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Medical Detection Dog Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

... odor detection (explosive/drug). Service dogs, generally seen as a non-lethal option for ... Free medical care. * Free housing and leadership development. * You are also afforded the ...

Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

... odor detection (explosive/drug). Service dogs, generally seen as a non-lethal option for ... Free medical care. * Free housing and leadership development. * You are also afforded the ...

Detect and discourage overly excited, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior * Ensure dogs are safe ... includes Medical/Vision/Dental, Transportation Allowance, Paid Time Off, 401k We are an equal ...

K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

One to two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ... Medical, Vision & Dental Insurance * Paid Time-Off Program & Company Paid Holidays * 401(k) ...

Dog Handler (31K)

Clarion, PA · On-site

$23K - $97K/yr

Medical, Moral, Physical: Medically and physically capable, and in good moral standing. * Education ... Detection & Identification. * Law Enforcement & Security.

K9 Handler with Security Clearance

Miami, FL

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

... trace detection as needed Perform Handler duties while commanding a trained explosive working dog ... Medical, Vision & Dental Insurance Paid Time-Off Program & Company Paid Holidays 401(k) Retirement ...

K9 Handler

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

One to two years of documented experience handling an explosive detection dog in an operational ... Medical, Vision & Dental Insurance * Paid Time-Off Program & Company Paid Holidays * 401(k) ...

Rodent K9 Detection Handler

Des Moines, IA

$18 - $23.25/hr

Ensure the dog is well groomed, well trained, and prepared to perform detection tasks reliably ... Health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance plus much more ...

Rodent K9 Detection Handler

Des Moines, IA

$18 - $23.25/hr

Ensure the dog is well groomed, well trained, and prepared to perform detection tasks reliably ... Health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance plus much more ...

Rodent K9 Detection Handler

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Ensure the dog is well groomed, well trained, and prepared to perform detection tasks reliably ... Health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance plus much more ...

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Medical Detection Dog information

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$11

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$23

How much do medical detection dog jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical detection dog in the United States is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Medical Detection Dog vs Service Dog?

AspectMedical Detection DogService Dog
Primary RoleDetects specific medical conditions like allergies, diabetes, or cancer through scentAssists individuals with disabilities by performing tasks like mobility support or alerting to medical issues
TrainingSpecialized scent detection training for medical conditionsTask-specific training for disability assistance
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, homes, or public spacesPublic spaces, homes, workplaces, travel
CertificationsOften certified for medical scent detectionCertified as service animals under ADA regulations

While both Medical Detection Dogs and Service Dogs are highly trained working animals, Medical Detection Dogs focus on scent detection of medical conditions, whereas Service Dogs assist individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks. Their training, roles, and certifications differ based on their primary functions, but both play vital roles in improving quality of life.

What are Medical Detection Dogs?

Medical Detection Dogs are specially trained canines that assist individuals by detecting various medical conditions through their keen sense of smell. They can be trained to alert their owners to changes in blood sugar levels, the onset of seizures, or even the presence of certain diseases like cancer. These dogs provide an important layer of safety and independence for people with specific medical needs. Their work is based on scientific research showing that dogs can detect subtle chemical changes in the human body. In addition to alerting their owners, some Medical Detection Dogs are also involved in research and screening programs.

What are the main challenges faced by handlers working with medical detection dogs, and how can they be addressed?

Handlers working with medical detection dogs often face challenges such as maintaining the dog's focus during long shifts, ensuring accurate scent detection in varied environments, and managing the dog's well-being. It is essential to regularly train and reinforce detection skills, provide positive reinforcement, and create a supportive environment that minimizes distractions. Handlers also collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and must communicate findings clearly, which requires strong teamwork and attention to detail.

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

To thrive as a Medical Detection Dog, strong olfactory abilities, extensive training in scent detection, and certification from recognized organizations are essential. Training often involves working with scent samples, specialized detection protocols, and regular assessments to maintain accuracy. Exceptional focus, trainability, and calmness in various environments are the soft skills that set top-performing detection dogs apart. These skills ensure the dog's reliability and effectiveness in identifying medical conditions, which is crucial for supporting patient health and safety.
More about Medical Detection Dog jobs
What job categories do people searching Medical Detection Dog jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Detection Dog jobs are:
Infographic showing various Medical Detection Dog job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,833 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
K-9 Handler - MGM Springfield

K-9 Handler - MGM Springfield

MGM Resorts International

Springfield, MA • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


MGM Resorts rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 48 rated entertainment


Job description

Springfield, Massachusetts
The SHOW comes alive at MGM Resorts International
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in a place full of excitement, diversity, and entertainment? Are you enthusiastic about being a team player in one of the most fascinating industries in the world? At MGM Resorts, we seek individuals like YOU to create unique and show-stopping experiences for our guests.
THE JOB:
As a K-9 Handler, you will play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of our employees and guests. Your primary responsibility will be to utilize a trained and certified detection dog to locate suspicious packages or objects. You will work closely with security personnel to implement safety protocols and respond to potential threats.
THE STARTING RATE: $22.00 per hour
THE DAY-TO-DAY:
  • Train and certify with a detection trained dog
  • Utilize canine as directed to protect life and property of MGMRI facilities and in support of designated operations
  • Search vehicles, MGMRI executive aircraft, packages, backpacks, mail, containers, rooms, buildings, areas, or other objects as directed that could contain explosive materials or weapons
  • Maintain the canine's proficiency in detection through routine training and certification
  • Maintain the day-to-day health and welfare of assigned detection dogs, to include maintaining diet, ensuring adequate water throughout the day, and daily health checks and grooming
  • Maintain all assigned canine-related equipment
  • Conduct daily kennel care
  • Perform basic canine emergency first-aid as needed
  • Provide excellent guest service to guests and employees

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
  • Has high school diploma or GED.
  • Has 2+ years of prior relevant experience in law enforcement, military, or private security, and/or legal within profession.
  • Has advanced knowledge in the area of investigations preferred.

THE PERKS & BENEFITS:
  • Healthcare, financial and time off benefits
  • Wellness incentive programs to help you stay healthy physically and mentally
  • Access to company hotel, food and beverage, retail, and entertainment discounts as well as discounts with company partners on things like travel, electronics, online shopping, and more.
  • Free meals in our employee dining room
  • Free parking on and off shift
  • Professional and personal development through programs and networking opportunities as well as volunteer opportunities in the community
  • Company-issued uniform and dry-cleaning

VIEW JOB DESCRIPTION:
https://mgmresorts.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=2&jobcode=11135
Pay Rate
The rate for this role is:
$22.00
This rate represents a good faith estimate of the wage rate that MGM reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire.
Pay will not be below any applicable minimum wage.
Should overtime be worked, employees are paid overtime pay in accordance with state requirements.
Employees in this position are eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plans, and time off plans. Specific program offerings vary by eligibility factors such as geographic location, employment status, and union membership.
Are you ready to JOIN THE SHOW? Apply today!

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About MGM Resorts

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global gaming and entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 31 unique hotel and gaming destinations globally, including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. The Company's 50/50 venture, BetMGM, LLC, offers U.S. sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and partypoker, and the Company's subsidiary, LeoVegas AB, offers sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands in several jurisdictions throughout Europe. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in Asia through the integrated resort opportunity in Japan. Through its “Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet” philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in the lives of its employees, guests, and in the communities where it operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies®

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Paradise, NV, US

Year founded

1962