A lifetime with dogs. A career in emergency care.

Simon Knowles — Lead Trainer

When Simon first left school he went to agricultural college and became a herdsman and working dog handler on a farm in Sussex. In 1993 he left farming to pursue a career in health care, working in NHS hospitals in cardiology, accident & emergency and a semi-secure mental health unit.

He then worked for St John Ambulance doing both patient transfer and emergency ambulance work, became a member of Dartmoor Search & Rescue, and volunteered many hours alongside his work as a St John Ambulance commercial trainer.

With his business partner Claire, Simon now runs his own training company delivering over 30 course subjects including first aid, pre-hospital care, health & safety, and security.

Simon has always been passionate about dogs and their wellbeing. As a dedicated dog lover, he understands how important our four-legged companions are to their owners and families.

His enthusiasm for canine welfare, combined with a commitment to practical education, helps make DogSafe courses informative, approachable and enjoyable.

Simon believes that having the confidence to respond appropriately in an emergency can make a real difference to a dog's health and wellbeing.