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Canine Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mercy Medical Center

Canine Security Officer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Responsibilities The Security Canine Officer will utilize a canine animal in the performance of his/her duties to provide a secure environment for patient care functions of the Medical Center by ...

Mercy Medical Center

Canine Security Officer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Responsibilities The Security Canine Officer will utilize a canine animal in the performance of his/her duties to provide a secure environment for patient care functions of the Medical Center by ...

City of Forest Park

Lateral Patrol Officer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$76K - $93K/yr

Officer Community Policing Officer Crime Prevention Bicycle Officer Canine Officer Forensic Technician Narcotics Officer Other positions as assigned Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities This ...

Forest Park, OH

Lateral Patrol Officer

Forest Park, OH · On-site

$76K - $93K/yr

Officer Community Policing Officer Crime Prevention Bicycle Officer Canine Officer Forensic Technician Narcotics Officer Other positions as assigned Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities This ...

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Canine Officer information

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How much do canine officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for canine officer in the United States is $22.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a canine officer?

Canine Officers, also known as K9 Officers, are law enforcement professionals who work with specially trained police dogs to perform a variety of duties. These officers and their canine partners are tasked with detecting drugs, explosives, and evidence, tracking suspects or missing persons, and assisting in apprehending criminals. Canine Officers undergo specialized training to work effectively with their dogs, ensuring both handler and canine remain skilled and safe on the job. Their partnership is a critical asset to police departments, providing abilities that enhance law enforcement operations and community safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a canine officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Canine Officer, you need law enforcement training, police academy certification, and specialized instruction in canine handling and care. Familiarity with tracking systems, scent detection tools, and ongoing K9 unit training is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, patience, and an ability to build trust with both dogs and human colleagues are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure effective crime prevention, safe operations, and successful teamwork between the officer, their canine partner, and the broader department.

What are some common challenges faced by canine officers when working with their K9 partners?

Canine Officers often encounter challenges such as maintaining a strong bond and effective communication with their K9 partners, especially during high-stress situations. Training consistency and ongoing practice are crucial to ensure the dog responds reliably to commands, both in routine tasks and dynamic field operations. Additionally, officers must balance the care and well-being of the canine, which includes regular health checks, exercise, and downtime, alongside demanding law enforcement duties. Building trust and teamwork between the officer and their K9 is essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Canine Officer vs K9 Handler?

AspectCanine OfficerK9 Handler
CertificationsPolice or security certifications, K9 handling trainingSame as Canine Officer, often includes specialized K9 handling courses
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, security firmsLaw enforcement, military, or security settings
Job DutiesPatrol, search, detection, apprehensionHandling, training, and deploying police or detection dogs

Both Canine Officers and K9 Handlers work closely with police or security dogs, often requiring similar certifications and training. The main difference lies in the job focus: Canine Officers typically perform patrol and enforcement duties, while K9 Handlers specialize in training and deploying detection or search dogs within law enforcement or security environments.

Do canine officers get paid more?

Canine officers typically earn higher salaries than regular police officers due to specialized training, experience, and the use of working dogs. Factors such as location, department size, and years of service influence their pay, with some departments offering additional compensation for handling and caring for police dogs.

How do you become a canine officer?

To become a canine officer, candidates typically need to be law enforcement officers or applicants with relevant experience, complete specialized training in police dog handling, obedience, and detection skills, and pass physical and psychological assessments. Certification from a recognized canine training program is often required, and officers usually undergo ongoing training to maintain skills.

What cities are hiring for Canine Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Canine Officer job openings:

What states have the most Canine Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Canine Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Canine Officer jobs?

For Canine Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Canine Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Canine Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,223 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Canine Security Officer

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Mercy Medical Center
See more jobs at Mercy Medical Centerexternal

$21.15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Summary
Join Our Team at Mercy Medical Center - Now Hiring a Security Canine Officer!
Mercy Medical Center is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for three consecutive years (2023-2025) and as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2025. Additionally, we are proud to be a multi-time recipient of Forbes' America's Best Midsize Employers award, most recently in 2025.
As a hospital founded by the Sisters of Mercy, we offer a supportive and empowering environment where dedicated medical professionals thrive. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact through your work and contributing to a mission of compassionate care, we invite you to apply today and join our Mercy family.
Responsibilities
The Security Canine Officer will utilize a canine animal in the performance of his/her duties to provide a secure environment for patient care functions of the Medical Center by protecting patients, visitors and staff through the patrol of buildings, property and grounds. The Officer will respond to, evaluate and assist with mitigating any security related issues.
Requirements
Education & Experience Requirements:
  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
  • Must possess a minimum of two years of experience in law enforcement or public contract security, or one year of healthcare security experience.
  • Experience with and knowledge of security/law enforcement canine handling is preferred.

