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Canine Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canine Handler

Pittsburgh, PA

$16 - $19/hr

The Canine Handler performs his or her duties while working as a trained EDD canine that has met a ... your supervisor. * The handler may be required to work additional hours as directed.

Canine Patrol Officer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Provide guidance and direction to Public Safety personnel when delegated by a supervisor. * Maintain accurate reports and documentation related to patrols, incidents, and canine performance. What You ...

Canine Handler (Denver)

Denver, CO · On-site

$26.25 - $37.80/hr

The Canine Handler performs his or her duties while working as a trained EDD canine that has met a ... your supervisor. * The handler may be required to work additional hours as directed.

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Canine Supervisor information

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$28.5K

$62.7K

$113.5K

How much do canine supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for canine supervisor in the United States is $62,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Canine Supervisors?

Canine Supervisors are professionals responsible for overseeing teams that work with dogs, often within law enforcement, security, or animal care settings. They manage handlers and their canine partners, ensuring both are trained and perform their duties effectively. Canine Supervisors also coordinate schedules, oversee training programs, and maintain records of canine activities. Their role is crucial in ensuring the safety, well-being, and operational readiness of both the dogs and their handlers.

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

A Canine Supervisor needs experience in animal care, knowledge of canine behavior, and often a relevant certification or background in animal science or law enforcement. Familiarity with kennel management systems, training tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help manage staff and ensure animal welfare. These competencies are essential for maintaining safe, effective canine operations and leading teams that provide high standards of care.

What are some common challenges faced by a Canine Supervisor, and how can they be effectively managed?

As a Canine Supervisor, one common challenge is ensuring consistent training standards and performance across a diverse team of handlers and dogs. You may also encounter issues with canine health and behavioral management, requiring quick problem-solving and strong communication with veterinarians and staff. Effectively managing these challenges involves regular team meetings, ongoing education, and fostering a collaborative environment where feedback is encouraged. Staying up-to-date with best practices in canine care and team leadership will help you maintain high operational standards.
More about Canine Supervisor jobs
What job categories do people searching Canine Supervisor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Canine Supervisor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Canine Supervisor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 1% Full Time, 82% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,661 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Police Officer - P.A.W.S Canine Handler

Houston Independent School District

Houston, TX • On-site

$63K - $83K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Houston Independent School District rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

443rd of 547 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Location: HISD Police Department Department: Area:District Wide Contract Months:12 Salary Range: $63,818.00 - $83,909.00 Academic Year: 25-26 JOB SUMMARY The Houston ISD Police P.A.W.S K-9 program's mission is to enhance and assist in responding and treating trauma and mental health by providing well-trained dogs as a medium in those efforts. The program will encourage and cultivate positive relationships with the school district students, staff, and the community through various school programs and community relation events. The P.A.W.S program will also serve as a tool within the police department to provide comfort during need regardless of the circumstance

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES List most important duties first 1. Demonstrates excellent decision-making skills, sound judgment, and temperament suitable for working as part of a Canine Team. 2.

When not engaged in training or animal maintenance, the P.A.W.S handler will provide support services to include but not be limited to the following: Public events (National Night Out, Blue Santa, Graduation) Community outreach and engagement Major/traumatic incidents School literacy programs, career fair, and demonstrations Grief loss and trauma (both within the Police Department as well as within Houston ISD) Natural disaster incidents Victim forensic interviews Criminal investigations/interviews Crisis intervention Medical facility visits (hospital, nursing homes, VA clinics, etc.) Staff wellness In partnership with government and non-profit organizations that address the effects of trauma, mental health, and crime Any use not covered in this procedure as deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police or his designee. MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED 3. Handler and those involved with P.A.W.S team must educate anyone, including those without animal training/handling experience, appropriate interaction skills, equipment use, and the appropriate handling techniques necessary to work with the dog in the activity and setting

4. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. EDUCATION High School diploma or GED required 48 college hours preferred WORK EXPERIENCE Three years law enforcement experience Work history demonstrating excellent decision-making skills and sound judgment SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION Basic TCOLE Peace Officer Certification Must be proficient in understanding the Texas Penal Code, Education Code, juvenile laws, and use of force requirement.

The handler must have good general knowledge of dogs, including training methods using positive reinforcement (ex. Clicker training, body language, behavior, stress indicators, and calming techniques). Have Mental Health Officer Certification or successfully pass the course before becoming a P.A.W.S handler

The candidate must successfully pass all certifications with a P.A.W.S during phases 1, 2, and 3. The candidate's residence must be capable of housing the P.A.W.S and have adequate space for constructing a kennel since the member will be required to keep the P.A.W.S at his/her residence. If the member does not own the property, the member must obtain written permission from the property owner for housing the P.A.W.S

Also, there will be an interview of the P.A.W.S candidates' family (if applicable). If they choose, the handler may board or not board their P.A.W.S when taking approved leave. The handler will keep a P.A.W.S during weather and other emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, etc., when boarding is not possible

Will adhere to YAYABA (you are your animal's best advocate) and can advocate for P.A.W.S during situations that may be deemed unsafe by the handler/P.A.W.S team. On call twenty-four hours Must be able to work within a team environment. Confirm to Houston ISD Police Department dress and grooming regulation

Must have satisfactory supervisory evaluations from his/her current and previous supervisors. Must be willing to make a commitment to remain in the unit for a minimum of three (3) years unless transferred by necessity or transferred due to failure to meet the expectations and/or standards of the unit. Must be comfortable with and understand working dogs and maintain a home life compatible with care and maintenance of a police canine.

The Canine Supervisor will make a home inspection of the prospective candidate's residence to ensure that the residence is suitable for the housing of a police canine. Candidates who have met the eligibility requirements will appear before a Canine Handler Selection board. LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES No supervisory or direct people management responsibilities.

May provide occasional work guidance, technical advice and training to staff. WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT Must demonstrate and maintain sound judgment as it relates to matters of law as well as Departmental and District policy. Must be able to make good decisions, with or without direct supervision, as necessary to maintain public safety.

The job receives regular and ongoing supervision. BUDGET AUTHORITY No budget development activity is required PROBLEM SOLVING Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitude, but are still subject to approval. Job is occasionally expected to recommend new solutions to problems and improve existing methods or generate new ideas.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS Decisions usually have minor, small and possibly incremental impact on the department or facility. Errors are usually discovered in succeeding operations where most of the work is verified or checked and is normally confined to a single department or phase of the organizational activities resulting in brief inconvenience. COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS Collaborate and solve problems - works with others to resolve problems, clarify or interpret complex information/policies, and provide initial screening/negotiations without approval authority.

Interactions are typically with customers, senior level professional staff, and managers. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS Takes routine or required customer actions to meet customer needs. Responds promptly and accurately to customer complaints, inquiries and requests for information and coordinates appropriate follow-up.

May handle escalated issues passed on from coworkers or subordinates. WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Work involves continuous exposure to hazardous substances, potentially dangerous situations, and unpleasant work conditions such as adverse weather conditions or extreme risk of accidental or ill health. Ability to carry and/or lift 45 pounds or more.

Houston Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.


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