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Dog Handler Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

The Dog Stop - Kansas City

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Dog Groomer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

Position Summary The Dog Stop Dog Groomer is responsible for providing safe, high-quality grooming services while delivering an exceptional experience for pets and their owners. Groomers are expected ...

The Dog Stop - Kansas City

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Dog Groomer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

Position Summary The Dog Stop Dog Groomer is responsible for providing safe, high-quality grooming services while delivering an exceptional experience for pets and their owners. Groomers are expected ...

Scenthound

Dog Bather

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Training & development Dog Bather - Part Time Benefits: * Flexible schedule * Free food & snacks * Opportunity for advancement Perks and Benefits: * Competitive hourly base pay + tips with total ...

Scenthound

Dog Bather

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Training & development Dog Bather - Full Time Benefits: * Flexible schedule * Free food & snacks * Opportunity for advancement Perks and Benefits: * Competitive hourly base pay + tips with total ...

Riverview Farm Kennel

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Dog Trainer

Saint Louis, MO · 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 ...

Scenthound

Dog Groomer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$4.0K - $5.0K/mo

Dog Groomer Full Time About the Position: The Groomer is an integral position at Scenthound, offering expert grooming knowledge and facilitating training to new groomers. Benefits and Perks:

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Do you love dogs? Do you love helping people? Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We ...

WAGMORE ANIMAL HOSPITAL LLC

Dog Groomer

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

WagMore Animal Hospital is looking for a talented and passionate Dog Groomer to join our caring team in Saint Charles, MO! This is a fantastic opportunity to do what you love every day -- making pets ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Dardenne Prairie, MO · On-site

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

WAGMORE ANIMAL HOSPITAL LLC

Dog Groomer

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

WagMore Animal Hospital is looking for a talented and passionate Dog Groomer to join our caring team in Saint Charles, MO! This is a fantastic opportunity to do what you love every day -- making pets ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Cape Girardeau, MO

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Branson, MO · On-site

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Saint Charles, MO

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

WAGMORE ANIMAL HOSPITAL LLC

Dog Groomer

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

WagMore Animal Hospital is looking for a talented and passionate Dog Groomer to join our caring team in Saint Charles, MO! This is a fantastic opportunity to do what you love every day -- making pets ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Dardenne Prairie, MO · On-site

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Branson, MO · On-site

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

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All JobsDog Handler JobsDog Handler Jobs in Missouri

Dog Handler information

See Missouri salary details

$8

$13

$17

How much do dog handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog handler in Missouri is $13.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.49 and $14.90 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 Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $27,970 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Canine Handler (Kansas City)

Kansas City, MO • On-site

K2K9 SOLUTIONS LLC
See more jobs at K2K9 SOLUTIONS LLCexternal

$25 - $36/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

 Location: Denver, CO
 Job Type: Part-Time
 Department: Security ServicesK2 K9 Solutions, Inc., is immediately seeking experienced Explosive Detection Canine Handlers to work as a team on a Part-Time basis to inspect crowds, venues, personnel, cargo, vehicles, and buildings in conjunction with client needs. Depending on the client, handler duties may include working at major sports events, scanning the crowds to detect potential Person-Borne(TM) Explosive threats.Successful candidates MUST live within a reasonable driving distance of the job site (approx. 1 hour, each way max).The Canine Handler performs his or her duties while working as a trained EDD canine that has met a national certification. Details about K2K9's proprietary Person-Borne (TM) Explosive Detection Dog (PB-EDD) program are at www.k2k9s.com**Candidates MUST be able to attend a 6-8-week Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) training course at K2K9's North Carolina Training Center. (Additional details about training in next section.)**

Responsibilities:

  • The Canine Handler Team will be required to search for and identify explosive threats at commercial venues.
  • Venues are large stadium-type environments and require handlers who are experienced in interfacing with the public and always presenting a professional image and demeanor.
  • Customers include, but are not limited to, professional sports teams. Handlers must be comfortable interacting with the team's executive leadership, players, facilities managers and security personnel.
  • Handlers must be comfortable scanning crowds with their canines to identify potential Person-Borne explosives.
  • Handlers must successfully complete a 6-8 week training program in K2K9 Solutions' proprietary Person-Borne (TM) Explosive Detection Dog handling program.
  • The PB-EDD program is held at K2K9's NC training facility. Students will be paid a generous, non-taxable daily Per Diem and will stay in fully furnished K2K9 apartments.
  • Must have a reliable vehicle to transport yourself and your assigned canine to and from work.
  • The handler will be responsible for maintaining training records to maintain certification.
  • Handlers are responsible for the housing, care and maintenance of the assigned canine. Upon course completion, a $100/month stipend will be paid for the care and feeding of your working canine.
  • The handler must be able to complete all required administrative tasks, such as timecards and expense reports, accurately and on time to your supervisor.
  • The handler may be required to work additional hours as directed.

  • Qualifications and Skills

  • Handling experience within the past 3 years strongly preferred but not required
  • Law Enforcement, Military or Security background strongly preferred
  • Able to recognize K9 diseases, be familiar with hygiene requirements, and know the physical condition of the K-9
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Exercise sound judgment in all areas of responsibility
  • Maintain effective professional relationships with employees and outside individuals and agencies
  • Able to understand and successfully handle various operational issues
Experience and Education:
  • 1 year Handler experience preferred
  • Former Law Enforcement or Military K9 background preferred             

 Required Qualifications:

  • Must have a valid State issued Driver’s License
  • Must Obtain a TSA Precheck KTN (Known Travel Number) Sign Up for TSA PreCheck Today | Identogo
  • Must be willing to pass a drug screen.
  • Part time - Must have a minimum availability of 3 days weekly
  • Full time – Must have open availability
  • Must be willing, able and correctly documented to travel for support of K2K9 needs
  • Ability to successfully meet on-going canine training requirements and logs
  • Must be able to recognize K-9 diseases, be familiar with hygiene requirements and know the physical condition of the dog.

Apply