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Dog Helper Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Dogtopia

Dog Groomer

Alexandria, VA

$4.0K/mo

Dogtopia, the industry leader in dog daycare, boarding, and spa services, has an immediate opening ... You are cooperative, helpful, and careful. * You enjoy working in a collaborative, harmonious team ...

Dogtopia

Dog Bather

Alexandria, VA

$15 - $18.43/hr

You are cooperative, helpful and careful. * You enjoy working in a collaborative harmonious teamwork environment. *If you are seeing yourself in these words, we'd love to talk to you about our Dog ...

Dogtopia

Dog Bather

Alexandria, VA

$15 - $18.43/hr

You are cooperative, helpful and careful. * You enjoy working in a collaborative harmonious teamwork environment. *If you are seeing yourself in these words, we'd love to talk to you about our Dog ...

Dogtopia

Dog Groomer

Alexandria, VA

$4.0K/mo

Dogtopia, the industry leader in dog daycare, boarding, and spa services, has an immediate opening ... You are cooperative, helpful, and careful. * You enjoy working in a collaborative, harmonious team ...

Dogtopia

Dog Groomer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Dogtopia, the industry leader in dog daycare, boarding, and spa services, has an immediate opening ... You are cooperative, helpful, and careful. * You enjoy working in a collaborative, harmonious team ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

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 ...

Dogtopia

Dog Groomer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Dogtopia, the industry leader in dog daycare, boarding, and spa services, has an immediate opening ... You are cooperative, helpful, and careful. * You enjoy working in a collaborative, harmonious team ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Bowie, MD · On-site

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 ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Bowie, MD

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 ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Fairfax, VA

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 ...

Outward Bound Hounds

Weekend Dog Walker

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Weekend Dog Walker - Outward Bound Hounds Hours: approximately 10 hours per month. This is a small ... Evening help comes up occasionally, tied to overnight bookings, generally in the 5-9 PM window ...

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Dog Helper information

See Washington salary details

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$19

$27

How much do dog helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog helper in Washington is $19.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $22.07 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Dog jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Dog Helper jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Dog Helper job openings:

Dog Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Helper job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,381 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

BALANCED DOG TRAINER & CERTIFIED PET PROFESSIONAL | Washington DC Metro Area

Washington, DC • On-site

DC Dog Sitter
Personal Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about DC Dog Sitterexternal

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description
DC Dog Sitter is a leading provider of professional pet care services in the DC Metro area. Focused on disrupting the status quo and bringing a higher level of care and interaction, we believe in being outside, getting fresh air, swimming, dog adventures, running, playing, and doing hikes. DC Dog Sitter is redefining the pet care industry providing a hands-on, highly interactive, and engaging service that caters to each pet's unique personality and temperament.
DC Dog Sitter has been named by Washingtonian as 'Top Pet Professionals + Adventures' in the DC Metro Area. Our level of service and team of Certified Pet Professionals rank among the best in the DMV. Our people possess the perfect combination of professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail. Our overall mission is to enrich the lives of our furry companions by providing care for all stages. Our determination shows through in everything we do from hiring the best, most qualified people, to creating a dynamic work environment where ongoing educational opportunities to further enhance the level of pet care are a top priority.
What makes us special...
Washington, DC is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the nation. Additionally, you are in the hub of activity. Close to the Capitol, the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and all of the employment, cultural, and entertainment benefits that DC provides. With this in mind, DC Dog Sitter caters to the needs of busy pet parents with demanding careers and lifestyles who desire the very best care and companionship for their furry companions.
Benefits include an hourly base plus commission, earned paid time off, and much more!
DC Dog Sitter is a member of the nation's leading nonprofit organization of professional pet care services, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS). Additionally, DC Dog Sitter has been awarded best dog walkers and top pet professionals + adventures. Join our mission to Elevate The Care!
Job Description
Job Summary
The Balanced Dog Trainer and Certified Pet Professional is responsible for conducting one-on-one and group training sessions with clients' dogs. The Dog Trainer's responsibilities include evaluating dogs' dispositions and temperaments, providing regular progress updates to clients, and teaching clients how to reinforce good behavior. The Balanced Dog Trainer should also be able to answer clients' questions regarding training, behavioral issues, and identify the best method of training for a particular pup.
Dog Trainer Responsibilities:
Consulting with clients to discuss behavioral concerns and training needs.
Identifying additional behavioral concerns and communicating them to clients.
Developing suitable training plans for dogs and documenting their progress.
Teaching dogs to obey basic commands using various training techniques that are best suited to each dog's personality and attributes.
Implementing appropriate training programs to address and resolve problem areas, including aggression, separation anxiety, hyperactivity, and biting.
Teaching clients appropriate training methods to enforce and maintain behaviors and skills learned by their dogs during training sessions.
Contacting clients to schedule training appointments, verify bookings, and provide updated information specific to their situation.
Reports to Administration through General Manager.
The Balanced Dog Trainer and Certified Pet Professional assumes an active role in delivering excellent pet training services. She/he is responsible for meeting defined goals and expectations, complying with DCDS policies and procedures, playing a supportive role to the team, and having a great time with each furry friend and assignment.
Balanced Dog Trainer
Various Locations in the DC Metro Area (DMV), Washington, DC, United States
Description
SCHEDULE: Part-time to Full-time hours available
SHIFT: Monday to Friday, with occasional mornings, evenings, and weekends
Balanced Dog Trainer
Part-Time, Monday to Friday, Flexible according to group training schedule and individual training schedule
DC Dog Sitter - Various Locations in the DC Metro Area
Washington, DC
Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree is Preferred
  • Certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) is advantageous.
  • Be 21 years or older
  • One to Three Years of Experience in the pet professional field
  • License/Certification (Specify) or ability to complete our Certification Program (paid by DCDS)
  • Sound knowledge of dog training techniques as well as animal behavior and body language
  • Proven experience working as a Dog Trainer
  • Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills
  • Strong dog handling skills
  • Effective communication skills
  • A love for dogs and helping pets to live their best life
  • Patient and enthusiastic
  • Available according to group training classes as well as individual sessions
  • Be available some holidays and weekends
  • Possess great communication skills and understand the importance of complete and grammatically correct sentences and timely responses
  • Must love dogs!
  • Have excellent references
  • Have your own mobile/smartphone with the ability to text, email, and send photos

Balanced Dog Trainer
Various Locations in the DC Metro Area, Washington, DC, United States
Description
SCHEDULE: Part-time to Full-time
SHIFT: Flexible according to group training classes and individual training
Balanced Dog Trainer
Part-Time Days, Monday to Friday, Flexible according to the training schedule
DC Dog Sitter - Various Locations in the DC Metro Area
Washington, DC
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply