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Professional Dog Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Volunteer - Dog Walker

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Handle only double kenneled dogs with another dog handler when at the shelter. When handling dogs ... Communicate and act in a culturally competent and professional manner maintaining cooperative ...

Concierge

Seattle, WA

$21.22 - $22.87/hr

... Dog Handler in the parks approximately one day per week, maintaining confidence and proficiency in working professionally with dogs * Mentor new team members as assigned * Perform other daily tasks ...

Concierge

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.22 - $22.87/hr

... Dog Handler in the parks approximately one day per week, maintaining confidence and proficiency in working professionally with dogs * Mentor new team members as assigned * Perform other daily tasks ...

Canine Handler - Join the Rose Family Location: Lansing, MI Compensation: $43,500/yr plus full ... Present self and dog in a professional manner Basic qualifications - required: * Experience with ...

Overview Canine Handler - Join the Rose Family Location: Lansing, MI Compensation: $43,500/yr plus ... Present self and dog in a professional manner Basic qualifications - required: * Experience with ...

Overview Canine Handler - Join the Rose Family Location: Lansing, MI Compensation: $43,500/yr plus ... Present self and dog in a professional manner Basic qualifications - required: * Experience with ...

Canine Handler

Pittsburgh, PA

$16 - $19/hr

Details about K2K9's proprietary Person-Borne (TM) Explosive Detection Dog (PB-EDD) program are at ... Customers include, but are not limited to, professional sports teams. Handlers must be comfortable ...

Details about K2K9's proprietary Person-Borne (TM) Explosive Detection Dog (PB-EDD) program are at ... Customers include, but are not limited to, professional sports teams. Handlers must be comfortable ...

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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:

Volunteer - Dog Walker

Mohave County

Kingman, AZ • On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Mohave County rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary Love dogs and want to make a real difference. Join us as a volunteer dog walker and give pups the exercise, attention, and joy they deserve, while getting some fresh air and tail wags in return. Just 2-3 hours a week can make a huge difference in their lives.

About the Job: Handle and walk adoptable dogs in Building 1, outdoor kennels, and at offsite adoption events. The goal is to help dogs get exercise, build social skills, and learn basic commands so they're ready for their forever homes. Support staff by maintaining play yards and meet-and-greet areas, cleaning dog bowls, organizing donations, and assisting with animal bathing.

This helps keep the facility clean, welcoming, and ensures our dogs stay happy and healthy. Report To: Volunteer Liaison or Coordinator of assigned location. Special Requirement: Must pass a background check May be required to pass a drug screening test Essential Job Functions Extensive physical contact with the dogs during walks, adoptions, offsite adoption events and other special encounters.

Review color code (green easy to handle; blue easy to handle but may jump, pull, be shy and bolt from the kennel; orange high level limited potential to redirect, over arousal, mouthiness and history of getting loose and fighting) on back of kennel card to assure proper handling. Notify staff of any medical condition. Ensure there are current kennel cards on each animal available for adoption and educate the public on how to read the cards.

Review medical sheet to report injured animals. Assure play yards and meet and greet areas are clean and respectable looking. Sweeps sidewalks.

When time allows, spend time with the animals to familiarize yourself to assure proper adoptions can occur. Informs shelter staff when handling/walking dogs at the shelter. Handle only double kenneled dogs with another dog handler when at the shelter.

When handling dogs at the shelter or offsite events, keep the dogs under control, do not allow the dog to jump on people, fence fight and be constantly aware of your surroundings. Assists staff in dog bowl cleaning. Bathes dogs in the indoor and outdoor areas.

Exercise regular and predictable attendance and punctuality in accordance with Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures. Apply basic principles, practices, techniques, teaching, and communication methods related to the age, gender, race/ethnicity, educational level, and socioeconomic status of community members. Communicate and act in a culturally competent and professional manner maintaining cooperative relationships with community members, co-workers, and work Job Requirements Weekly (dog walking) /monthly (event handling) availability.

Monthly availability and adherence to a schedule. Must complete all County required training courses Physical Requirements: Walk, grasp, handle, reach, lift, push, pull, stand, stoop, perform repetitive motion, hear, speak, read and demonstrate mental and visual acuity. Ability to walk distances with multiple dogs Physically fit individuals who have experience controlling dogs in a variety of situations.

Individuals need to stand for periods of time. Exposure to different cleaning materials. Must be able to perform the physical requirements of this classification with or without reasonable accommodation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities General knowledge of animal breeds, characteristics, and age. General knowledge of all animals available for adoption. Familiar with the adoption process and paperwork required.

Familiar with resources provided to potential adopters that addresses adopting an animal from the shelter. Standard animal care and control practices and methods. Policy and Procedure for Dog Handling Procedure and Dog Behavior Color Coding System.

The Policy and Procedure for Facility and Animal Cleaning Procedure. Chemicals used in cleaning solutions. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Administrative filing and sorting, Indexing and sorting utilized by shelter clerical staff. Forms utilized by clerical staff. Storage area used by clerical staff.

Prior experience working with animals and animal welfare. Excellent customer service skills. Excellent organizational skills.

Good verbal communication. Recognizing medical issues. Exercising patience, care and compassion in dealing with dogs.

Reporting facility maintenance issues to the staff. Exercising patience and care when completing multiple administrative tasks Exercise patience and care when completing multiple tasks, self-direct and motivate. Assist and communicate continually with shelter staff and manager regarding improving the adoption process.

Understand and follow written and verbal instructions. Assist shelter staff with moving dogs to play yards and kennels. Assist and communicate with shelter staff any cleaning needs they may have.

Adhere to administrative direction. Assist and communicate with shelter clerical staff any needs they may have. Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by volunteers within this classification.

It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of volunteers assigned to this job. It is illustrative and representative. Management is not precluded from assigning other related functions not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment within the scope of the job specification for the position.

Physical characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by a volunteer to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with a qualified disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. ******************************** Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Mohave County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Mohave County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all job applicants and employees.

The County shall not discriminate against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, pay promotion, retention, discipline or any other aspect of personnel administration, term or condition of employment, due to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, genetic information or disability, age (40 or older). Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.


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