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Dog Handler Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

5G Dogtopia LLC

Dog Groomer

Indianapolis, IN

Description Do you LOVE dogs? Would you love to WORK with dogs? Dogtopia is looking for fellow dog lovers to join our growing team as a Dog Groomer! Dogtopia is the industry leader in dog daycare ...

4Pawz Only

Dog Trainer

Munster, IN

As the Dog Trainer, you will follow positive training philosophies. You will be responsible for brand consistency, delivering all program offerings and maintaining operational standards within the ...

PetSuites

Dog Trainer

Greenwood, IN

$16/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 ...

Riverview Farm Kennel

Be Seen First

Dog Trainer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Dog Trainer Location: Middle Tennessee Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site About Riverview Farm Kennel Do you have a passion for dogs and strong leadership skills? Riverview Farm Kennel, a busy and well ...

5G Dogtopia LLC

Dog Groomer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$50/hr

Would you love to WORK with dogs? Dogtopia is looking for fellow dog lovers to join our growing team as a Dog Groomer! Dogtopia is the industry leader in dog daycare where health and safety is always ...

PetSuites

Dog Trainer

Greenwood, IN

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 ...

Scenthound Carmel, IN

Dog Groomer

Carmel, IN · On-site

The Dog Groomer is an integral position at Scenthound, offering grooming knowledge and providing grooming services to clients. This Dog Groomer position requires: * At least one year of grooming ...

PetSuites

Dog Trainer

Indianapolis, IN

$12 - $15/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 ...

PetSuites

Dog Trainer

Greenwood, IN · On-site

$16/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 ...

PetSuites

Dog Trainer

Greenwood, IN · On-site

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 ...

PetSuites

Dog Trainer

Indianapolis, IN

$12 - $15/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 ...

Feeders Pet Supply

Dog Groomer

Greensburg, IN · On-site

This dog grooming position earns commissions and tips . We provide awesome benefits , including flexible scheduling, education opportunities, employee discounts, and a free pet food program

Feeders Pet Supply

Dog Groomer

Corydon, IN · On-site

This dog grooming position earns commissions and tips . We provide awesome benefits , including flexible scheduling, education opportunities, employee discounts, and a free pet food program

Feeders Pet Supply

Dog Groomer

Vincennes, IN · On-site

This dog grooming position earns commissions and tips . We provide awesome benefits , including flexible scheduling, education opportunities, employee discounts, and a free pet food program

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All JobsDog Handler JobsDog Handler Jobs in Indiana

Dog Handler information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$13

$17

How much do dog handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog handler in Indiana is $13.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $15.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 does a dog handler do?

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 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 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.

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.

How much do dog handlers get paid?

Dog handlers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry such as security, law enforcement, or training. Salaries can vary based on certifications, specialized skills, and whether they work full-time or part-time.

How much does a dog handler earn?

Dog handlers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in such as security, law enforcement, or search and rescue. Salaries can increase with specialized training, certifications, and years of service.

Is it hard to be a dog handler?

Being a dog handler requires physical fitness, patience, and training skills to work effectively with dogs in various environments. The job can be demanding due to the need for attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and sometimes irregular hours or outdoor work. Proper certification and experience can help manage the challenges involved.
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Dog Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Handler job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,374 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Hospice patients enjoy time with therapy dogs. - Kokomo, IN

Elara Caring - Kokomo

Kokomo, IN • On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Make a real difference in someone’s life!

Elara Caring, one of the nation’s largest providers of home-based care, is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide exceptional end-of-life care to local hospice patients and their families.

Elara Caring Hospice is looking for Pet Therapy volunteers (handlers with dogs only). A visit from a therapy dog can be so beneficial. Terminally ill patients enjoy the extra attention and unconditional love they feel from a four-legged companion. In order to volunteer and visit patients, you must have your own dog who is already certified through Therapy Dogs International, West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs.

Volunteer must have his/her own certified Therapy Dog. Handler must be able to provide dog’s health record (current DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies and fecal tests), therapy certification and certified of liability insurance policy.

Hours are very flexible, weekdays, evenings or weekends. Typically, we ask that you visit your assigned patient 1-2 hours per week or offer 1-2 hours per week or work in the office.

For more information contact, Dawn Healey 765-438-6595 dhealey@elara.com

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