Working dogs occupy a number of different roles such as police dogs, farm dogs, disability assist dogs, conservation dogs, detector dogs, search and rescue, and military assist dogs. SPCA recommends that the suitability of working dogs for a role is assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on their species, age, temperament, life history, and the specifics of the role.

SPCA supports steps to rehome or retire dogs who drop out of the programme or are retired from duty. Agencies using working dogs must maintain responsibility for all dogs and ensure they have a Good Life, both during their active working life and through retirement.

SPCA advocates for the use of low-stress, force-free training methods, which focus on positive reinforcement and opposes the use of training methods or devices that cause physical discomfort or distress.

SPCA supports efforts of working dog agencies to protect and enhance the welfare of working dogs through industry standards.

Industry standards should include requirements to promote positive welfare and demonstrate handlers’ ability to recognise, prevent and appropriately respond to signs of stress.

SPCA is concerned about the use of working dogs in high-risk environments.

Military dogs may work in war zones or areas with active explosives which poses the risk of injury or death. These dogs may also be exposed to frequent exposure to gunfire, explosions, or other loud sounds can result in stress, hearing loss, or anxiety. Dogs working in rugged outdoor environments may be exposed to extremes of temperatures, prolonged exposure to the elements and other potential hazards, like poisons used for pest control.

SPCA is concerned about the use of police dogs to apprehend fleeing suspects.

Use of police dogs to apprehend fleeing suspects is associated with a higher risk of injury to both dog and suspects.

SPCA supports the use of appropriate dogs in human assistance programmes provided they are trained using reward-based methods and assessed as suitable for participation in the programme and that they are provided with a Good Life where they experience positive welfare and meet their physical, health and behavioural needs throughout their life.

“Disability assist dog” is a generic term for a guide, hearing, or assistance dog that is specifically trained to perform at least one task to mitigate the effects of an individual’s disability. The dog's main purpose is to improve the person’s ability to carry out daily tasks, either by simplifying daily tasks, or increasing safety while daily tasks are performed. In New Zealand, a dog can be certified a “disability assist dog” if they are certified by one of eight assistance dog organisations listed in Schedule 5 of the Dog Control Act, 1996.

Disability assist dogs positively impact the lives of individual people with a range of disabilities, including providing increased independence and improved physical health, improving overall quality of life, and decreasing stress. There is growing evidence of the positive psychosocial health and wellbeing benefits the disabled person receives. The dog’s companionship, emotional and social support, and social facilitation act to improve quality of life over and above the support that is received via the specific trained tasks the dog provides.