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K9 Warriors Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K9s For Warriors Inc

K9 Caretaker

Ponte Vedra, FL · On-site

$17.36 - $18.99/hr

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing ... Basic Function The K9 Caretaker supports the proper operation of the kennels, to include cleaning ...

K9s For Warriors Inc

K9 Trainer

Ponte Vedra, FL · On-site

$20.48 - $23.56/hr

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing ... ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direction of the Assistant K9 Training Manager and general ...

K9s For Warriors Inc

Lead K9 Caretaker

Ponte Vedra, FL · On-site

$18.41 - $21.15/hr

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing ... In order to continue the great work we're doing, we're looking to add a Lead K9 Caretaker to our ...

K9s For Warriors Inc

K9 Procurement Trainer

Ponte Vedra, FL · On-site

$20.48 - $23.56/hr

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing ... Basic Function Under the general direction and supervision of the K9 Procurement & Placement ...

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K9 Warriors information

See salary details

$30K

$87.1K

$137.5K

How much do k9 warriors jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for k9 warriors in the United States is $87,112.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a K9 warrior?

K9 Warriors are specially trained dogs and their handlers who work together in military, law enforcement, or security roles. These dogs are skilled in tasks such as detecting explosives or narcotics, tracking suspects, and providing protection. K9 Warriors play a critical role in supporting missions, ensuring the safety of personnel, and enhancing operational effectiveness. The partnership between the handler and the dog is built on trust, rigorous training, and mutual respect.

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

To thrive as a K9 Handler, you need knowledge of canine behavior, animal care, law enforcement procedures, and often completion of specialized K9 training programs. Familiarity with training equipment, scent detection tools, and communication devices is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as police or military K9 certification. Strong teamwork, patience, quick decision-making, and effective communication with both dogs and colleagues are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safety, effectiveness, and well-being of both handler and K9 in high-pressure situations.

What are the most common challenges faced by K9 handlers in law enforcement, and how can applicants prepare for them?

K9 handlers in law enforcement often face challenges such as building a strong working bond with their canine partner, maintaining rigorous training standards, and adapting to unpredictable field scenarios. Handlers must be physically fit, patient, and able to respond calmly under pressure, as both the handler and dog rely on each other for safety and effectiveness. Applicants can prepare by gaining experience with dogs, studying animal behavior, and seeking mentorship from experienced handlers to understand the complexities of teamwork in high-stress situations.

What is the difference between K9 Warriors vs K9 Handler?

AspectK9 WarriorsK9 Handler
CertificationsBasic canine training, obedience, and specialized skillsDog handling, obedience, and sometimes law enforcement or military certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary, law enforcement, or specialized training facilitiesField, training sites, or operational settings
Employer & IndustryMilitary, law enforcement agencies, security firmsLaw enforcement, military, security companies

While K9 Warriors focus on training and preparing service dogs, K9 Handlers are responsible for working directly with these dogs in operational settings. Both roles require canine handling skills, but K9 Warriors emphasize training expertise, whereas K9 Handlers focus on operational deployment and management of working dogs.

What cities are hiring for K9 Warriors jobs?

Cities with the most K9 Warriors job openings:

What states have the most K9 Warriors jobs?

States with the most job openings for K9 Warriors jobs include:

What job categories do people searching K9 Warriors jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for K9 Warriors jobs are:

K9 Warriors jobs near you
Infographic showing various K9 Warriors job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,112 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

K9 Caretaker

K9s For Warriors Inc

Ponte Vedra, FL • On-site

$17.36 - $18.99/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 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 Caretaker to our amazing team!

Basic Function

The K9 Caretaker supports the proper operation of the kennels, to include cleaning/maintaining kennel facilities, feeding the dogs, caring for the dogs, and ensuring the overall safety of the kennel facilities and dogs.

** Shifts vary based on the needs of the kennel; to include weekends, holidays, evenings, and rotating days off.

Essential Functions and Duties

  • Responsible for all cleaning, feeding, bathing and animal handling in accordance with K9s for Warriors policies and procedures
  • Responsible for complying with all safety procedures while working in the kennels, with special emphasis on animal handling and proper use of cleaning chemicals
  • Observe, assess, and ensure all dog behavior and health concerns are dealt with in accordance with K9s for Warriors guidelines, reporting any concerns or changes to Lead K9 Caretaker or Kennel Management
  • Participate and provide enrichment to dogs with direction from Enrichment team
  • Complete kennel and enrichment logs and associated paperwork completely and accurately
  • Follow instruction given by Veterinary Staff to assist in care of dogs
  • Handle dogs humanely and safely at all times
  • Report maintenance concerns to the Lead K9 Caretaker or Kennel Management, assist with dissemination of incoming products and ordering
  • Assist with maintaining buildings and equipment, including but not limited to interior and exterior of buildings, grounds, kennel areas, yard maintenance/equipment
  • Respond to the operational needs of the kennel as directed by the Lead K9 Caretaker and/or Kennel Management
  • Ability to work with dogs on unknown or outdated vaccination history
  • Follow and adhere to all PPE policies
  • Follow and promote all K9s For Warriors’ policies and procedures
  • Identify opportunities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the dogs in K9s For Warriors’ care and bring ideas and suggestions to appropriate supervisor
  • Participate in kennel training sessions and enrichment as designated
  • Complete training logs and associated paperwork completely and accurately

Other Duties

  • Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Kennel Manager and Assistant Kennel Managers
  • Maintain good communication with kennel staff and other departments
  • Maintain good working relationships with all kennel and organization employees

Qualifications

  • High school degree or equivalent
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, and rotating schedule
  • Kennel experience preferred
  • Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance

Physical Demands

Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds, cleaning chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather. Must be able to operate power tools, pressure washers, lawn equipment, etc.

Core Competencies

  • Attention to Detail
  • Teamwork
  • Integrity
  • Initiative
  • Positive Attitude
  • Cooperation



** Shifts vary based on the needs of the kennel; to include weekends, holidays, evenings, and rotating days off.