned a security dog to work with, making the pair a certified team. In most cases, K9 handlers remain with the same dog until the dog, or handler’s, retirement.
K9 handlers are responsible for working the security checkpoints with their dogs and consistently practicing with their dogs so their skills remain sharp.
Meet Joey Santos, a K9 handler who works as a team with security dog Thor. Joey started his journey as a security host cast member. He first learned of the K9 unit in a training course at the resort, where they were introduced to various roles across the security department.
Joey was first accepted to join the kennel technician team as part of the opening team in 2019! Through guidance from the K9 handlers he supported and through opportunities he was given to practice working with the security dogs, he was able to achieve his dream of becoming a K9 handler in 2020. After six months of rigorous training, Joey was assigned his first canine partner, Thor.
Joey continues to be grateful to be in his dream role, and says, “I would like to thank all the handlers that guided me into this exciting role. What I learned from this experience is that if you give it your all…in the end it will pay off.”
Security Dogs
Now, onto the furriest members of the unit! Disneyland Resort is currently home to 28 trained security dogs of various breeds. Before beginning their roles here, they are trained at an offsite facility and must pass multiple tests to achieve certification. They meet their assigned K9 handler while still at the facility, so their transition to the resort is comfortable and their bond is already established.
Once at the resort, these accomplished canines are inducted as official Disneyland Resort cast members! They receive their own ID card and nametag and even get their own personalized retirement parties.
Part of what makes security dogs great at their job is their energy, endless curiosity and excitement to perform their assigned tasks. Working becomes a game for the K9s – a game that they take seriously and work to perform to the best of their ability. These dedicated dogs are truly safety stars at our resort!
The K9 unit provides cast members with a unique career journey where they can learn and grow through their various roles. Next time you pass through a security checkpoint at Disneyland Resort, take a moment to appreciate the amazing team behind those lovable K9s and the passion they bring to keeping cast members and guests safe every day.
