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Police K9 Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Lancaster, PA

Police Cadet

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

Police Bureau - Lancaster, PA, PA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 8336002 Department: Police ... and Horse and K9 trainings. 3. While working in each unit, the Cadet will be assigned to an ...

WMATA

Metro Transit Police Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$71K/yr

The Explosive Ordinance Detection Unit, K9, the Special Response Team, Motorcycle unit and more. Unlike any other police agency in the country, the Metro Transit Police Department has tristate ...

Rhode Island Airport Corp.

Police Sergeant

Warwick, RI · On-site

$65K - $98K/yr

Supervises and coordinates activities of squad of police officers on an assigned shift or unit ... K9 program. • Must be able to remain focused in situations involving extreme stress. • ...

City of Lancaster (PA)

Police Cadet

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

... and Horse and K9 trainings. 3. While working in each unit, the Cadet will be assigned to an ... Cadets have no police authority, and other than writing parking tickets, will not take any ...

City of El Monte

Police Officer - Lateral

El Monte, CA · On-site

$97K - $118K/yr

... work unit This class is distinguished from Police Sergeant in that the latter is the first ... K9 - works with a canine partner in the execution of their duties; assumes responsibility for the ...

City of Ann Arbor

Police Officer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$97K - $100K/yr

These include a detective section, traffic services unit, K9, motorcycle and bicycle patrols, as ... The Ann Arbor Police Department is committed to a community-oriented policing philosophy and ...

Wisconsin

Police Officer I

Madison, WI · On-site

$34 - $44/hr

Police Officers may be eligible to apply for specialty positions including K9 handler, Community ... Patrol, Bike Unit, Mounted Unit, Drone Team, and many more opportunities. UW-Madison Police ...

A2

Police Officer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$97K - $100K/yr

These include a detective section, traffic services unit, K9, motorcycle and bicycle patrols, as ... The Ann Arbor Police Department is committed to a community-oriented policing philosophy and ...

A2

Police Officer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$97K - $100K/yr

These include a detective section, traffic services unit, K9, motorcycle and bicycle patrols, as ... The Ann Arbor Police Department is committed to a community-oriented policing philosophy and ...

A2

Police Officer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$97K - $100K/yr

These include a detective section, traffic services unit, K9, motorcycle and bicycle patrols, as ... The Ann Arbor Police Department is committed to a community-oriented policing philosophy and ...

City of Newnan

Police Officer (Certified)

Newnan, GA · On-site

$59K - $94K/yr

Patrol - Traffic - Bike - Motorcycle - K9 - Drug & Vice - SRO - SWAT The Newnan Police Department ... equipment, specialized unit assignments, and a team-based work environment. Duties and ...

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Police K9 Unit information

See salary details

$41.5K

$87.6K

$137K

How much do police k9 unit jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for police k9 unit 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 is a Police K9 Unit?

Police K9 Units are specialized law enforcement teams that partner trained police dogs with human officers to assist in a variety of tasks. These highly skilled dogs are trained for duties such as detecting drugs or explosives, tracking suspects or missing persons, and protecting their handlers. The K9 teams enhance police capabilities by using the dogs' keen senses and agility, making them valuable assets in both routine patrol and complex investigations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work in a Police K9 Unit?

To excel as a Police K9 Unit officer, you need law enforcement training, K9 handling experience, physical fitness, and often completion of specialized K9 handler certification programs. Familiarity with tracking systems, scent detection tools, and communication devices is commonly required. Strong teamwork, patience, and clear communication are vital soft skills for building trust with both the dog and fellow officers. These skills are crucial for effective law enforcement operations, ensuring safety, and fostering a successful partnership with the canine partner.

What unique challenges do officers in a Police K9 Unit face?

