• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7

In a full-color dog book unlike any other, acclaimed children’s nonfiction author Rob Laidlaw delves into the history and evolution of dogs as human companions, and empowers young readers to promote the health and happiness of dogs in their own lives and beyond.

From the award-winning author of No Shelter Here: Making the World a Kinder Place for Dogs and Bat Citizens: Defending the Ninjas of the Night comes an immersive compendium about dogs and dog guardianship.

In The Dog Patrol: Our Canine Companions and the Kids Who Protect Them, celebrated animal activist and biologist Rob Laidlaw details both the joys and responsibilities of dog guardianship, from choosing where to get a new puppy to making sure your dog’s social and physical needs are being met. Along the way, tens of thousands of years of history between humans and dogs come to life. Highlighted throughout the text are profiles of kids who have gone above and beyond to help canines in need.

With informational sidebars, full-color photographs, a glossary and index, and a list of further resources, The Dog Patrol is the quintessential handbook for young readers inspired to improve dog welfare at home and beyond.

For more than thirty years, Rob Laidlaw has devoted his life to protecting animals. He is the founder of several animal protection organizations, including Zoocheck Canada, a wildlife protection group. His special interest in dogs has led him to visit dog shelters, pounds, and rescue centers in North America, India, Thailand and Japan and several other countries. Rob started a project to bring humane dog control to remote First Nations communities in Canada, was Chief Inspector for a major urban humane society, was Project Manager for World Society for Protection of Animals. Rob resides in Toronto, Ontario.

Rob Laidlaw's profile page

• Winner, Northern Lights Book Award: Animal/Pets Category
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens Starred Selection

Praise for The Dog Patrol: Our Canine Companions and the Kids Who Protect Them

2020 Northern Lights Book Award: Animals/Pets Category Winner

2020 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens Starred Selection

“A fetching book for dog lovers.”—Booklist

“The author’s obvious love of dogs and the impressive feats of the Dog Patrol will inspire young readers to take an interest in animal welfare causes. VERDICT Dog lovers will relish the rich detail and extensive photography in this engaging guide to canine care and advocacy.”—School Library Journal

“Clear, accurate, engaging, and informative text combines with a substantial collection of high-interest color photographs, several per large page, to round out a thorough exploration of an important issue….Perfect for dog lovers and those contemplating that critical mission.”—Kirkus Reviews

“With informational sidebars, full-color photographs, a glossary and index, and a list of further resources, The Dog Patrol is an ideal instructional handbook and guide for young readers ages 8-12 who seek to improve their canine companion’s welfare at home and beyond...”—Midwest Book Review

“The Dog Patrol offers a comprehensive training manual, specifically designed for kids, on responsible [dog] guardianship....Laidlaw, one of Canada’s most dedicated and respected authorities on animal welfare, provides effective leadership training for young advocates in this essential resource.”—Quill & Quire

“[An] amazing book that explores the significant role companion dogs play in our lives....Immensely informative.”—Canadian Children’s Book News

“The Dog Patrol is an excellent book for children who live with a canine, want to adopt one or want to actively make things better for these wonderful beings!”—Toronto.com

“The Dog Patrol definitely belongs in elementary school classrooms or libraries…Highly Recommended.”—CM Magazine

“This book is an excellent read for children who love animals. It will help them to better understand all of the care a companion dog needs, how to understand the signals dogs are giving humans, how to find a reputable adoption centre, and so much more….I am sure Rob Laidlaw’s The Dog Patrol: Our Canine Companions and the Kids Who Protect Them will inspire readers to support animals in need in their own communities.”—CanLit for LittleCanadians

“The Dog Patrol functions as both a how-to manual on taking care of a dog and a celebration of kids who have made significant efforts to protect and help dogs. Information is also included about the history of dogs and humans. The book is filled with attractive color photographs with clear captions….This is an excellent resource for anyone thinking about getting a dog, as well as for those who already have dogs. Highly recommended.”—Youth Services Book Review

“A must-have handbook for the middle grade dog lover.”—Christina Ammirati

“The writing is conversational, stated clearly and appealing from start to finish. The photos and design invite careful attention to content. The profiles he shares in the Dog Patrol sections are inspiring and informative, always with the focus being on the best possible ways to ensure a happy, productive life for the dogs in our care.”—Sal’s Fiction Addiction

“For kids or young teens wondering if they can or how they might be able to get involved in canine welfare causes, The Dog Patrol is a great starting point to motivate and encourage further research....[T]his hopeful and easy-to-digest informative tone carries through the course of the book, making The Dog Patrol: Our Canine Companions and the Kids Who Protect Them a fantastic and vital up-to-date resource for children’s non-fiction collections and dog enthusiasts alike.”—Fab Book Reviews

“This is a great book for dog lovers of all ages!”—Canadian Bookworm