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Professional Dog Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scituate

Dog Handler

Scituate, MA

$16/hr

Dog Handler / Care Attendant Love dogs? Great. But this is NOT a "play with puppies all day" job ... Communicate professionally and positively with clients * Clean. A lot. Floors, crates, kennels ...

D Pet Hotels Arcadia

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Dog Handler

Phoenix, AZ

$12/hr

The Dog Handler position is key to the overall success of D Pet Hotels, as measured by the health ... Professional Animal: 1 year (Preferred) Education: * High school (Preferred) License: * Valid ...

D Pet Hotels Arcadia

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Dog Handler

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$12/hr

The Dog Handler position is key to the overall success of D Pet Hotels, as measured by the health ... Professional Animal: 1 year (Preferred) Education: * High school (Preferred) License: * Valid ...

Haulin Auss Geese Control LLC

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Dog Handler

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site

$18/hr

... dog handlers to use highly trained Australian Shepherd's (a herding breed), to chase away unwanted ... professionalism. -Monitor and maintain the cleanliness of work vehicles after every shift (keep ...

New

ProspectBArk

Experienced Dog Handler

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

... Our Professional Pet Caretakers receive: * FULL HEALTH INSURANCE incl. Vision, Dental and Mental ... PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DAYCARE HANDLERS ARE ALSO OFFERED DOG WALKS AND PET SITS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD ...

Haulin Auss Geese Control LLC

Be Seen First

Dog Handler

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site

$18/hr

... dog handlers to use highly trained Australian Shepherd's (a herding breed), to chase away unwanted ... professionalism. -Monitor and maintain the cleanliness of work vehicles after every shift (keep ...

New

ProspectBArk

Experienced Dog Handler

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

... Our Professional Pet Caretakers receive: * FULL HEALTH INSURANCE incl. Vision, Dental and Mental ... PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DAYCARE HANDLERS ARE ALSO OFFERED DOG WALKS AND PET SITS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD ...

Dan's Pet Care

OVERNIGHT Dog Handler

Glen Cove, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

As a Dog Handler at our state-of-the-art facility, you'll be at the heart of this mission, shaping ... Welcome pet parents with warmth and professionalism. * Address questions and concerns with empathy ...

Fetchmates LLC.

Dog Handler

New York, NY · On-site

$15/hr

Company Description Fetchmates is a premium pet care provider with a great emphasis on professionalism and high safety standards. Fetchmates employees are a self motivated individuals with a strong ...

Fetchmates LLC.

Dog Handler

New York, NY · On-site

$15/hr

Company Description Fetchmates is a premium pet care provider with a great emphasis on professionalism and high safety standards. Fetchmates employees are a self motivated individuals with a strong ...

The Dog Stop Richmond (TDS-0037)

Canine Handler

Richmond, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Position Summary The Canine Handler is responsible for the supervision, care, safety, and well ... Represent The Dog Stop ® with professionalism at all times. Team Responsibilities * Assist fellow ...

Heartshare

Canine Handler

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$24.72 - $27.47/hr

This is a hands-on, full-time role for a therapy dog handler who already owns and works with a ... Must maintain ongoing professional development through coursework, mentorship, or shadowing.

Heartshare

Canine Handler

Queens, NY · On-site

$24.72 - $27.47/hr

This is a hands-on, full-time role for a therapy dog handler who already owns and works with a ... Must maintain ongoing professional development through coursework, mentorship, or shadowing.

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Professional Dog Handler information

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How much do professional dog handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional dog handler in the United States is $17.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional dog handler?

Professional dog handlers are individuals who specialize in training, grooming, and presenting dogs, often for dog shows or competitions. They possess expertise in canine behavior, breed standards, and handling techniques to showcase a dog's best qualities in the ring. Handlers may work independently or be hired by dog owners or breeders to present dogs at various events. Their responsibilities can also include conditioning dogs, managing their diet and exercise, and traveling to shows. Professional dog handlers play a crucial role in a dog's competitive success and overall well-being.

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

To thrive as a Professional Dog Handler, you need a deep understanding of canine behavior, breed characteristics, and basic animal care, often supported by experience or formal training in animal handling. Familiarity with grooming tools, show equipment, and sometimes certifications from organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) are advantageous. Patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure help handlers work effectively with dogs and their owners. These skills ensure the dogs’ well-being, successful show performances, and positive client relationships.

