I have seen several kennels and training facilities that train detector dogs, mention that they are 'DEA licensed'. I have not been able to find out what that means or entails- does anyone have any information? Thanks!

http://leerburg.com/k9dea.htm

Thanks,Deanna. I did not know if the license just referred to possessing the controlled substances or if there was actual licensing of the trainer.I guess it kind of combines both.

First you have to find out what the state you reside in wants from you as far as licensure or registration is concerned. DEA will issue a registration (it isn't a license to do anything, or permission to obtain narcotics through them or any thing other than the buearocratic hoops one must jump through under the controlled substances act mostly pertaining to security and record keeping) only once you have fulfilled the requirements of the state you reside in as well as their own. Some states have none and rely on the regualtions furthered by the DEA. Others have extensive rules. Some will require some sort of professional credentialing (falling in line with a medical license or pharmacist license) and may reguire a dog trainer to be a private investigator, or a certified law enforcement officer, etc. There will usually be a research proposal needed that outlines the activities, quantities, security, and record keeping as well as responsible parties.
Took me a couple years to figure out all that I needed to do and get the phamcy board to approve the project and then to get the DEA in line with what I was doing. I think it has been easier for others (they just stole my paperwork) since I did it because I was the first non-law enforcement person to do it back in the early 80's here.

Oh yeah....it also says absolutly nothing about training ability or reputation or success.