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Dog Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canine Companions

Human Resources Student Intern

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

As an intern you'll support an organization that helps provide independence to individuals, while also giving a dog a meaningful job. An internship with Canine Companions offers a unique opportunity ...

Animal Friends

Special Event Internship

Pittsburgh, PA

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Comfortable working with and around shelter animals - dogs, cats, rabbits. * Good proof-reading ... Please note this is an unpaid internship. Animal Friends does not offer stipends for housing or ...

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How much do dog internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To succeed as a Dog Intern, you generally need a basic understanding of animal care, enthusiasm for working with dogs, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kennel management systems, pet care software, or basic animal handling equipment is advantageous. Patience, strong communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills to build rapport with both animals and staff. These competencies ensure the safety, well-being, and positive experience of the dogs in your care while supporting a productive team environment.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during a Dog Internship, and how do these prepare me for a career in animal care?

During a Dog Internship, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on tasks such as feeding, grooming, exercising dogs, assisting with basic training, and observing health checks. Interns often work closely with experienced handlers or veterinary staff, gaining exposure to daily routines and learning to recognize canine behavior and body language. This practical experience not only builds confidence in animal handling but also provides valuable insight into the responsibilities and challenges of working in animal care environments like shelters, clinics, or training facilities. Such internships are a great stepping stone for those considering careers as veterinary assistants, dog trainers, or animal shelter workers.

What is a dog internship?

A dog internship is a hands-on learning opportunity for individuals interested in working with dogs, typically in settings like animal shelters, veterinary clinics, dog daycares, or training facilities. Interns gain experience in tasks such as animal care, feeding, grooming, basic training, and sometimes assisting with medical treatments. These internships are designed to help participants build practical skills and knowledge about canine behavior, health, and welfare, often serving as a stepping stone for careers in animal care or veterinary fields.

What is the difference between Dog Internship vs Dog Trainer?

AspectDog InternshipDog Trainer
Required CredentialsNone or basic experience, often a learning positionCertifications or formal training often preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, training facilities, or veterinary clinicsPrivate clients, training centers, or pet stores
Employer & Industry UsageOrganizations seeking hands-on experience for future trainersIndividuals or businesses providing training services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Dog internships are typically entry-level positions designed for individuals gaining experience in dog care and training, often without requiring certifications. Dog trainers are professionals who provide specialized training services, often with certifications or experience. Internships serve as a stepping stone, while trainers are actively working in the industry providing training to clients.

More about Dog Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Dog Internship jobs? Cities with the most Dog Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dog jobs? The most popular types of Dog jobs are:
What states have the most Dog Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Dog Internship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dog Internship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Internship jobs are:
Dog Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Internship job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,995 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Dog Trainer - Best Friends Pet Hotel

Dog Trainer - Best Friends Pet Hotel

BEST FRIENDS PET CARE INC

Sudbury, MA

$18 - $19/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

Best Friends Pet Care rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 35 rated pet care providers

Job description

Our dog trainers are focused on creating communication and deep bonds between humans and their fur kids in a fun, fast-paced environment based on positive reinforcement and stimulation.

We are an Employee-owned and operated company that is expanding, which provides many growth opportunities within the company. We currently have over 80 locations in twenty-six states coast-to-coast and have been in business for 30 years.

If you are looking for a company in which you can learn and grow, our countrywide, well-established pet care facility may be the perfect place for you!

Responsibilities:

  • Provide dog training services to Best Friends’ Customers.
  • Offer a variety of services including board and train, private and group training as well as specialty training depending on individual trainer – as facility and business constraints allow.
  • Sells/recommends retail items as appropriate for training sessions (i.e. leads, collars, lure treats, etc.)
  • Follow the specified training program outlines.
  • Promptly responds to customer inquiries.
  • Promotes services to customers by participating in center events.
  • Promotes services to area veterinarians by routinely visiting veterinary clinics.
  • Provide excellent customer service by paying attention to the specific needs of the dog owners.
  • Keeps Manager and Customer Service staff current on class offerings.
  • Maintains class and other training schedules.
  • Assures that all classes and other training is scheduled in Best Friends’ computer system.
  • Keep training area(s) clean and cleans after use.
  • Handles dogs appropriately in center.
  • Reports any pet or pet health or customer concerns promptly to Center Manager.
  • Works with acting Canine Interactive services Manager in order to both grow center business as well as to support the training program.
  • Upholds the mission and values of Best Friends Pet Care, Inc and Works within the guidelines as specified in Best Friends’ Policies and Procedures.
  • Maintains professional demeanor at all times.
  • Completes Safe Handling training.

Education/Experience:

• Appropriate education in dog training via schooling or internship with Professional dog trainer.
• Minimum of 2 years professional dog training experience.

Physical:
• Must be able to work weekdays, evenings and weekends as dictated by class/training schedule.
• Must be able to frequently lift 40 pounds.
• Must be able to be on feet for full shifts and must be able to stand, walk, and climb stairs frequently.
• Must be able to work on computer system.
• Must be able to work in an environment with exposure to disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, animal dander and excretions.

Personal:
• Must display solid dog training skills.
• Must have strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Must possess a love of animals.
• Cannot compete directly with Best Friends or solicit Best Friends’ customers for personal business.

Travel:
• Minimal as required for business outreach and events.

In accordance with Massachusetts pay transparency requirements, the compensation range for this position is $18.00–$19.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and other business-related factors. This position may also be eligible for commissions, bonuses, incentives, and additional benefits where applicable.

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