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Dog Helper Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

You take great pride in helping our clients' dogs stay clean, healthy, and looking good! QUALIFICATIONS FOR A DOG GROOMER * 1+ years of pet grooming experience * Animal care education from reputable ...

You take great pride in helping our clients' dogs stay clean, healthy, and looking good! QUALIFICATIONS FOR A DOG GROOMER * 1+ years of pet grooming experience * Animal care education from reputable ...

This is a service-related industry and you should not only be skilled at customer service, but passionate about helping people. Most importantly, the candidate should have experience with dogs, dog ...

This is a service-related industry and you should not only be skilled at customer service, but passionate about helping people. Most importantly, the candidate should have experience with dogs, dog ...

You take great pride in helping our clients' dogs stay clean, healthy, and looking good! QUALIFICATIONS FOR A DOG GROOMER * 1+ years of pet grooming experience * Animal care education from reputable ...

Dog Trainer

Novi, MI · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

This is a service-related industry and you should not only be skilled at customer service, but passionate about helping people. Most importantly, the candidate should have experience with dogs, dog ...

Dog Trainer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

This is a service-related industry and you should not only be skilled at customer service, but passionate about helping people. Most importantly, the candidate should have experience with dogs, dog ...

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

This is a service-related industry and you should not only be skilled at customer service, but passionate about helping people. Most importantly, the candidate should have experience with dogs, dog ...

This is a service-related industry and you should not only be skilled at customer service, but passionate about helping people. Most importantly, the candidate should have experience with dogs, dog ...

Dog Trainer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$16/hr

This is a service-related industry and you should not only be skilled at customer service, but passionate about helping people. Most importantly, the candidate should have experience with dogs, dog ...

You take great pride in helping our clients' dogs stay clean, healthy, and looking good! QUALIFICATIONS FOR A DOG GROOMER * 1+ years of pet grooming experience * Animal care education from a ...

You take great pride in helping our clients' dogs stay clean, healthy, and looking good! QUALIFICATIONS FOR A DOG GROOMER * 1+ years of pet grooming experience * Animal care education from a ...

You take great pride in helping our clients' dogs stay clean, healthy, and looking good! QUALIFICATIONS FOR A DOG GROOMER * 1+ years of pet grooming experience * Animal care education from a ...

He/she will also take dogs in their vehicles to go on adventures and excursions. The ideal person ... community, helping make Paws Around Motown the most trusted name in pet care. * Positive and ...

He/she will also take dogs in their vehicles to go on adventures and excursions. The ideal person ... community, helping make Paws Around Motown the most trusted name in pet care. * Positive and ...

What You'll Be Doing As a Dog Handler at Camp Canine, your days will be filled with rewarding tasks that help ensure the safety, happiness, and well-being of the dogs in our care. Here's what you can ...

Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

Troy, MI · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Help us grow in the community * Handle a full range of services: dog walking, adventure outings, pet sitting, pet taxis, and overnights It's varied and it's active. If you want to walk one dog and ...

Showing results 21-40

Dog Helper information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$15

$22

How much do dog helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog helper in Michigan is $15.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dog helper?

Dog Helpers are individuals who assist with the care, training, and general well-being of dogs. Their responsibilities can include walking dogs, feeding them, providing companionship, administering basic grooming, and sometimes helping with training or behavioral issues. Dog Helpers may work for pet owners, animal shelters, boarding facilities, or dog-walking services. Their main goal is to ensure that dogs are healthy, happy, and well-cared for, especially when their owners are unavailable.

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

To thrive as a Dog Helper, you need basic animal care knowledge, experience handling dogs, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with leashes, harnesses, grooming tools, and sometimes pet care management apps is beneficial. Patience, strong observation skills, and effective communication with pet owners are important soft skills. These abilities ensure the safety, well-being, and positive experience for both the dogs and their owners.

What are some common challenges dog helpers face when working with different breeds and temperaments?

Dog Helpers often work with a variety of breeds, each with unique personalities and needs. Some dogs may be anxious, shy, or highly energetic, which can require patience and tailored approaches to care and training. Successfully adapting to these differences and building trust is essential for ensuring the dog’s safety and wellbeing. Effective communication with pet owners and colleagues also helps to address behavioral issues and provide consistent care.

