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K9 Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K9 Security Officer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

Security K-9 Officer Primary City/State: Deer Valley - 19829 N 27th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85027 Category ... Gives obedience and protection commands to K9 as situation dictates. * Assists employees, visitors ...

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K9 Officer information

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$8

$25

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How much do k9 officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for k9 officer in the United States is $25.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do K9 officers get paid good?

K9 officers are law enforcement personnel who work with trained police dogs, and their salaries typically align with police officer pay scales, which vary by location and experience. In general, K9 officers earn a competitive salary that may include additional benefits such as specialized training and equipment. Salary ranges can be influenced by factors like department size, geographic area, and years of service.

How hard is it to be a K9 officer?

Becoming a K9 officer requires completing law enforcement training, passing physical and psychological tests, and gaining experience as a police officer. The role demands physical fitness, specialized training in handling and working with police dogs, and a strong commitment to public safety. It is a challenging position that combines law enforcement skills with animal handling expertise.

What is a K9 officer?

K9 Officers are law enforcement professionals who work closely with specially trained police dogs, known as K9s, to perform a variety of duties. These officers and their canine partners assist in tasks such as detecting drugs, explosives, finding missing persons, and apprehending suspects. The dogs are trained to use their keen sense of smell and agility to support police work and enhance public safety. K9 Officers are responsible for the care, training, and well-being of their dogs, forming a strong bond with them to operate effectively as a team.

How do you become a K9 officer?

To become a K9 officer, candidates typically need to be law enforcement officers first, then undergo specialized training in police dog handling, obedience, and detection skills. Certification in K9 training and experience working with police dogs are often required, along with physical fitness and a clean background check.

What is the difference between K9 Officer vs Police Officer?

AspectK9 OfficerPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, police academy, K9 handling certificationHigh school diploma, police academy
Work EnvironmentPatrols, training with K9 units, crime scene searchesPatrol, investigations, community engagement
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, specialized K9 unitsLaw enforcement agencies, general policing

While both K9 Officers and Police Officers work in law enforcement, K9 Officers specialize in handling police dogs for searches, tracking, and suspect apprehension. Police Officers perform broader duties like patrol, investigations, and community policing. K9 Officers require specific K9 handling certifications, whereas Police Officers focus on general law enforcement training. Both roles are essential in maintaining public safety but differ in their focus and daily responsibilities.

What are some common challenges K9 officers face when working with their canine partners?

K9 Officers often encounter challenges related to maintaining a strong bond and effective communication with their canine partners. Building trust takes time and requires consistent training, patience, and understanding of the dog's behavior. Additionally, K9 Officers must ensure their canine partners are well-socialized and able to perform in high-stress or distracting environments, which can be demanding. Balancing the dog's well-being with operational demands is essential for both successful outcomes and the long-term health of the animal.

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

To thrive as a K9 Officer, you need law enforcement training, canine handling skills, and usually a police academy certification. Familiarity with canine training techniques, scent detection tools, and radio communication systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, patience, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for building trust with your canine partner and collaborating with colleagues. These abilities are vital for ensuring effective public safety operations, successful investigations, and positive police-canine relationships.
More about K9 Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for K9 Officer jobs? Cities with the most K9 Officer job openings:
What states have the most K9 Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for K9 Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various K9 Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,799 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Explosive Detection Canine (K9) Handler

Allied Universal

Greer, SC • On-site

$29.83/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Allied Universal rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 2,551 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 116 rated security


Job description

Overview

Company Overview:

Advance your career in security with Allied Universal Enhanced Protection Services, the global leader in security and threat mitigation. Following the acquisition of MSA Security in 2021, we became the world's largest non-governmental canine detection company. Specializing in canine explosives and firearm detection, we offer exciting career opportunities for those passionate about canine security. Join our innovative team committed to excellence in the security industry and make a meaningful impact. Explore key roles such as canine officers, handlers, trainers, veterinary technicians, and kennel managers.

Job Description

Our canine group, under Allied Universal Enhanced Protection Services, is hiring an Explosive Detection Canine (K9) Handler. The Explosive Detection K9 Handler partners with a trained Explosive Detection Canine (EDC), or "K9", to conduct searches in/at assigned client sites, including corporate buildings, loading docks, delivery vehicles, open areas and/or other situations as needed.

Ready to make a difference as a canine handler.

   

Previous canine experience is not required, paid training provided. 

Pay Rate: $29.83 per hour

Canine stipend / training and care provided. 

Required for this position minimum of two yearsone of these qualifications'military, law enforcement or corrections.

Must have a private vehicle to transport K9 partner, they cannot be transported via public transportation.

Must be able to accommodate housing for K9 partner; K9 partner resides with you.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Partner with a trained Explosive Detection K9 to conduct searches in/at assigned client sites, including corporate buildings, loading docks, delivery vehicles, open areas and/or other situations as needed
  • Assist and liaise effectively with the client's security manager, law enforcement agencies, security personnel, and local partners or their representatives in the execution of the security protocols as agreed to and described in the specific post orders for each post
  • Properly train the Explosive Detection K9, in accordance with Company policy, each day and ensuring their safety and well-being
  • Adhere to all regulatory or other protocols, including the use of any required technology

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required prior to employment
  • Must possess a minimum of two (2) years in one or more of the following:
    • Service in any military branch (including Guard and Reserve)
    • Law enforcement role, with a completed accredited Law Enforcement Academy (Municipal/State/Federal)
    • Municipal or federal correctional officer, including attending a full-time accredited LE/Corrections Academy (must have enforcement responsibilities)
  • Possess adequate living environment to allow for the proper exercise and training of the K9
  • Access to reliable transportation sufficient to allow the safe transportation of the K9 to and from work
  • Willingness and ability to be available for incident/emergency response duty, standby duty, and client demonstrations, which includes various days and hours

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Service in Military Occupational Specialty related to law enforcement, security (such as Military Police, Elite Military Forces, combat arms) or any support role in a Combat Zone
  • Prior civilian or military K9 handler experience
  • Completion of a full military handler course
  • Bachelor's degree in law enforcement or criminal justice related studies
  • A minimum of 8 or more years of service in any military branch

BENEFITS:

  • Medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off offered at an accrual rate of 1 hour per 25 hours worked on a weekly basis
  • Eight paid holidays (subject to eligibility)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee discounts through our perks program to your favorite restaurants, entertainment venues, and much more!
Closing

Allied Universal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com

If you have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply or require an accommodation, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices.

Requisition ID2026-1652082Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Allied Universal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Allied Universal® is a leading security and facility services company. We provide proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow our clients to focus on their core business. Our excellence starts with our local leadership and local presence. Operating in more than 90 countries, our global workforce of approximately 800,000 people. Employees help to deliver our promise globally and locally: keeping people safe so our customers and communities can thrive. As we build the world's best services company, we continue to expand our footprint and infrastructure on a global and local level. In North America, we operate our business under the existing Allied Universal brand, and our international business operates under the G4S brand.

Industry

Investigation and physical security services, chemical manufacturing and real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Ana, CA, US