Officers in a Police K9 Unit face the unique challenge of maintaining a strong working bond with their canine partners, which requires ongoing training, mutual trust, and understanding canine behavior. Additionally, they must balance routine law enforcement duties with specialized tasks like narcotics detection, search and rescue, or suspect apprehension. The role often involves irregular hours, physically demanding environments, and the responsibility of caring for the dog both on and off duty. Teamwork is essential, as K9 officers frequently collaborate with other units and agencies during operations.

What is the difference between Police K9 Unit vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice K9 UnitPolice Officer
Required CredentialsPolice academy, K9 handling certification, specialized trainingPolice academy, general law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentField operations, K9 training facilities, active crime scenesPatrol, investigation, community engagement
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, police departments

The Police K9 Unit specializes in working with trained police dogs for detection and apprehension, requiring specific K9 handling certifications. Police Officers perform general law enforcement duties, including patrol and investigations. While both roles work within law enforcement agencies, the K9 Unit focuses on canine-related tasks, whereas Police Officers handle broader policing responsibilities.

How to become a police K9 unit?

To become a police K9 unit, an officer typically needs to have law enforcement experience, complete specialized K9 training, and demonstrate proficiency in handling working dogs. Candidates often undergo certification in areas such as tracking, narcotics detection, or search and rescue, and must pass physical and psychological assessments. Continuous training and experience working with police dogs are essential for advancement in this role.
More about Police K9 Unit jobs

What states have the most Police K9 Unit jobs?

States with the most job openings for Police K9 Unit jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Police K9 Unit jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Police K9 Unit jobs are:

Police K9 Unit jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police K9 Unit job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,613 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Police Officer (Secret Service Police), Canine Explosives Detection, $75,000 Recruitment Incentive

The United States Secret Service

Washington, DC

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide full-time explosive detection support to the Presidential Protective Division and other designated protectees, venues, and events.

  • Carry out protection duties including safeguarding The White House Complex, Vice President's Residence, and foreign diplomatic missions in the Washington, D.C. area.

  • Complete required training such as a 17-week K9 Selection and Basic Training, and 12 weeks of intensive training at FLETC and the James J. Rowley Training Center.

United States Secret Service rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 45 rated police

Job description

Recruitment Incentive: Applicants may be eligible for a $75,000 recruitment incentive in accordance with regulatory requirements. Click apply to view full details and eligibility of this recruitment incentive.

The Canine Explosives Detection Team (K9) is a specialized unit within the U.S. Secret Service Police that provides full-time explosive detection support to the Presidential Protective Division. On order, K9 will also provide support to designated protectees, protected venues, and National Special Security Events (NSSEs).

At their core, those who join the Secret Service are courageous, intelligent, strong and determined. A diverse team capable of balancing our investigative mission and fulfilling our protective legacy. Proven to be worthy of trust and confidence. Be tomorrow's Secret Service.

Duties

During the course of their careers, Secret Service Police carry out assignments in protection. Duties include:

  • Providing protection for The White House Complex, The Vice President's Residence, The Main Treasury Building and Annex, and foreign diplomatic missions and embassies in the Washington, D.C. area.
  • Traveling in support of the Presidential, Vice Presidential, and foreign heads of state/government missions.
  • Enforcing mandated protective responsibilities as described under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3056A.

Requirements

  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Possess a current valid U.S. driver's license.
  • Must be at least 20 years old at the time of application and under 40 at referral. Exceptions may apply for those with current or prior service in federal law enforcement positions covered by special retirement provisions. The Secret Service has determined that age is essential to the performance of this position.
  • Carry and use a firearm. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory.
  • Possess uncorrected visual acuity of no worse than 20/100 binocular. Possess corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye.
  • Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 25 decibels (A.S.A. or equivalent I.S.O.) in either ear in the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz ranges. Applicants must be able to hear the whispered voice at 15 feet with each ear without the use of a hearing aid.
  • Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
  • Completion of a 17-week K9 Selection and Basic Training.
  • Complete 12 weeks of intensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA or Artesia, NM and 17 weeks of specialized training at the James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, MD.
  • Certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so, if you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959.

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