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Lead Dog Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Friends of Switchpoint Inc

Dog Handler

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16/hr

BNB Dog Handler ORGANIZATION: Friends of Switchpoint is a non-profit organization that has been ... To lead by example, developing, promoting, and sharing new ideas and programs to help those ...

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The Dog Stop - Bucktown

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Dog Handler / Dog Care Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.60/hr

The Role Our Handlers care for and supervise dogs in daycare and boarding, ensuring their safety ... lead * Only apply if you are ready to work, this is a physically demanding position working with ...

The Dog Stop - Bucktown

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Dog Handler / Dog Care Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.60/hr

The Role Our Handlers care for and supervise dogs in daycare and boarding, ensuring their safety ... lead * Only apply if you are ready to work, this is a physically demanding position working with ...

Kiddy K9 Klub Corporation

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Part Time Canine Handler

Kent, WA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Candidates with prior dog handling experience and a strong passion for animal care will be given ... Build leadership skills with potential growth into shift lead, supervisory, or full-time roles.

Kiddy K9 Klub Corporation

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Part Time Canine Handler

Kent, WA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Candidates with prior dog handling experience and a strong passion for animal care will be given ... Build leadership skills with potential growth into shift lead, supervisory, or full-time roles.

Constellis

Lead Handler

Miami, FL

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Lead Handler will be responsible for overseeing the Handlers to ensure cargo ... Perform Handler duties while commanding a trained working dog * Handler willbe responsible ...

Constellis

Lead Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Lead Handler will be responsible for overseeing the Handlers to ensure cargo ... Perform Handler duties while commanding a trained working dog * Handler will be responsible for ...

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How much do lead dog handler jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead dog handler in the United States is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Dog Handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Dog Handler, you need hands-on experience with dog care, knowledge of canine behavior, and often a background in animal science or related certifications. Familiarity with restraint equipment, training tools, and basic animal first aid is typically required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and patience are vital soft skills for managing both dogs and team members. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations, promote animal welfare, and foster teamwork in environments such as kennels, shelters, or dog daycare facilities.

What are some common challenges Lead Dog Handlers face when managing a team of handlers and dogs?

Lead Dog Handlers often face the challenge of balancing the needs and temperaments of multiple dogs while overseeing and mentoring less-experienced handlers. Ensuring consistent training standards, maintaining safety protocols, and coordinating schedules are key responsibilities. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as the team must respond to unexpected behaviors or emergencies. Additionally, fostering a positive work environment helps to build trust and cohesion among both the canine and human team members.

What are Lead Dog Handlers?

Lead Dog Handlers are professionals responsible for overseeing the care, training, and management of a team of dogs, often in settings such as kennels, training facilities, animal shelters, or service dog organizations. They supervise other dog handlers, coordinate activities like feeding, exercising, and grooming, and implement training programs to ensure the dogs’ well-being and proper behavior. In addition, Lead Dog Handlers may work directly with clients, organize schedules, and ensure compliance with safety and health regulations for both animals and staff.

What is the difference between Lead Dog Handler vs Mushing Guide?

AspectLead Dog HandlerMushing Guide
CredentialsExperience with dog teams, certifications in dog care and mushingExperience in guiding sled tours, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentDog sledding teams, outdoor snowy terrainsTourist sled rides, outdoor winter settings
Employer & IndustryDog sledding companies, winter tourismTour operators, adventure tourism
Search & Comparison IntentJob roles in dog sledding, team leadershipGuiding sled tours, customer safety

Both roles involve outdoor winter activities and require experience with dog sledding. The Lead Dog Handler primarily manages and trains the sled dog team, ensuring their health and performance. The Mushing Guide focuses on leading tourists on sled rides, emphasizing safety and customer experience. While overlapping in outdoor winter environments, their core responsibilities differ: one manages the dogs, the other guides the tour.

