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Police K9 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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... save Police K9s and their handlers' lives. For over 40 years, we've supported law enforcement agencies across the country and have helped protect thousands of K9 teams. We are looking for a ...

Police Officer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

... K9 (2) 2 bomb dogs, 1 cross training with SWAT School Resource Officer (2) High School and Middle School Community Outreach (2) Police Analyst (1) Investigative analyst non-sworn Dispatch (10) ...

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Police K9 information

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$41.5K

$87.6K

$137K

How much do police k9 jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for police k9 in the United States is $87,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $105,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Police K9 Handler, you need law enforcement training, a strong understanding of canine behavior, and often completion of a specialized K9 handler course. Familiarity with police radio systems, canine training aids, and tracking or detection tools is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to build a strong bond with the dog set outstanding handlers apart. These skills ensure effective teamwork between officer and dog, enhancing public safety and operational success in the field.

What are Police K9s and what do they do?

Police K9s are specially trained dogs that work alongside law enforcement officers to assist in a variety of tasks. Their primary duties include detecting drugs, explosives, and other contraband; tracking missing persons or suspects; apprehending criminals; and protecting their handlers. These dogs undergo extensive training to learn obedience, scent detection, and controlled aggression. Common breeds used for Police K9 work include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador Retrievers. Their unique skills and abilities make them invaluable members of police departments worldwide.

What's the highest K9 handler pay?

The highest pay for police K9 handlers can vary by location and experience, with some earning over $70,000 annually. Factors such as department size, geographic area, and specialized training influence salary levels for this role.

How much is K9 getting paid?

Police K9 handlers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and department size. Salaries may also include benefits such as training, equipment, and overtime pay, with some departments offering additional incentives for specialized skills or certifications.

How do I become a K9 cop?

To become a police K9 officer, you typically need to be a sworn law enforcement officer first, then undergo specialized K9 training that includes handling, obedience, and scent detection. Candidates often need to pass physical fitness tests and demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills; certification in K9 handling is also common. Experience in patrol or criminal investigation can be beneficial for K9 assignments.

Do K9 cops get paid more?

Police K9 officers typically earn salaries comparable to other law enforcement officers, though specialized K9 training and experience can lead to higher pay. Factors such as location, department size, and additional certifications may influence salary levels. K9 officers often receive additional benefits related to their specialized role.

What are some unique challenges faced by Police K9 handlers during daily operations?

Police K9 handlers often face the challenge of maintaining a strong working bond with their canine partners while managing the physical and mental demands of the job. Handlers must ensure their dogs are well-trained, healthy, and responsive in various high-pressure situations, such as searches, tracking suspects, or crowd control. Additionally, K9 teams often work irregular hours and must be prepared to respond quickly to emergencies. Collaboration with other officers and clear communication are essential, as K9 units frequently support patrol, narcotics, and specialized teams.

What is the difference between Police K9 vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice K9Police Officer
Required CredentialsCanine handling certification, law enforcement trainingPolice academy training, law enforcement certification
Work EnvironmentPatrols, searches, detection tasks with a trained dogPatrol, investigation, community engagement
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, police departments

Police K9s work alongside police officers, focusing on detection and search tasks using trained dogs. Police officers perform a broader range of law enforcement duties, including patrol and investigations. Both roles require law enforcement certification, but Police K9s specialize in canine handling and detection skills.

More about Police K9 jobs
What cities are hiring for Police K9 jobs? Cities with the most Police K9 job openings:
What states have the most Police K9 jobs? States with the most job openings for Police K9 jobs include:
Infographic showing various Police K9 job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,613 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Police K9 Handler (380B)

