DAFI31-121 — Military Working Dog Program

DAFI31-121 governs the Department of the Air Force Military Working Dog Program, including its direction, management, and control.

Search DAFI31-121

  • Publication number: DAFI31-121
  • Title: MILITARY WORKING DOG PROGRAM
  • Date: 2026-02-20

View DAFI31-121 on armypubs.army.mil


DAFI31-121 addresses Military Working Dog utilization, searches, safety, use of force, limitations, training, and qualification testing. It requires compliance with the publication and its attachment, and establishes waiver and information-management requirements.

Applies to: This instruction is applicable to the entire DAF, including all uniformed members of the Regular Air Force, the United States Space Force, the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard, all DAF civilian employees, and those with a contractual obligation to abide by the terms of DAF issuances.

Topics covered

  • Military Working Dog utilization
  • Military Working Dog searches
  • Safety procedures
  • Use of force
  • Military Working Dog training
  • Qualification testing
  • Military Working Dog authorizations and dispositions

Questions and answers

What does DAFI31-121 require for waivers?

Submit requests for waivers through the chain of command to the appropriate Tier waiver approval authority, or alternatively, to the requestor’s commander for non-tiered compliance items.

What records requirements does DAFI31-121 establish?

Ensure all records generated as a result of processes prescribed in this publication adhere to Air Force Instruction 33-322, Records Management and Information Governance Program, and are disposed in accordance with the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule, which is located in the Air Force Records Information Management System.

What accuracy rate is required for a detector dog team qualification?

The evaluation was measured by a “GO” or “NO-GO” rating for each substance, requiring a XX% accuracy rate or better, with each trained substance located at least twice in non-task related environments. (paragraph 1)

What does a qualification memorandum certify about a detector dog team?

I certify this team demonstrates the required capabilities and is considered reliable as a Narcotics or Explosive Detector Dog Team, achieving a XX% accuracy rate. (paragraph 3)

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