License & Certification Requirements:
  • Must be able to obtain a Special Police Commission through the City of Baltimore Police Department.
  • Must attend training provided by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) as a Healthcare Security Officer when given the opportunity by the Medical Center to attend.
  • Must successfully complete the canine handler course of instruction provided by Mercy Medical Center.
  • Must have a valid Maryland Driver's License, or a valid driver's license from a neighboring state jurisdiction (PA, DC), if this is their permanent primary residence. Note: Employee is not permitted to have a suspended or revoked Maryland License on file even if their home state license for their primary residence is valid, i.e. valid in Pennsylvania while revoked in Maryland.

Other Requirements:
  • Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to utilize one or more of the following:
    • Microsoft Word Power Point Excel
    • Microsoft Outlook
    • Meditech (if applicable to position)
    • Epic (if applicable to position)
    • Performance Manager/NetLearning
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
  • Must be able to work independently and possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
  • Must possess the ability to effectively communicate and deal tactfully with other personnel, visitors, patients, physicians, customers, and the general public.
  • Must be flexible, have personal integrity, and the ability to function effectively as a team with other employees.
  • Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
  • Must be able to work harmoniously with other people.
  • Must have good interpersonal communication skills.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in writing.
  • Must be able to work independently.
  • Must be knowledgeable in Safety and Security duties and the use of Safety & Security equipment.
  • Must be able to demonstrate the effective handling of a large canine dog.
  • Investigations into criminal and non-criminal matters. Written investigative reports and enter them into the computerized Incident Report System.
  • Must have a working knowledge of and be able to operate the computerized access control system and how to enter or change employee access levels.
  • Must have a working knowledge of the operation of the CCTV and digital recording system and be capable of retrieving data upon request.
  • Must attend training by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) when offered by Mercy Medical Center. In order to become certified, the officer must pass an examination administered by the IAHSS. Officer(s) who fail the initial certification examination will be able to retest at their own expense. Staff who are unable to successfully complete the certification process at the subsequent testing will be evaluated for competency by the Director of Security and Human Resources. Staff who have been referred to Human Resources for inadequately meeting role-specific competency standards will be evaluated by HR for counseling regarding vacant positions for which they may be qualified. The officer would then have one month to transfer to another position for which they are qualified. Since the Medical Center can not maintain staff in unbudgeted positions, staff that has not transferred after one month will be terminated from employment.
  • Must be knowledgeable in security duties, use of security equipment, laws governing arrest, handcuffing, trespassing and other laws applicable to security and special police commissions.
  • Must be able to accurately type #20 words per minute.
  • Must be knowledgeable of legal requirements while conducting investigations and interviewing witnesses and suspects.
  • Must be knowledgeable of the Joint Commission Standards applicable to Safety, Security and the Environment of Care.
  • Must be able to work a variety of schedules to include weekends and holidays.
  • Must be able to work overtime to support the security needs of the Medical Center.
  • Must be able to remain at Mercy for extended periods of time (two to three days) when adverse weather or special security situations warrant.
  • Must be able to provide a suitable residential environment for a canine dog as required and approved by the Mercy Canine Unit Captain and Director of Security.

Min
USD $21.15/Hr.
Max
USD $34.90/Hr.
Salary Information
Compensation decisions are made in alignment with internal equity, role scope, and market data to ensure fair and consistent pay practices. Most new hires are typically placed within the lower to mid-portion of the range; offers above that level are reserved for candidates with advanced or highly specialized qualifications.
Benefits
Benefits Eligibility is based on your scheduled FTE status and Job Category
  • Competitive health, prescription, vision and dental benefits & wellness credit for eligible employees
  • 403(b) retirement plan with generous company match and "catch up" provision
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) & company paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Mental Health resources and other employee related wellness opportunities through our Employee Assistance Program
  • Employer paid Short & Long Term Disability benefits for eligible employees
  • Voluntary Benefits
  • Discounts on auto & home insurance and Verizon plans
  • Mercy's Rewards & Recognition Program rewarding employees for going above and beyond in living Mercy's Mission and Values

EEO Statement
Mercy Health Services is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) recruiting talent for Mercy Health Services, which serves the greater Baltimore Metro and surrounding Maryland areas.

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