Cobb County School District

Marietta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Cobb County School District rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 555 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Classified - Position - Other - Other
Job Number 2400132884
Start Date 06/01/2026
Open Date 01/08/2026
Closing Date 07/30/2026
POSITION TITLE: Police K9 Handler
JOB CODE: 380B
DIVISION: Operational Support
SALARY SCHEDULE: NCPB
DEPARTMENT: CCSD Police Department
WORK DAYS: 214
REPORTS TO: Sergeant
PAY GRADE: * Kennel pay included in salary
FLSA: Non-Exempt
PAY FREQUENCY: Monthly
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Provides individual and property protection; controls campus of the school for safety and security purposes; monitors and controls school sites and parking; coordinates safety and security for all school activities and other activities.
REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Educational Level: High School Diploma or High School Equivalent required
2.
Certification/License Required: Georgia POST certified and in good standing with POST requirements; successfully meets all requirements of an extensive background investigation and assessment, including driver's history and criminal history information; meets all training requirements and standards as established by the chief of police
3.
Experience Must be 21 years of age with prior Law Enforcement experience.
4.
Physical Activities: Capable of actions required in rigorous training required by the police academy and other required law enforcement training
5.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Written and oral communication; meets and maintains all standards of the CCSD Police Department to carry a service weapon. Must successfully pass the following entrance exams, polygraph, psychological, physical fitness agility, drug screening, and medical; remain available for calls and assignments during emergencies, graduations, patrol operations, summer school activities, special events and all critical workdays
6.
Capable of providing cohabitation or reasonable living accommodations for assigned canine.
The Board of Education and the Superintendent may accept alternatives to some of the above requirements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
1.
Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance.
2.
Assists in developing and maintaining a campus program of safety and security within the guidelines of the board policies administrative regulations and the CCSD Police Department Policy and Procedures Manual.
3.
Assists in establishing and implementing traffic control within the school facility and on school campuses.
4.
Directs visitors on campus according to school and departmental policies.
5.
Protects campus from disturbances and criminal activity.
6.
Works with command staff in implementing and coordinating the district-wide safety and security program.
7.
Collaborates with the Cobb County Court system.
8.
Assists with extracurricular activities as assigned by the principal and/or chief of police or a supervisor.
9.
Reports all criminal and suspected criminal activity to the CCSD Police Department through report forms and procedures as directed by the chief of police and local school administration.
10.
Participates in stakeout and special patrol operations at selected sites as assigned by the chief of police or a supervisor.
11.
Responds to emergency situations including, but not limited to, reported crimes in progress, fire alarms and burglar alarms.
12.
Attends in-service training as mandated by the chief of police and meets all standards relating to said training activity.
13.
Counsels and refers students, when needed, to appropriate school officials.
14.
Works with teachers on class presentations as needed or when requested.
15.
Submits written departmental documents, including, but not limited to, incident reports, accident reports, investigative reports, administrative forms as directed by the chief of police.
16.
Investigates or assists with investigations of crimes occurring on Cobb County School District property.
17.
Testifies to criminal cases in court as required.
18.
Writes clear and concise reports.
19.
Works with students and staff members as deemed necessary through monitoring, questioning, and counseling.
20.
Reports for duty as directed by the chief of police or his/her designee; maintains fitness for duty.
21.
Adheres to laws governed by the United States, the State of Georgia, the County of Cobb, Department Policy and the Cobb County Board of Education Policy and Regulations.
22.
Performs other duties as assigned by appropriate supervisor.
23.
Responds to situations that indicate a need for canine support.
24.
Responds to missing persons reports where a canine may be used for tracking.
25.
Responds to situations where there is reasonable suspicion of the presence of drugs, or firearms, and a canine is trained to locate the suspected substance or item.
26.
Provides for the training and care of the assigned canine.
27.
Participates in the selection and training of a canine and attends formal training necessary to prepare self and the canine for duty.
28.
Ensures that the canine is properly fed, sheltered, groomed, and exercised.
29.
Ensures appropriate veterinary care is provided, including health checks and immunizations.
30.
Ensures that the canine is appropriately socialized depending on the nature of assignments.
31.
Controls the canine to prevent injury to individuals and associated liability.
32.
Prepares reports of all canine use, including use of force.
33.
Maintain accurate records of K9 activities, deployments and training sessions.
Shift Type Full-Time
Shift Start 8:00 AM
Shift End 4:00 PM
Job Category Public Safety

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