More about Lead Dog Handler jobs
What job categories do people searching Lead Dog Handler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Dog Handler jobs are:
Lead Dog Handler jobs near you

Dog Handler

Friends of Switchpoint Inc

Saint George, UT • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Description:

BNB Dog Handler

ORGANIZATION:

Friends of Switchpoint is a non-profit organization that has been serving individuals, families, and veterans in Utah who are experiencing poverty and homelessness since 2014.

OUR MISSION

To empower those in need by addressing the underlying cause of poverty, providing a comprehensive plan, and supporting their journey to self-sufficiency.

OUR VISION

Every individual embodies their worth and value with self-esteem, hope and abilities restored, thriving in affordable housing.

CULTURE VALUES:

  • Kindness – Remember Kindness is Contagious!
  • Connection – It’s why we’re here and what gives purpose & meaning to life!
  • Kinship – We want you and those we serve to feel a sense of Belonging.
  • Self-Worth – Treat people the way they can become w/True Value & Worth!
  • Self-Reliance – Learn your role and take initiative!! We want “Fishermen”!

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

  • Golden Rule: To treat all people as we ourselves would wish to be treated.
  • Positive Influence: To judge our effectiveness by the extent to which individual lives are saved & improved by the positive experience of the people we influence.
  • Leadership: To lead by example, developing, promoting, and sharing new ideas and programs to help those experiencing homelessness.
  • Authenticity: To do what we say we do.
  • Transparency: To be open and honest in our relationships.

OUR MOTTO: It Takes All of Us to end homelessness.

PURPOSE:

Bed ‘n’ Biscuits Dog Handler oversees and ensures the health and happiness of the customers of Bed ‘n’ Biscuits. The Bed ‘n’ Biscuits Dog Handler must have a love for dogs and show compassion and concern for their well-being.

Requirements:

??Role and Responsibilities?

  • Keep facility clean
  • Sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing kennels and kennel equipment
  • Keeping the play yard clean and poop free
  • Emptying trash cans and poop bins regularly
  • Disinfect facility and yards
  • Wash and clean kennel and play equipment
  • Maintain a clean and well-kept facility
  • Keep it safe
  • Monitor social time in play yards
  • Learn names and common behaviors of each dog and manage them accordingly
  • Use basic obedience commands for manners reminders and dog handling
  • Detect and discourage overly excited, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior
  • Ensure dogs are safe when being exercised and socialized during playtime
  • Report issues or bad behavior to manager/trainer/assistant manager
  • Report injuries or health related issues to manager and front desk
  • Complete training of Proper Dog Handling course as outlined in the employee manual and on the job training
  • Intervene in situations that may result in injuries and provide first aid to injured dogs
  • Rewards dogs for good behavior
  • Discourage jumping, pulling on leash, overly excited, barking, growling, aggression, etc.
  • Keep accurate records
  • Feed dogs and keep them healthy
  • Keep it fun Enjoy coming to work
  • Have fun working with dogs all day
  • Create and be a part of a fun environment
  • Learn how to play with dogs in a way that stimulates them and be a part of a fun, dynamic group of dogs.

Recordkeeping and Reporting:

  • Report critical incident(s) immediately to Regional Director.
  • Collects data necessary to meet funding requirements and statistical reports.

??Qualifications and Education Requirements?:

  • Minimum requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional two years of work experience is preferred.
  • Previous experience working with animals preferred
  • Motivated self-started with a proven ability to work well with details and program delivery both individually and as a team player and leader
  • Strong problem-solving and interpersonal communication abilities
  • Excellent written, verbal, computer and documentation skills
  • Proven organizational and follow-up skills
  • Comfortable working with diverse clients, volunteers, and staff
  • Ability to handle a range of client and volunteer situations calmly, professionally, and respectfully.
  • Ability to represent the agency effectively and appropriately to the public.
  • Must have the ability to apply common sense in carrying out instructions
  • Must have a basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and database software

COMPENSATION

Pay Range starting at $14.00/hour and caps at $16.00/hour

Switchpoint offers a benefits package to Full-Time Employees that includes Medical/Vision/Dental, Transportation Allowance, Paid Time Off, 401k


We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We value a diverse workforce.