Tag dogs in conservation

26 Apr

More GCF-Sponsored K9 Gear and Training Support Headed to Bangladesh

More specialized conservation K9 gear, fully sponsored by the Global Conservation Force (GCF), is currently being prepared for shipment to support ongoing wildlife protection efforts in Bangladesh. This latest equipment deployment will directly support our trusted partners at Creative Conservation Alliance and their work alongside GCF Conservation K9 Clive. K9 Clive plays a critical role in the protection of some of Bangladesh’s most threatened wildlife. Trained by Scent Imprint for Dogs, Clive is a specialized conservation detection dog trained to locate endangered pangolin and tortoise species. His work supports field teams by increasing detection efficiency, strengthening monitoring efforts, and contributing to the protection of species that are highly vulnerable to poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking.

READ MORE

22 Apr

GCF Donor Meet & Greet with K9s Odin & Kesa

Global Conservation Force invites you, your family, and friends to join us for a special GCF Donor Meet & Greet featuring two of our working conservation K9s, Odin and Kesa. This family-friendly event combines hands-on fun, behind-the-scenes insight into GCF’s K9 conservation programs, and engaging demonstrations that showcase the real-world capabilities of working dogs used in conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Guests will enjoy food available for purchase as part of the day’s fundraising efforts, including burgers, hot dogs, chili, chips, and refreshing shaved ice. We’re also excited to welcome Parrs Mobile Mini Golf, offering a short, fun, family-friendly round of putt-putt golf for a small donation—perfect for kids and adults alike.

READ MORE

23 Feb

Coffee & Conservation: Rita Santas on Conservation K9s, Dogs for Nature, and Building Capacity in the Field

In the latest episode of Coffee & Conservation, Mike sits down with Rita Santas, conservation K9 handler and founder-owner of Dogs for Nature in Portugal, to talk about her journey into working dogs for conservation, the realities of deploying K9 teams in the field, and the changes needed to strengthen conservation and wildlife protection globally.

READ MORE

27 Jan

K9 Handler & Operational K9 Training Course Wrap-Up | Netherlands

From January 12–23, 2026, Global Conservation Force delivered an intensive K9 Handler & Operational K9 Training Course in the Netherlands, bringing together instructors, professional participants, and operational K9 teams for two weeks of immersive, real-world training focused on wildlife conservation, wildlife protection, and counter-wildlife trafficking operations. Led by Mike Veale (Founder & President, Global Conservation Force) alongside Wesley Visscher and the Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs team, the course was intentionally designed to function as both a conservation professional development program and a train-the-trainer—equipping participants to elevate their own operational capacity while gaining the tools to develop K9 teams and handlers in their home countries.

READ MORE

8 Jan

Live Lecture: Conservation & Anti-Poaching Dogs in Action

On Saturday, January 17, Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs, Global Conservation Force, and Farm Food B.V. will jointly host an inspiring live lecture focused on the vital role of conservation and anti-poaching dogs in international wildlife protection efforts. Wesley and Mike will take attendees inside their work as instructors and project leaders operating in conservation and anti-poaching programs around the world. They will share firsthand field experience, provide insight into their missions, projects, and objectives, and demonstrate how dogs are operationally deployed in the fight against poaching and wildlife crime. The lecture will be supported by authentic field footage from active project sites.

READ MORE

19 Dec

Wildlife Rehabilitation, Wildlife Monitoring, & Applied Conservation K9 for Endangered Species | Bangladesh

This immersive 7 - 10 day professional development program in Bangladesh places participants directly into active endangered species conservation, combining wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife monitoring, and applied conservation K9 fieldwork. Working alongside Global Conservation Force instructors Mike Veale, Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs, Scott Trageser of The Biodiversity Group, and local partners Creative Conservation Alliance, attendees will gain hands-on experience in pangolin and tortoise tracking, camera trapping, DNA sampling, and rehabilitation clinic operations, building real, transferable field skills. With only two spots available, this program offers exceptional access, mentorship, and meaningful involvement in frontline conservation work under challenging tropical conditions. Designed for motivated individuals at any experience level, this is a rare opportunity to learn by doing, contribute directly to endangered species protection, and strengthen your foundation for a future in conservation.

READ MORE

27 Oct

K9 Handler & Operational K9 Training Course | Netherlands

K9 Handler & Operational K9 Training Course | Netherlands: Counter-Wildlife Trafficking, Tracking and Trailing, Scent Detection for Wildlife Conservation and Wildlife Protection Operations Dates: January 12th – 23rd, 2026 Instructors: […]

READ MORE

26 Aug

GCF x War Dog Tactical Gear Launch – Coming Soon!

Soon, you’ll be able to purchase GCF x War Dog Tactical gear in the U.S. through the GCF online store and directly from War Dog Tactical in South Africa! Every purchase will directly support GCF’s K9s and K9-based wildlife protection programs around the world.

READ MORE

10 Aug

2025 K9 Field Training and Integrated Operations | Elevating Wildlife Protection Teams

The K9 Field Training and Integrated Operations course is one of Global Conservation Force’s most advanced training initiatives, offering an intensive, hands-on professional development experience for handlers, trainers, and field rangers working with active K9 units in wildlife conservation. Unlike traditional training programs, this course places teams directly into operational environments, challenging both handlers and K9s to excel under real-world conditions.

READ MORE

2 May

All for Rhinos: A Global Effort with GCF, ZCT & ZRO

Thanks to your incredible support, April and May have brought major wins for rhino conservation and community-based efforts across South Africa! From raising a glass at Brews for Baby Rhinos in San Diego to tuning in from around the world for our Live Conservation Chat with Karen Odendaal, Anthony Porter, and Mike Veale, our GCF community has shown up in full force to support our trusted partners at Zululand Conservation Trust and the Zululand Rhino Orphanage.

READ MORE