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K9 Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Andy Frain Services

Experienced K9 Handler

Mclean, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

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 ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$70K/yr

We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the Hampton Roads Metro area . This is a demanding ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$70K/yr

We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the Charlottesville area . This is a demanding and ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the Hampton Roads Metro area . This is a demanding ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the Charlottesville area . This is a demanding and ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Reston, VA

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Handler willbe responsible forscreening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations.The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeksminimum team training course and ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$29 - $31/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course ...

Constellis

K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$29 - $31/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Handler will be required to complete a 4-8 weeks minimum team training course ...

Constellis

Junior K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Junior Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Junior Handler will be required to complete a 4-8-weeks minimum team ...

Constellis

Junior K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Junior Handler will be responsible for screening cargo in compliance with TSA rules and regulations. The Junior Handler will be required to complete a 4-8-weeks minimum team ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsK9 JobsK9 Jobs in Virginia

K9 information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$17

$22

How much do k9 jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for k9 in Virginia is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between K9 vs Dog Trainer?

AspectK9Dog Trainer
CertificationsCanine Handler Certification, K9 Police or Military CertificationCPDT-KA, CCPDT, or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement, military, security settingsPet training facilities, private homes, obedience classes
Employer & IndustryPolice departments, military, security agenciesPet training companies, individual clients, shelters

While both K9 handlers and dog trainers work with dogs, K9 professionals typically work in law enforcement or military settings, focusing on specialized training for security, detection, or patrol duties. Dog trainers generally work in pet training environments, helping owners teach obedience and behavior. The certifications, work environments, and employer types differ, reflecting their distinct roles in canine training and service.

What are some common challenges faced by K9 handlers, and how can they be addressed?

K9 handlers often encounter challenges related to maintaining their dog's training, managing the physical demands of the job, and building a strong handler-dog bond. Dogs require consistent reinforcement of obedience and detection skills, which means regular training sessions are essential. Additionally, handlers need to stay physically fit to keep up with their canine partners in various environments. Effective communication with both the dog and the rest of the team is crucial for mission success and safety. To address these challenges, many agencies provide ongoing training, peer support, and access to professional development resources.

How to get a K9 job?

To get a K9 handler or trainer position, candidates typically need a background in law enforcement, security, or related fields, along with experience working with dogs. Certification in canine handling and obedience training is often required, and physical fitness and a clean background check are essential for employment in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a K9 handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a K9 handler, you need formal law enforcement or military training, a strong understanding of canine behavior, and usually certification in K9 handling. Familiarity with specialized equipment like leashes, bite sleeves, scent detection aids, and ongoing training programs is essential. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to build a trusting bond with the dog are critical soft skills. These competencies ensure effective teamwork with the K9 partner, successful task completion, and safety in high-pressure situations.

What is a K9?

K9 officers are law enforcement professionals who work alongside specially trained police dogs to perform a variety of tasks, such as detecting drugs or explosives, tracking suspects, searching for missing persons, and apprehending criminals. The term 'K9' refers to both the police dog and the handler as a team. These officers undergo specialized training to effectively communicate with and manage their canine partners, ensuring the safety and success of their missions. K9 units play a critical role in enhancing public safety and supporting broader police operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of K9 jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of K9 jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to K9 jobs in Virginia? For K9 jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching K9 jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for K9 jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for K9 jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most K9 job openings:
K9 jobs near you
Infographic showing various K9 job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,489 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Experienced K9 Handler

Andy Frain Services

Mclean, VA • On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 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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