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

Professional dog handlers often encounter challenges such as managing dogs with varying temperaments, handling multiple animals simultaneously, and maintaining consistent training standards. Building strong communication with each dog, staying patient, and using positive reinforcement techniques are crucial for success. Handlers also need to collaborate closely with dog owners, trainers, and veterinarians to ensure each dog's well-being and performance. Continual learning and adapting to each dog's unique needs can help overcome these challenges and contribute to a rewarding career.

What is the difference between Professional Dog Handler vs Dog Trainer?

AspectProfessional Dog HandlerDog Trainer
CredentialsCertifications in handling and obedienceCertifications in training methods and behavior
Work EnvironmentDog shows, competitions, grooming facilitiesTraining centers, private homes, shelters
Employer & IndustryDog show organizations, breeders, handlersPet owners, kennels, shelters, training schools

While both roles involve working closely with dogs, a Professional Dog Handler primarily prepares dogs for shows and competitions, focusing on grooming and presentation. A Dog Trainer, on the other hand, teaches dogs obedience and behavior skills for everyday life. Both roles require certifications and involve working with dogs in different settings, but their main objectives and environments differ significantly.

How do you become a professional dog handler?

To become a professional dog handler, one typically gains experience by working with dogs in training or grooming environments and may pursue certifications from organizations like the American Kennel Club. Developing skills in dog behavior, grooming, and handling techniques is essential, and some handlers start as assistants before advancing to professional roles.

How much do professional dog handlers get paid?

Professional dog handlers typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of events they work at. Salaries can increase with specialization in areas like show handling or training, and many handlers work part-time or freelance schedules.

What cities are hiring for Professional Dog Handler jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Dog Handler job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Dog Handler jobs?

The most popular types of Dog Handler jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Dog Handler jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Dog Handler jobs include:

Professional Dog Handler jobs near you

Dog Handler

Scituate

Scituate, MA

$16/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description



Dog Handler / Care Attendant


Love dogs? Great. But this is NOT a “play with puppies all day” job.


There are puppies. There are also 80 pound dogs, poop, pee, slobber, barking, cleaning, laundry, bad weather, muddy paws, crates and dogs who occasionally make questionable life choices.


We’re looking for someone who genuinely wants to WORK with dogs, not just cuddle them.


RcK9 is a structured dog care and boarding facility focused on safe socialization, enrichment, good behavior, appropriate play and individualized care. Our handlers need to be observant, dependable, willing to learn and comfortable actually managing dogs.


What You'll Do
  • Safely supervise and manage groups of dogs
  • Read canine body language and interrupt inappropriate behavior before it becomes a problem
  • Lead structured play, enrichment and socialization activities
  • Reinforce basic training and good manners throughout the day
  • Help dogs develop appropriate social skills, manners and crate skills
  • Care for daycare and boarding dogs
  • Feed, rotate, crate, leash and move dogs safely throughout the facility
  • Communicate professionally and positively with clients
  • Clean. A lot. Floors, crates, kennels, dishes, equipment, poop, pee and whatever mysterious substance a dog has somehow managed to create
  • Follow RcK9's safety procedures and handling protocols
What We Need From You
  • 18+
  • Reliable transportation
  • Dependable and able to show up ON TIME
  • Comfortable handling dogs of all breeds, sizes and energy levels
  • Able to stay calm when things get loud, busy or chaotic
  • Highly observant with a strong awareness of safety
  • Willing to take direction, learn and follow established procedures
  • Friendly and professional with clients
  • Able to communicate clearly by text and email with decent spelling and grammar
  • Dog daycare, boarding, training, veterinary, or other hands on animal experience is a plus, but we will also train the right person
The Physical Reality


This is an ACTIVE, PHYSICAL job.


You must be able to:

  • Spend most of your shift standing and walking
  • Bend, crouch, kneel, lift, reach and move throughout the day
  • Lift 50+ pounds
  • Work indoors and outdoors in New England weather
  • Handle large, strong, excited dogs safely
  • Work around dog hair, dander, slobber, cleaning products and bodily fluids
Schedule


Care and boarding don't stop because it's Saturday.

Applicants MUST have availability for some weekends, holidays, early mornings, and/or evenings.


One More Time for the People in the Back...


This is not a job where you sit on the floor and play with puppies for eight hours.


Working with dogs is incredibly rewarding but it is also dirty, physical, loud, demanding and requires constant attention.

If you're looking for an easy job because “dogs are cute,” this probably isn't it.


If you love dogs and enjoy learning behavior, working hard, staying busy, keeping animals safe and going home covered in dog hair wondering what exactly is on your shirt...


We should probably talk.


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