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Guide Dog Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our team members receive hands-on training in all areas of canine care, including behavior, feeding ... What You'll Do: * 🐶 Supervise and guide safe, friendly playgroups * 🧼 Maintain a clean ...

Our team members receive hands‑on training in all areas of canine care, including behavior ... What You'll Do: * 🐶 Supervise and guide safe, friendly playgroups * 🧼 Maintain a clean ...

Dog Bather

Westmont, IL · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Training & development * Vision insurance * Wellness resources At Bowie Barker, we believe dogs are ... You'll also guide guests on the best services, add-ons, and routines to keep their dogs healthy ...

Be Seen First

In this role, you will guide each assigned pet through their entire salon journey (check-in, prep ... free outdoor training field and Sniffspot rentals, and the ability to bring a well-mannered ...

New

Be Seen First

In this role, you will guide each assigned pet through their entire salon journey (check-in, prep ... free outdoor training field and Sniffspot rentals, and the ability to bring a well-mannered ...

New

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Guide Dog Trainer information

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$9

$19

$31

How much do guide dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for guide dog trainer in the United States is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Guide Dog Trainer vs Service Dog Trainer?

AspectGuide Dog TrainerService Dog Trainer
CertificationsOften requires canine training certifications, experience with mobility aidsRequires similar certifications, often with additional medical or disability-specific training
Work EnvironmentTraining centers, outdoor environments, mobility-focused settingsTraining centers, medical facilities, public spaces
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, guide dog organizations, mobility assistance providersNonprofits, healthcare organizations, disability support agencies

Guide Dog Trainers and Service Dog Trainers share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on training dogs for specific assistance roles. The main difference lies in the type of assistance provided: Guide Dog Trainers specialize in mobility and navigation for visually impaired individuals, while Service Dog Trainers train dogs to assist with a broader range of disabilities. Both roles are vital in supporting individuals with disabilities and often overlap in skills and training methods.

What qualifications do I need to be a service dog trainer?

To become a guide dog trainer, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience with dog training or working with people with disabilities, and knowledge of canine behavior. Certification from a recognized organization or completing specialized training programs can enhance job prospects and credibility.

How do I become a trainer for guide dogs?

To become a guide dog trainer, individuals typically need experience with dog training, often starting as a professional dog trainer or working with service animals. Certification from organizations such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) or completing specialized guide dog training programs is often required. Strong skills in animal behavior, patience, and communication are essential for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by guide dog trainers when matching dogs with clients?

Guide dog trainers often encounter challenges ensuring the perfect match between a guide dog and its future handler, as they must consider the individual's mobility needs, personality, and lifestyle. Dogs require tailored training to adapt to different environments, and trainers must carefully observe both dog and client during the matching process to guarantee compatibility. Additionally, trainers support clients during the transition period, offering guidance and troubleshooting as the new partnership develops. This collaborative and client-focused aspect of the job is both rewarding and demanding, requiring patience and strong communication skills.

How much do training guide dogs pay?

Guide dog trainers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries may increase with certifications, specialized skills, and years of service in the field.

What are guide dog trainers?

Guide dog trainers are professionals who train dogs to assist visually impaired or blind individuals in navigating their environments safely and independently. They teach dogs specialized skills such as avoiding obstacles, stopping at curbs, and responding to various commands. Guide dog trainers also work closely with both the dogs and their future handlers to ensure a successful partnership. Their work requires patience, compassion, and a deep understanding of canine behavior.

How much does a guide dog trainer make?

Guide dog trainers typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Certification and specialized skills can influence salary levels, and some trainers work for non-profit organizations or private companies with varying pay scales.

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

To thrive as a Guide Dog Trainer, you need a deep understanding of canine behavior, animal training techniques, and often a background in animal science or related fields. Familiarity with positive reinforcement tools, specialized harnesses, and sometimes certification from organizations like the International Guide Dog Federation is typical. Patience, strong observational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for building trust with both dogs and visually impaired clients. These competencies ensure the safe, effective training of guide dogs and foster successful partnerships that enhance clients' independence.
More about Guide Dog Trainer jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Guide Dog Trainer jobs? The top employers for Guide Dog Trainer jobs are:
What states have the most Guide Dog Trainer jobs? States with the most job openings for Guide Dog Trainer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Guide Dog Trainer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,348 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Canine Keeper, Canine University (Full-Time)

DOGS INC

Palmetto, FL

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Join Our Team as a Canine Keeper

At Dogs Inc, we transform lives through the power of our extraordinary dogs. As a Canine Keeper at our Canine University, you play a crucial role in the journey of our dogs from playful puppies to skilled guide dogs for the visually impaired and service dogs for veterans. This position offers not just a job, but a pathway to a meaningful career in animal care and training.

What You Will Do:

  • Nurture Our Future Heroes: Provide comprehensive care for our adult dogs, including feeding, bathing, and administering medications.
  • Maintain a Healthy Environment: Keep kennels pristine and ensure our protocols for health and safety are strictly followed.
  • Support Training and Development: Engage with dogs to support their training programs, ensuring they are happy, healthy, and ready to serve.
  • Advance Your Career: Explore a multitude of career advancement opportunities. Many of our Canine Keepers step into advanced roles within the Veterinary, Canine Fitness, Puppy Raising, and Genetics and Reproduction Departments, or apprenticeship towards becoming a Guide Dog Instructor or Service Dog Instructor.

What We Need From You:

  • Experience or a strong interest in animal care, particularly in a kennel environment.
  • Ability to follow detailed health and training protocols.
  • Physical stamina for a demanding role that includes lifting and outdoor work.
  • The schedules that are available for this position are:  
    • Sunday to Thursday (11:00 AM - 7:30 PM)

Resource Development & Marketing 

At Dogs Inc, every team member helps tell our story. We may occasionally ask you to welcome guests, support tours, or talk about your work. These moments power our fundraising, strengthen our mission, and help sustain your pay and benefits. It’s something we share—and take pride in. 

Why Join Dogs Inc?

At Dogs Inc, we don’t just change lives—we transform them. Here’s why you’ll love working with us:

  • Comprehensive Benefits: Full dental and vision insurance premiums covered, competitive medical coverage, and a $15,000 life insurance policy.

  • Retirement Match: A discretionary retirement plan match for all benefit-eligible employees after one full year of employment.

  • Campus Perks: Free access to our fitness center and chef-prepared lunches served on campus (Monday-Friday).

  • Time to Recharge: Generous Paid Time Off policies (12-20 days/year based on tenure). Enjoy 14 paid holidays—including your birthday!

  • Reward-Based Programs: Many opportunities to earn additional Paid Time Off.

  • Dog-Friendly Workplace: Bring your well-behaved, pre-screened dog to work and enjoy the ultimate companion-friendly environment.