Go Behind the Scenes with Disneyland Resort’s K9 Security Team
If you have ever visited Disneyland Resort, there is a good chance that you passed through security and witnessed a hardworking K9.
Super cute and hard at work, these pups are part of a highly skilled team dedicated to guest and cast safety for the Disney Parks.
Known as the Pluto unit, this special K9 program consists of kennel technicians, handlers, and dogs.
Let’s go behind the scenes and take a closer look at the hard-working cast members and furry friends that help create a safe environment for us every day.
Kennel Technicians
The kennel techs are detail-oriented cast members who care for the dogs when they’re off-duty and prepare them for each shift.
From health checks to feeding and creating a calm environment, kennel technicians ensure the K9s are ready for the day.
Nicholas Hernandez, a technician since 2021 who started his career at Disney as a security guest screener, describes the work as fun and rewarding: “You get to work alongside our amazing K9 handlers, as well as a human’s best friend – what more can you ask for?”
K9 Handlers
The team also includes handlers who work directly with their assigned canine partners. These partnerships typically last until the dog or handler retires.
They train together daily and work the security checkpoints across the resort. Joey Santos is a canine handler who began as a kennel technician in 2019 and achieved his goal of becoming a K9 handler in 2020.
He now works with Thor, his loyal partner, and considers this a dream role. “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
The program currently includes 28 trained dogs, each one an official Cast Member. They receive an ID card, nametag, and even a retirement celebration.
These hardworking pups are great at their jobs because of their energy, curiosity, and excitement about performing tasks that seem like games.
The K9 unit exemplifies what it means to be a (furry) Disney Cast Member, and we are grateful they help keep the magic safe every day.
Stay tuned and follow along with us at MickeyBlog to stay updated on this and all things Disney.
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Feature Photo/Article Source: Disney Parks
