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Dog Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospitals

Dog Trainer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

Help and maintain cleanliness of inside and outside of training facility * Demonstrate training ... At least one year of dog training experience * At least one year of dog handling experience

U.S. Army

Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Other specialized dog handling techniques Helpful Skills * Ability to understand conditioning behaviors in training dogs * Ability to make quick decisions * Patience * Ability to interact with people ...

U.S. Army

Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Other specialized dog handling techniques Helpful Skills: * Ability to understand conditioning behaviors in training dogs * Ability to make quick decisions * Patience * Ability to interact with ...

Ruff House at Greenbrier

Dog daycare attendant

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$11.25 - $14.25/hr

Do you love dogs and dream of spending your days surrounded by wagging tails and happy paws? Ruff ... Matching 401(k) to help you plan for your future. * Free Pet Services , including daycare, boarding ...

Scenthound

Dog Bather & Groomer in Training

Henrico, VA · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Identify the dog's health indicators with the help of our S.C.E.N.T. Check app * Work as a team * Maintain a clean, safe, and professional environment for dogs and team members What We're Looking For

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All JobsDog Helper JobsDog Helper Jobs in Virginia

Dog Helper information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do dog helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog helper in Virginia is $17.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.42 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Dog jobs in Virginia are:

Dog Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Helper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,549 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Dog Trainer

VCA Animal Hospitals

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 56 rated veterinary

Job description


DUTIES
  • Greet owners at drop-off and pick up
  • Maintain communication with owners about their dogs progress
  • Help and maintain cleanliness of inside and outside of training facility
  • Demonstrate training techniques to owners
  • Work with team members to ensure day to day operations are completed
  • Work and train dogs

REQUIREMENTS
  • At least one year of dog training experience
  • At least one year of dog handling experience
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Familiarity with common behaviors of different dog breeds
  • Able to work some evenings and weekends

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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