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K9 Dogs Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Andy Frain

Experienced K9 Handler

Arlington, VA · On-site

$19 - $22.50/hr

A property selected to house an Andy Frain working dog shall be such that will accommodate a kennel ... Must be able to lift and carry up to 90 pounds, including assigned K9 for 50 feet. * Must be able ...

Andy Frain Services

Experienced K9 Handler

Mclean, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

A property selected to house an Andy Frain working dog shall be such that will accommodate a kennel ... Must be able to lift and carry up to 90 pounds, including assigned K9 for 50 feet. * Must be able ...

Andy Frain Services

Experienced K9 Handler

Mclean, VA

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

A property selected to house an Andy Frain working dog shall be such that will accommodate a kennel ... Must be able to lift and carry up to 90 pounds, including assigned K9 for 50 feet. * Must be able ...

Andy Frain Services

Experienced K9 Handler

Arlington, VA

$18.75 - $22.25/hr

A property selected to house an Andy Frain working dog shall be such that will accommodate a kennel ... Must be able to lift and carry up to 90 pounds, including assigned K9 for 50 feet. * Must be able ...

Andy Frain Services

Experienced K9 Handler

Arlington, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $22.25/hr

A property selected to house an Andy Frain working dog shall be such that will accommodate a kennel ... Must be able to lift and carry up to 90 pounds, including assigned K9 for 50 feet. * Must be able ...

Hounds Town USA

Kennel Technician

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

... dog lovers! Are you looking for a fun and rewarding job that lets you spend your days surrounded by furry friends? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We're looking for a dedicated K9 ...

Hounds Town USA

Kennel Technician

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

... dog lovers! Are you looking for a fun and rewarding job that lets you spend your days surrounded by furry friends? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We're looking for a dedicated K9 ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Hampton, VA · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Annandale, VA · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Richmond, VA · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

Train to become a K9 dog handler and even protect and escort shipboard weapons in the armory. The call to serve and protect starts by defending our own. RESPONSIBILITIES The law enforcement and ...

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All JobsK9 Dogs JobsK9 Dogs Jobs in Virginia

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 Virginia are hiring for K9 Dogs jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most K9 Dogs job openings:
K9 Dogs jobs near you
Infographic showing various K9 Dogs job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Experienced K9 Handler

