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K9 Dogs Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

K9s For Warriors Inc

K9 Trainer

Ponte Vedra, FL · On-site

$20.48 - $23.56/hr

Independently modify dog behavior and train specific service dog tasks from basic to advanced ... K9 Training Management and Kennel Management; assist K9 Caretakers with cleaning kennels when ...

K9s For Warriors Inc

Lead K9 Caretaker

Ponte Vedra, FL · On-site

$18.41 - $21.15/hr

In order to continue the great work we're doing, we're looking to add a Lead K9 Caretaker to our ... Participate and provide enrichment to dogs with direction from Enrichment team. * Support ...

PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE 1989 LLC

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K9 Attendant @ Hounds Town St. Augustine NE

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Attention all dog lovers! Come join our pack! Are you looking for a fun and rewarding job that lets ... As a K9 Attendant, you'll be responsible for supervising and caring for our furry clients, ensuring ...

PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE 1989 LLC

Be Seen First

K9 Attendant @ Hounds Town St. Augustine NE

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Attention all dog lovers! Come join our pack! Are you looking for a fun and rewarding job that lets ... As a K9 Attendant, you'll be responsible for supervising and caring for our furry clients, ensuring ...

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K9 Dogs information

What are some common challenges faced by K9 handlers and their dogs during training and fieldwork?

K9 handlers and their dogs often face challenges such as adapting to unpredictable environments, maintaining the dog's focus amid distractions, and ensuring the dog’s physical and mental well-being. Handlers must build a strong bond with their K9 partners to achieve effective communication and trust, which is crucial for successful teamwork. Additionally, continuous training and regular practice are essential to keep the dog's skills sharp, and handlers must stay updated on best practices for canine care and law enforcement protocols.

What is the difference between K9 Dogs vs Search and Rescue Dogs?

AspectK9 DogsSearch and Rescue Dogs
CertificationsBasic obedience, specialized training depending on roleAdvanced search and rescue certifications, disaster response training
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement, military, security settingsDisaster sites, wilderness, urban search areas
Employer & IndustryPolice departments, military, private securityEmergency services, rescue organizations, NGOs

While both K9 Dogs and Search and Rescue Dogs are trained to assist humans, K9 Dogs are primarily used in law enforcement and security roles, focusing on detection and patrol. Search and Rescue Dogs specialize in locating missing persons in disaster or wilderness environments. Their training, certifications, and work settings differ to suit their specific missions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a K9 handler?

To thrive as a K9 Handler, you need a background in law enforcement or security, strong canine training expertise, and often completion of specialized K9 handler certification programs. Familiarity with scent detection tools, tracking devices, and communication systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, patience, and the ability to build trust with both dogs and people are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure effective teamwork between handler and dog, leading to successful detection, search, and security operations.

What is a K9 dog?

K9 dogs, also known as police dogs, are specially trained canines used by law enforcement and other organizations to assist in a variety of tasks. Their roles include detecting drugs and explosives, searching for missing persons, apprehending suspects, and protecting their handlers. K9 dogs undergo rigorous training to develop skills in obedience, scent detection, and controlled aggression. They play a crucial role in public safety due to their keen senses and specialized capabilities.

How to get a job in the K9 Dogs unit?

To get a job in a K9 Dogs unit, candidates typically need law enforcement or military experience, a valid certification in K9 handling, and a clean background check. Physical fitness, training in dog obedience, and familiarity with scent detection are also important qualifications. Applying through law enforcement agencies or specialized security organizations is common.
What cities in Florida are hiring for K9 Dogs jobs? Cities in Florida with the most K9 Dogs job openings:
K9 Dogs jobs near you
Infographic showing various K9 Dogs job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

K9 Trainer

K9s For Warriors Inc

Ponte Vedra, FL • On-site

$20.48 - $23.56/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma — at no financial cost to the Veteran. Founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors is committed to saving lives at both ends of the leash by primarily rescuing dogs and pairing them with Veterans in need. In order to continue the great work we’re doing, we’re looking to add a K9 Trainer to our amazing team!

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Assistant K9 Training Manager and general supervision of the assigned Lead K9 Trainer, the K9 Trainer is responsible for independently implementing all elements of assistance dog training, including reading dog body language, training procedures, environmental awareness, application of learning theory and related modalities, use of training equipment, training of K9s For Warriors (K9s) skills, dog evaluation, assessment, and reporting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Independently modify dog behavior and train specific service dog tasks from basic to advanced obedience
  • Train obedience and service tasks in alignment with a Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) based training philosophy.
  • Maintain detailed training, evaluation, behavior modification and medical records in accordance with K9s’ policies and procedures
  • Analyze and assess individual dogs; execute a tailored training program and assist with their care
  • Provide public access exposure to Service Dogs in training
  • Participate in impulse control, time outs, quiet kennels, temperament testing, group walks, and continuing education sessions
  • Coordinate, run, and supervise dog playgroups; evaluate dog’s stress levels, monitor for rude or aggressive behavior; identify when and how to interrupt inappropriate play.
  • Liaise with kennel staff on assigned dog’s kennel behavior; coordinate dog procedure requests, feeding schedule and enrichment plans through K9 Training Management and Kennel Management; assist K9 Caretakers with cleaning kennels when needed
  • Assist Warrior Trainers with identifying the correct Service Dog for each veteran, initial dog pairing, and provide training assistance through transference
  • Participate in events, tours and media opportunities to demonstrate the dog’s trained skills to raise awareness and support fundraising and development endeavors.
  • Participate in training sessions at Paws for Change locations to aid in training for dogs in the Paws for Change program.
  • Perform frequent cleaning of training equipment, vehicles, and campus training areas
  • Participate in public relations presentations and demonstrations showing how Service Dogs provide assistance to veterans with PTSD, TBI, or MST in addition to promoting the mission and encouraging donations
  • Display a positive example regarding work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respect
  • Provide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all times
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or management

COMPETENCIES

  • Adaptability
  • Initiative
  • Integrity
  • Planning and Organizing

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

  • H.S. diploma or equivalent
  • 2 years of professional animal training experience or graduation from the apprenticeship program
  • Experience working with purpose bred and shelter dogs preferred
  • Kennel experience preferred
  • Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision
  • Comfortable being photographed, filmed and other interactions with media
  • Good communication skills
  • Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Walk 3 to 5 miles per day on average
  • Ability to train dogs in crowded environments on campus and in public
  • Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors, sounds chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.


Monday 7:30am- 4:00pm