ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Dog Handler Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

K2K9 SOLUTIONS LLC

Canine Handler (Denver)

Denver, CO · On-site

$23.80 - $35/hr

Details about K2K9's proprietary Person-Borne (TM) Explosive Detection Dog (PB-EDD) program are at ... The Canine Handler Team will be required to search for and identify explosive threats at commercial ...

Byers K9 Services | BKS Security

Be Seen First

K9 Handler

Longmont, CO · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Our handlers are responsible for protecting multi-million-dollar construction projects from ... Maintain control and professionalism while handling a working patrol dog * Properly care for ...

Byers K9 Services | BKS Security

Be Seen First

K9 Handler

Longmont, CO · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Our handlers are responsible for protecting multi-million-dollar construction projects from ... Maintain control and professionalism while handling a working patrol dog * Properly care for ...

Scenthound Denver

Be Seen First

Dog Bather

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.29 - $25/hr

Direct career growth path to Dog Groomer position and additional options (Front Desk, Ass. Manager, Manager) * Competitive hourly base pay, plus tips * Merit-based pay increases * Complimentary ...

Bowhaus

Dog Trainer

Boulder, CO

$16.50/hr

The Professional Dog Trainer is a position within the Resort and reports directly to the General Manager. We believe in the mission of "Pet Lovers Delighting Pet Lovers" and we demonstrate this ...

Tails Up

Dog Trainer

Castle Rock, CO · On-site

$16.50/hr

The Professional Dog Trainer is a position within the Resort and reports directly to the General Manager. We believe in the mission of "Pet Lovers Delighting Pet Lovers" and we demonstrate this ...

Bowhaus

Dog Trainer

Boulder, CO

$16.50/hr

The Professional Dog Trainer is a position within the Resort and reports directly to the General Manager. We believe in the mission of "Pet Lovers Delighting Pet Lovers" and we demonstrate this ...

Beds-N-Biscuits

Dog Bather

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$18/hr

Beds-N-Biscuits is looking for a full-time Dog Bather (Monday through Friday) to join our team and help pamper our furry guests! If you're passionate about animals and want to work in a fun ...

Beds-N-Biscuits

Dog Bather

Wheat Ridge, CO

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Beds-N-Biscuits is looking for a full-time Dog Bather (Monday through Friday) to join our team and help pamper our furry guests! If you're passionate about animals and want to work in a fun ...

Beds-N-Biscuits

Dog Bather

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$18/hr

Beds-N-Biscuits is looking for a full-time Dog Bather (Monday through Friday) to join our team and help pamper our furry guests! If you're passionate about animals and want to work in a fun ...

Scenthound

Dog Groomer/Trimmer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Knowledge of dog breeds, care standards, and tools of the trade * Effective communication with team members and dog parents * Problem-solving skills * Strength to lift up to 70 pounds; stamina to ...

Sparkle Grooming Co.

Dog Groomer

Littleton, CO · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Sparkle Grooming Co. is seeking a skilled and passionate Dog Groomer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is confident in their craft, committed to safety and consistency, and thrives in a ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Aurora, CO · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Greeley, CO · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Denver, CO · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Thornton, CO · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDog Handler JobsDog Handler Jobs in Colorado

Dog Handler information

See Colorado salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do dog handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog handler in Colorado is $15.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are dog handlers?

Dog handlers are professionals who work with dogs to train, manage, and care for them in various settings. They may work in fields such as law enforcement, dog training schools, kennels, animal shelters, or as part of search and rescue teams. Their responsibilities can include training dogs for specific tasks, ensuring their well-being, and handling them safely during work or competitions. Dog handlers require patience, knowledge of canine behavior, and strong communication skills to effectively work with both dogs and their owners.

What Is a Dog Handler?

A dog handler is a professional who provides training and care for dogs. A dog handler sometimes doubles as a dog walker, promoting physical activity for the dog. Dog handlers replenish food and water, conduct training to reinforce learning, and communicate with the client about changes in their dog’s health, behavior, or training needs. Dog handlers play an integral role in the dog’s overall health, spending many hours each week cleaning, training, walking, and bonding with the dog.

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

To thrive as a Dog Handler, you need a solid understanding of canine behavior, basic animal care, and often prior experience with dogs or relevant certifications such as pet first aid. Familiarity with leash and training equipment, kennel management software, and basic grooming tools is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and effective management of dogs in various settings, fostering trust with both the animals and their owners.

What is the difference between Dog Handler vs K9 Officer?

AspectDog HandlerK9 Officer
CertificationsCanine handling certifications, obedience trainingPolice K9 certification, law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, training facilities, private securityLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Employer & IndustryPrivate companies, security firms, sheltersPolice departments, government agencies

Dog Handlers typically work in private or civilian settings focusing on training, care, and handling of dogs. K9 Officers are law enforcement professionals who work with police-trained dogs for detection, search, and apprehension. While both roles require canine handling skills and certifications, K9 Officers operate within law enforcement environments, whereas Dog Handlers may work in various civilian sectors.

What are some common challenges Dog Handlers face when working with diverse breeds and temperaments?

Dog Handlers often work with dogs that have varying personalities, energy levels, and behavioral histories. One common challenge is learning to quickly assess and adapt handling techniques to each dog's unique needs, especially when managing groups. Handlers must also ensure safety for both the animals and themselves, particularly when introducing unfamiliar dogs to new environments or routines. Building trust with each dog takes patience and consistency, and strong communication with team members helps address any behavioral issues efficiently.
More about Dog Handler jobs
What are popular job titles related to Dog Handler jobs in Colorado? For Dog Handler jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dog Handler jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Handler jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Dog Handler jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Dog Handler job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Dog Handler jobs in CO? For Dog Handler jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Dog Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Handler job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,355 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Canine Handler

The Dog Stop Colorado Springs Airport

Colorado Springs, CO

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Dog Stop® is looking for enthusiastic Canine Handlers to join their team. Knowledge of the dog care industry is a plus but not required provided the candidate is capable of quickly learning the ins and outs of dog behavior and our range of services. We do require a positive attitude, outgoing personality, dedication to providing an unparalleled experience for our clientele, and, of course, a love of dogs.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

§ Supervising and directing safe and positive play

§ Maintaining a clean and healthy environment for guests

§ Ensuring guests and their owners feel comfortable and are receiving the level of service they’ve come to expect from The Dog Stop®

§ Contributing to a positive team environment

You’ll find many great benefits awaiting you at The Dog Stop®:

§ Discount on all retail products

§ Free and discounted services

§ Bring your dog to work!

§ Optional 401K enrollment

§ Paid vacation days

§ A fun and exciting work environment

Respond with your résumé today to join a great team working to provide the best dog care available in this booming industry.