Andy Frain

Arlington, VA • On-site

$19 - $22.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description


Andy Frain services is currently hiring a qualified individual to fill a full-time opening for our Armed Person Borne K9 Detection program. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing company in the K9 / Security Industry. The ideal candidate for this role would be a highly motivated, retired Law enforcement, or prior military canine handler willing to be available for incident/emergency response duty, standby duty, and client demonstrations, which includes weekends, holidays, nights, and overnights.
Qualified applicants must have:
  • Single purpose canine handler certificate or possess the ability to obtain same prior to commencing work.
  • Dual purpose canine handler certificate or possess the ability to obtain same prior to commencing work.
  • Three (3) or more years law enforcement canine handling experience, or three (3) or more years military canine handling experience or similarly documented substantially similar experience acquired elsewhere. Selected applicants will be subject to a ninety (90) day probationary period which must be satisfactorily completed.
  • Applicants must also meet the following criteria: Expressed willingness to remain with the program for at least three years.
Expressed willingness (together with other family members) to care for and house the canine at the handler's residence in accord with all Andy Frain policies and procedures.
Provide a secure outdoor area for the canine that conforms to Andy Frain Services requirements.
Possess a strong desire to work with canines and a willingness to care for and train the animal.
Demonstrate physical fitness abilities related to the tasks of canine handling: lifting, carrying, climbing, and balancing while bearing the combined weight of the canine and any necessary associated equipment.
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate overall fitness abilities consistent with the strength, endurance, and cardiopulmonary capacities required of newly certified officers.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Handlers must receive and maintain all required certifications consistent with the Andy Frain prescribed Person Borne Gun Detection Course.
  • Handlers must certify with assigned canine for employment.
  • Handler will be responsible for the health, welfare, and maintenance of assigned canine.
  • Handler will be responsible for maintaining training and utilization records.
  • Must maintain annual canine certifications.
  • Must have valid driver's licenses, and clear driving record for last three years and complete Andy Frain Safe Drivers' Instruction.
  • Must maintain company assigned vehicle consistent with Andy Frain fleet management policies and procedures.
  • Handler will conduct searches as directed by Andy Frain management only with the assigned canine and only at Andy Frain designated sites.
  • Provide assistance as directed by Andy Frain management, designated authorized client contact(s) and law enforcement agencies.
  • Maintain all assigned canine-related equipment.
  • Must strictly comply with and maintain as current or active all instruction, certifications and licensing required in the jurisdiction to which they are assigned to perform the work, including those associated with the possession, use, handling, and care of firearms.
  • Strictly adhere to all Andy Frain policy and procedural requirements to perform as an armed employee. Possess, use, or carry only Andy Frain approved firearms.
  • Must be able to wear all prescribed gear while on duty (Vest, duty belt and any other associated items related to work).
  • Must be able to pass the firearms training and department qualification for carrying on duty.
  • Must be able to satisfactorily complete prescribed Andy Frain assessment tools used to authorize the handler to provide Armed work in a manner acceptable by Andy Frain Policy.
  • Prior to an officer being selected as a canine handler, it is preferred that the officer resides at a personally owned residence. However, if the officer resides in a dwelling they do not own, the handler shall have written permission from the homeowner that allows the officer to have a canine and provide living quarters for a police canine on the property. A property selected to house an Andy Frain working dog shall be such that will accommodate a kennel and include flooring which shall be constructed of building materials that will securely contain the canine and keep it safe. A suitable residence is required and will be inspected prior to an officer being selected as a canine handler to ensure the property can accommodate a canine and kennel by the Canine Coordinator.
  • Residences that house a canine will have "caution" signs identifying that a dog is on the property and the signs will be placed at the exterior entrance gate and on the secured kennel gate. When a canine handler is not present at his/her residence, the canine will be kept in the secured kennel supplied by Andy Frain Services.
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 90 pounds, including assigned K9 for 50 feet.
  • Must be able to walk for an extended period.
  • Requires climbing, squatting, bending, kneeling.
  • Kneel (on one or both knees) and squat for a sustained period up to at least one - two minutes.
  • Requires constant use of hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
  • Must be able to run one mile.
This description portrays in general terms the type and level(s) of work performed and is not intended to be all-inclusive, nor the specific duties of any one incumbent. Andy Frain Services reserves the right to modify, supplement, delete or augment the duties and responsibilities specified in the position description, in the Company's sole and absolute discretion. Duties other than those expressly specified may be assigned from time to time.
Job description
Andy Frain services is currently hiring a qualified individual to fill a full-time opening for our Armed Person Borne K9 Detection program. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing company in the K9 / Security Industry. The ideal candidate for this role would be a highly motivated, retired Law enforcement, or prior military canine handler willing to be available for incident/emergency response duty, standby duty, and client demonstrations, which includes weekends, holidays, nights, and overnights.
Qualified applicants must have:
  • Single purpose canine handler certificate or possess the ability to obtain same prior to commencing work.
  • Dual purpose canine handler certificate or possess the ability to obtain same prior to commencing work.
  • Three (3) or more years law enforcement canine handling experience, or three (3) or more years military canine handling experience or similarly documented substantially similar experience acquired elsewhere. Selected applicants will be subject to a ninety (90) day probationary period which must be satisfactorily completed.
  • Applicants must also meet the following criteria: Expressed willingness to remain with the program for at least three years.
Expressed willingness (together with other family members) to care for and house the canine at the handler's residence in accord with all Andy Frain policies and procedures.
Provide a secure outdoor area for the canine that conforms to Andy Frain Services requirements.
Possess a strong desire to work with canines and a willingness to care for and train the animal.
Demonstrate physical fitness abilities related to the tasks of canine handling: lifting, carrying, climbing, and balancing while bearing the combined weight of the canine and any necessary associated equipment.
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate overall fitness abilities consistent with the strength, endurance, and cardiopulmonary capacities required of newly certified officers.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Handlers must receive and maintain all required certifications consistent with the Andy Frain prescribed Person Borne Gun Detection Course.
  • Handlers must certify with assigned canine for employment.
  • Handler will be responsible for the health, welfare, and maintenance of assigned canine.
  • Handler will be responsible for maintaining training and utilization records.
  • Must maintain annual canine certifications.
  • Must have valid driver's licenses, and clear driving record for last three years and complete Andy Frain Safe Drivers' Instruction.
  • Must maintain company assigned vehicle consistent with Andy Frain fleet management policies and procedures.
  • Handler will conduct searches as directed by Andy Frain management only with the assigned canine and only at Andy Frain designated sites.
  • Provide assistance as directed by Andy Frain management, designated authorized client contact(s) and law enforcement agencies.
  • Maintain all assigned canine-related equipment.
  • Must strictly comply with and maintain as current or active all instruction, certifications and licensing required in the jurisdiction to which they are assigned to perform the work, including those associated with the possession, use, handling, and care of firearms.
  • Strictly adhere to all Andy Frain policy and procedural requirements to perform as an armed employee. Possess, use, or carry only Andy Frain approved firearms.
  • Must be able to wear all prescribed gear while on duty (Vest, duty belt and any other associated items related to work).
  • Must be able to pass the firearms training and department qualification for carrying on duty.
  • Must be able to satisfactorily complete prescribed Andy Frain assessment tools used to authorize the handler to provide Armed work in a manner acceptable by Andy Frain Policy.
  • Prior to an officer being selected as a canine handler, it is preferred that the officer resides at a personally owned residence. However, if the officer resides in a dwelling they do not own, the handler shall have written permission from the homeowner that allows the officer to have a canine and provide living quarters for a police canine on the property. A property selected to house an Andy Frain working dog shall be such that will accommodate a kennel and include flooring which shall be constructed of building materials that will securely contain the canine and keep it safe. A suitable residence is required and will be inspected prior to an officer being selected as a canine handler to ensure the property can accommodate a canine and kennel by the Canine Coordinator.
  • Residences that house a canine will have "caution" signs identifying that a dog is on the property and the signs will be placed at the exterior entrance gate and on the secured kennel gate. When a canine handler is not present at his/her residence, the canine will be kept in the secured kennel supplied by Andy Frain Services.
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 90 pounds, including assigned K9 for 50 feet.
  • Must be able to walk for an extended period.
  • Requires climbing, squatting, bending, kneeling.
  • Kneel (on one or both knees) and squat for a sustained period up to at least one - two minutes.
  • Requires constant use of hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
  • Must be able to run one mile.

This description portrays in general terms the type and level(s) of work performed and is not intended to be all-inclusive, nor the specific duties of any one incumbent. Andy Frain Services reserves the right to modify, supplement, delete or augment the duties and responsibilities specified in the position description, in the Company's sole and absolute discretion. Duties other than those expressly specified may be assigned from time to time.

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