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Professional Dog Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

The Dog Stop Of Metairie

Canine Companion

Metairie, LA · On-site

$9 - $12/hr

If physical conflict does occur it is up to the handler to intervene and end the confrontation. First aid should also be applied (if needed) to hold the dogs over until they can receive professional ...

Dog E Den LLC

Front Desk/Dog Handler

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.42/hr

Veterinary or professional dog experience preferred. Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and should be comfortable handling all types of dogs in a humane manner. Applicants should ...

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Kiddy K9 Klub Corporation

Be Seen First

Part Time Canine Handler

Kent, WA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Canine Handler - Part-Time - Potential to Transition to Full-Time Job Summary At The Dog Stop Kent ... Build practical experience in professional dog care and behavior management. * Be part of a company ...

Kiddy K9 Klub Corporation

Be Seen First

Part Time Canine Handler

Kent, WA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Canine Handler - Part-Time - Potential to Transition to Full-Time Job Summary At The Dog Stop Kent ... Build practical experience in professional dog care and behavior management. * Be part of a company ...

The Dog Stop Of Metairie

Canine Companion

Metairie, LA · On-site

$9 - $12/hr

If physical conflict does occur it is up to the handler to intervene and end the confrontation. First aid should also be applied (if needed) to hold the dogs over until they can receive professional ...

Dog E Den LLC

Front Desk/Dog Handler

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.42/hr

Veterinary or professional dog experience preferred. Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and should be comfortable handling all types of dogs in a humane manner. Applicants should ...

New

The Dog Stop Of Metairie

Canine Companion

Metairie, LA · On-site

$9 - $12/hr

If physical conflict does occur it is up to the handler to intervene and end the confrontation. First aid should also be applied (if needed) to hold the dogs over until they can receive professional ...

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Professional Dog Handler information

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How much do professional dog handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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.

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 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

Canine Handler

Heartshare

Queens, NY • On-site

$24.72 - $27.47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

HeartShare Human Services of New York rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

This is a hands-on, full-time role for a therapy dog handler who already owns and works with a licensed, trained therapy dog (1 year or older).
The Canine Handler brings their therapy dog into school-based settings to support students' social-emotional learning, emotional regulation, and engagement. The handler is responsible for managing all student/dog interactions, following safety and confidentiality protocols, and coordinating with school staff.
The Canine Handler will incorporate specially trained animals into goal directed, educationally relevant teaching plans designed to promote development student skills in areas such as cognition, social functioning, personal growth etc.
Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:
Have training specific to animal-assisted intervention on topics including, but not limited to:
  • Ensure appropriate interactions between the students and the animal
  • Use techniques for responsive stress management to support the animal
  • Proactive positioning of the animal relative to the student, considering special equipment such as IV lines and wheelchair wheels
  • Selection of appropriate environments and/or students for the therapy animal team, giving due consideration to the animal's experience and comfort level, the activity level of the environment, and the additional oversight or support that is available from onsite staff
  • Enforce any applicable confidentiality requirements, such as the Health
  • Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
  • Identify signs/symptoms in the handler or animal that preclude interactions
  • Identify risks to the handler and animal that preclude an interaction, such as posted precautions
  • Facilitate interactions with students:
  • Adhere to a Social Emotional Learning plan
  • Create a schedule, meet with staff and communicate lesson plans
  • Act as a liaison for the program who will become knowledgeable of the policy and procedures of the therapy dog program
  • The liaison will be responsible for the coordination of services between the facility and therapy dog organization
  • Remain present during therapy dog activities as a means of further ensuring safety for all participants
  • Maintain records of the session, including documentation of any problems that may have arisen during a specific session
  • Have access to continuing education, including formal coursework and/or mentoring/shadowing
  • Each handler/animal team must have undergone a practical assessment of skills and aptitude to demonstrate its ability to interact with students safely and effectively
  • Handlers should have a relationship with the animal for at least six months
  • Basic canine obedience skills such as walking on a leash without pulling, not jumping up on people, no face-licking, etc. are all important attributes for dogs to have
  • All animals should welcome touching from a variety of people in a variety of ways, including people with poor motor control, or people with varied tones of voice
  • Maintain health standards for the animal
  • Care for the dog is allocated towards the salary.

Completion of formal training in animal-assisted intervention, including:
  • Handler must have an established relationship with the dog for a minimum of six months.
  • MUST PROVIDE DOG. Animals should be one year of age or older.
  • DOG MUST BE LICENSED as required by article 7 of NYS agriculture and Markets Law
  • Trauma-informed engagement canine stress signs and safe handling
  • Intervention planning
  • Risk reduction and environmental assessment
  • Must maintain ongoing professional development through coursework, mentorship, or shadowing.

Benefits
At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect:
  • Rewarding Work in a team environment.
  • Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
  • 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
  • Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
  • Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
  • Tuition Assistance Program.
  • Professional Development opportunities.
  • Wellhub Discount
  • Verizon Wireless Discount.
  • BJs Membership discount.
  • Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.
About Heartshare
Who WE ARE:
For over 150 years, Heartshare has been dedicated to championing and empowering New Yorkers society has too often overlooked and underestimated. To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or Follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook
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