Advisors for the use of Detection Dogs in Conservation
The ADDC provides an advisory service to help ensure high quality conservation detection dog training and handling standards are achieved, and maintained, with a focus on the welfare of detection dogs and the target species.
Who We Are
The UK's need for conservation detection dogs as an innovative and effective method of protected species survey continues to grow. In response, the ADDC was established by a select group of the UK's most reputable, experienced and knowledgeable conservation detection dog specialists.
The board now brings together leading conservation, ecology and detection-dog experts from across the UK and around the world.
Our Mission
The ADDC provides guidance to maintain high standards in conservation detection dog training and handling, prioritising the wellbeing of both the dogs and the target species.
We work to emphasise the value of skilled dog teams in field ecology and conservation work, and promote collaborative partnerships with recognised international specialists to enhance education and understanding regarding conservation dog teams throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.
Key People
Awesome Founders
Our founder profiles will be published here soon.
Supported By
Our Advisors
Board Member
Louise Wilson
Conservation K9 Consultancy
Board Member
Nikki Glover
Wessex Water
Board Member
Willow West
Advisor
Karen DeMatteo
Washington University
Advisor
Heath Smith
Rogue Detection Teams
Advisor
Jennifer Hartman
Rogue Detection Teams
Advisor
Luke Gorman
AtkinsRéalis
Advisor
Kat Stanhope
HS2 Ltd
Advisor
Aran Clyne
Paws for Conservation
Advisor
Lucy Bearman-Brown
Advisor
Paul Bunker
Chiron K9
Advisor
Mark Vick
Working Dogs for Conservation
Advisor
Angela Winstanley
Wrexham Glyndwr University
Advisor
Fiona Jackson
Skylos Ecology
Advisor
Tracy Lyten
Skylos Ecology
Advisor
Vicky Hudson
CapeNature
Advisor
Rachael Flavell
Paws for Conservation
Good Practice
Guidelines
This site is a platform for us to publish best practice guidelines for the use of dogs in conservation.
Possessing great crested newts for detection dog training — guidance to inform licensing
The ADDC has been working hard to produce a comprehensive guidance document for Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and NatureScot, the governing bodies for great crested newt licensing in the UK.
This guidance document has been prepared by UK based board members of the ADDC and is intended to inform licensing decisions in relation to possessing great crested newts for the purpose of detection dog training.
Although this guidance document is primarily intended to assist governing bodies with great crested newt licensing decisions, this document also contains a wealth of information which would be useful and informative for anyone who is considering applying for a licence to possess great crested newts for detection dog training.
This guidance document has been subject to review and comment by the global ADDC, the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, Natural England and NatureScot.
Wildlife Detection Dogs for Ecological Surveys and Conservation Research: UK Good Practice Guidelines
First Edition 2026
Guidelines developed by Louise Wilson, Nikki Glover & Willow West
Our Good Practice Guidelines are now in the final review stages.
Research
Journals Published by ADDC Members
Email the ADDC
Drop us a line and a member of the board will be in touch. Prefer email? Write to info@theaddc.org.