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Dog Show Judge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cincinnati Animal CARE

Dog Care Specialist

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$15.75/hr

... another, and show up every day committed to making a difference. If you are passionate about ... Ability to exercise judgment, tact and diplomacy * Ability to understand and carry out oral and ...

Destinationpet

Bather

Westfield, MA

$16 - $17/hr

... dogs, wagging tails, and the occasional shake-off that soaks your entire shirt-and still smile ... Since 2016, we've been serving up best-in-show care from coast to coast with day care, boarding ...

Livenation

Night of Show Upsells - Darien Lake

Corfu, NY · On-site

$17/hr

With perks ranging from free concert tickets to dog-friendly offices, to progressive benefits like ... Acute sense of judgement, tact and diplomacy. * Prior cash handling experience preferred * Familiar ...

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Dog Show Judge information

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How much do dog show judge jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog show judge in the United States is $14.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Dog Show Judge, you need in-depth knowledge of breed standards, canine anatomy, and prior experience in dog handling or breeding, often supported by certifications from kennel clubs. Familiarity with computerized scoring systems and official guidelines from organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) is typically required. Sound judgment, attention to detail, impartiality, and strong communication skills help a judge stand out in the ring. These skills and qualities ensure fair, consistent evaluations and uphold the integrity and credibility of dog show competitions.

What are some common challenges Dog Show Judges face during competitions?

Dog Show Judges often encounter challenges such as maintaining impartiality when evaluating dogs from well-known handlers, managing time efficiently during large events, and making decisions under the scrutiny of spectators and participants. They must also stay current with breed standards and handle unexpected situations, like uncooperative animals or last-minute schedule changes. These challenges require strong communication skills, a thorough understanding of breed characteristics, and the ability to remain composed under pressure.

What are Dog Show Judges?

Dog Show Judges are professionals responsible for evaluating dogs at competitions based on specific breed standards. They assess each dog’s physical attributes, movement, temperament, and adherence to the breed’s official criteria set by kennel clubs. Judges must be highly knowledgeable about the breeds they judge and maintain impartiality throughout the competition. Their decisions help determine which dogs best represent their breed and may influence breeding and show careers.

What is the difference between Dog Show Judge vs Dog Trainer?

AspectDog Show JudgeDog Trainer
CredentialsJudging certifications, breed-specific expertiseTraining certifications, experience in obedience and agility
Work EnvironmentDog shows, competitions, breed clubsTraining facilities, client homes, obedience classes
Industry UsageJudging at dog shows, breed evaluationsTraining dogs for obedience, agility, behavior

While both roles involve working with dogs, a Dog Show Judge evaluates and scores dogs during competitions based on breed standards, requiring specific judging certifications. A Dog Trainer focuses on teaching dogs obedience and skills, working directly with dogs and owners in training environments. Both careers require a deep understanding of canine behavior but serve different purposes within the dog industry.

What cities are hiring for Dog Show Judge jobs? Cities with the most Dog Show Judge job openings:
What job categories do people searching Dog Show Judge jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Show Judge jobs are:
Dog Show Judge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Show Judge job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,511 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

Dog Bather (Flexible Working Hours)

Destinationpet

Alexandria, VA

$16 - $18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Welcome to Destination Pet. We are One Pack- a united team working together to elevate the love and lives of pet families. Our pet-obsessed professionals create a connected care network of trustworthy partners who bring creative innovation every day. We are revolutionizing the pet industry. Join us!

We're currently sniffing out our next Bather at Whole Dogz.

Can you handle wet dogs, wagging tails, and the occasional shake-off that soaks your entire shirt-and still smile about it? If you're the type of person who thinks every pup deserves a spa day, we've got the hose, the shampoo, and the job for you.
At Destination Pet, we're not just another Pet/Vet care center-we're a community that lives to elevate the love and lives of pet families. Since 2016, we've been serving up best-in-show care from coast to coast with day care, boarding, grooming, training, veterinary services, and more. Whether it's belly rubs or brushing, our goal is simple: make pets feel at home and their humans feel at ease.

🎁 Perks & Pay:

Part-time health, mental health, and telehealth benefits

Pay starts at $16-$18.00/hour DOE + tips

📋 Reporting To:

General Manager

💪 What You Should Know:

  • This is an on-your-feet, hands-on, sometimes-sweaty kind of job.

  • Must be able to lift 50+ lbs (golden retrievers don't walk themselves to the tub).

  • Availability on evenings, weekends, and holidays required (pets don't take days off).

  • Exposure to cleaning supplies, pet hair, and, ahem, "accidents" is part of the gig.

  • Must be able to be on feet for the duration of your shift.

  • Must be able to stand, walk and climb stairs frequently

🐾 What You Bring to the Table:

  • You're a pet fanatic-muddy paws and all.

  • Experience working with animals is a plus but not required-we'll train the right human.

  • You bring calm vibes to even the wildest wash days.

  • Time management, patience, and a positive attitude are a must.

  • Reliable, coachable, and able to work independently or as part of the grooming team.

  • Comfortable using phones, computers, and facility software.

  • Familiarity with animal behavior, coat types, or grooming prep is a bonus.

🐕 What You'll Be Doing (Besides Dodging Shake-Offs and Flying Fur):

  • Bathing dogs of all sizes, breeds, and personalities-with kindness and care.

  • Blow drying, brushing, and prepping pups for their grooming appointments.

  • Trimming nails and brushing teeth (after training).

  • Assisting groomers with whatever they need-holding, fetching, fluffing.

  • Taking dogs outside for potty breaks.

  • Keeping the salon clean, sanitized, and guest ready.

  • Keeping towels washed, stacked, and ready to be immediately unstacked by post-bath zoomies.

  • Notifying the front desk when pups are fresh and ready to go home.

  • Helping with check-ins or phone calls when needed- teamwork makes the groom work.

  • Other duties as assigned

Ready to roll up your sleeves and give every pet a good scrub and a great experience? Bring your love for animals, your sense of humor, and your waterproof shoes. We'll bring the bubbles.

Seeking experienced dog bather scheduled Friday-Monday or Tuesday-Thursday.

Destination Pet LLC affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.
Destination Pet LLC endeavors to make our employment website and application process accessible to all users and applicants. In doing so, we provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation or assistance completing the application process, please contact a member of our recruitment team.
At Destination Pet, we're all about creating a workplace that's bursting with diversity and inclusivity. We don't play favorites or judge folks based on skin color, religion, gender, age, disability, or any other protected characteristics. Our hiring decisions are solely based on what you can bring to the team. So, we're throwing the door wide open for all like-minded candidates who believe in celebrating and honoring diversity and inclusion. Ready to join our pack?

Apply