What is the difference between Dog Helper vs Dog Trainer?

AspectDog HelperDog Trainer
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of dog behavior, certifications varyCertifications in dog training, such as CPDT-KA
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, pet care facilitiesPrivate training centers, pet stores, client homes
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal rescue groups, shelters, pet care servicesPet training companies, individual trainers, pet owners

Dog Helper roles typically involve assisting with basic care and support for dogs in shelters or rescue settings, often requiring less formal training. Dog Trainers focus on teaching dogs obedience and behavior modification, usually requiring specialized certifications. Both roles are essential in the pet industry but serve different functions based on training and environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dog jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Dog jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Dog Helper jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Dog Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Dog Helper job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,172 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 734 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?


We're proud to be where the pets go and where thepet peoplego. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing,Petco is the place for you.


Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.


  • Pet First - Protect & Empower.All pets shouldLive their Best Life.We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond.OurPassionfor pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit.We are stronger asOne Petco team.We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:


We're proud to be"where the pets go"to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are29,000+strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than1,500Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico,250+Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately7 million animalsthrough in-store adoption events.

Position Overview

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their dog companions. Your expertise in modern dog training techniques and positive reinforcement methods will help pet parents develop well-behaved, happy, and healthy dogs. You will provide one-on-one training sessions, group classes, and offer advice on basic training, environmental management, and customized training plans to address specific training goals. 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 health and wellness of pets by providing recommendations on healthy nutrition, world class services and essential supplies.

Position Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The Dog Trainer role consists of 2 core responsibilities:

Provide World Class Dog Training Services

  • Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor.
  • Complete all assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials per the DTIP roadmap.
  • Recommend and sell appropriate dog training classes, training, and supplies to ensure pet parents and their dogs have the necessary resources for a successful dog training experience.
  • Keep accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet parents' feedback.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
  • Work cross functionally with the grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole health solutions for all pet parents.
  • Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain a high level of expertise in the role.

Provide 360-Degree Solutions for all Petco Guests

  • Provide an outstanding guest experience by actively engaging with guests in the recommendation and selection of merchandise and services in accordance with their identified needs.
  • Generate future business through a deep understanding of the guest and their pet(s) and connection to our digital platforms.
  • Demonstrate a high level of awareness and knowledge for the health, welfare, and proper handling of all animals.
  • Perform related duties to support the Pet Care Center in achieving its performance goals.
  • Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to enhance the shopping experience for pet parents.
  • Complete cash register transactions and support guests with their OMNI shopping experience as needed.
  • Adhere to established operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
  • Promote a positive culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
  • Complete other duties and special projects as assigned.
  • Evaluate guest inquiries and refer to the Leader on Duty as needed.

Other Essential Duties

  • UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You're the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet Care Center Locations. Utilizing the behaviors within our Sales Model is critical to being able to identify and solve for their needs both today and in the future.
  • CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. You'll be empowered through our training programs to maintain our safety protocols. Bottom line, the safety of partners, guests and pets is our #1 priority.
  • BE A PART OF A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE. Being a great teammate is key to creating a culture that is centered around solving for the health and wellness needs of pets.
  • ENGAGE IN YOUR CAREER. As you develop your skills and knowledge, you will have the opportunity to participate in developmental programs to support your continued growth throughout your career.

Certification Requirements

  • Stage 1: All candidates are required to complete the 'Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP)' to become Petco Certified Dog Trainer consisting of the following:
    • Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development.
  • Stage 2: Dog Trainer: Successfully run and grow the dog training business in one of Petco's Pet Care Centers with local and national marketing support, with access to internal partner resources, networking, and client acquisition through our state-of-the-art online booking and scheduling systems.
  • Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
  • Note: Approved candidates with prior experience that can pass both skill and knowledge assessments may be eligible for accelerated training.

Basic Qualifications

  • Passion for animal care, training, and welfare and a genuine interest for improving the lives of pets and their pet parents.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with pet parents and provide clear instructions, demonstrations and applicable selling techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds in a safe and humane manner.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
  • Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed to accommodate the training schedule and store operations.
  • Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) associated with dog training equipment and supplies.
  • Familiarity with computer systems and software to manage training records, schedules, and communication with pet parents.

Supervisory Responsibility

  • None

Starting Rate:

$15.00

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