Saturday, May 23 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Escondido, California
Hosted by Global Conservation Force

Join Mike Veale and Rita Santos for an immersive, one-day seminar focused on the real-world application of conservation K9s in wildlife protection, tracking operations, and counter wildlife trafficking.

This specialized seminar brings together two critical operational disciplines used in the field:

High-Risk Suspect Tracking & Trailing led by Mike Veale
Endangered Species Scent Detection led by Rita Santos

With over 20 years of direct field experience, Mike will share how GCF conservation K9s are actively deployed in anti-poaching, conservation, and counter wildlife trafficking operations across Africa and Asia. His work includes operating dogs in real-world environments for suspect tracking, detection of wildlife contraband, and endangered species detection in the wild. Through Global Conservation Force, these efforts support dozens of K9 units and hundreds of working dogs and handlers across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

Rita Santos brings international experience in conservation detection dog work, including endangered wolf scat detection programs across Europe, along with other endangered species detection efforts that have taken her into field projects in Malaysia. Her instruction will focus on practical scent detection techniques, operational reliability, and the growing role of detection dogs in modern conservation efforts.

Event Details

Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Escondido

Please arrive early to check in and be ready to begin on time.

Registration:

Observer (no dog): $150 — 5 spots available
K9 Team (handler/owner and dog): $300 — 6 spots available

K9 teams will actively participate in all tracking, trailing, and detection exercises. Observer spots include full access to all instruction and demonstrations.

What to Bring

Lunch and personal snacks
Water and hydration for both handler and dog
Appropriate field clothing and footwear
Working K9 gear (for participating teams)

Light refreshments will be available during the day.

Who Should Attend

K9 handlers (law enforcement, SAR, conservation, or working dog teams)
Conservation professionals and field personnel
First responders and tracking enthusiasts
Anyone interested in the role of working dogs in wildlife protection and anti-trafficking efforts

This is a small-group, high-impact training designed to maximize hands-on learning, direct instructor engagement, and meaningful field time for each participant.

Join us for a focused day of applied training, real-world insight, and direct connection to the mission of protecting wildlife through highly trained conservation K9 teams.

Conservation Working Dog Seminar

Join Mike Veale and Rita Santos for an immersive, one-day seminar focused on the real-world application of conservation K9s in wildlife protection, tracking operations, and counter wildlife trafficking.