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Service Dog Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MIchigan Dog Training Inc.

DOG TRAINER

Plymouth, MI

$14 - $16/hr

Join Michigan Dog Training Inc. as a Dog Trainer, where your passion for canine companionship meets ... forever home and train Service Dogs to amplify a disabled person's life. Responsibilities:

MIchigan Dog Training Inc.

DOG TRAINER

Plymouth, MI

$14 - $16/hr

Training & development About the Role: Join Michigan Dog Training Inc. as a Dog Trainer, where your ... forever home and train Service Dogs to amplify a disabled person's life. Responsibilities:

MIchigan Dog Training Inc.

DOG TRAINER

Plymouth, MI

$14 - $16/hr

Join Michigan Dog Training Inc. as a Dog Trainer, where your passion for canine companionship meets ... forever home and train Service Dogs to amplify a disabled person's life. Responsibilities:

DOGS INC

Service Dog Instructor

Palmetto, FL

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Dog Training * Train and evaluate service dogs using positive-reinforcement methods aligned with ADI and Dogs Inc standards. * Lead daily training routes, task sessions, and real ...

Final Two Survivor LLC

Dog Trainer

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

We work with everything from basic obedience to advanced skills, service dog prep, and behavior challenges. What you'll be doing: * Training dogs in-facility, in clients' homes, and out in public.

Final Two Survivor LLC

Dog Trainer

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

We work with everything from basic obedience to advanced skills, service dog prep, and behavior challenges. What you'll be doing: * Training dogs in-facility, in clients' homes, and out in public.

ADP - RNOOID0027082843

Dog Trainer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$16/hr

DTE specializes in high level obedience and service dog training in the home of the client as well as providing group classes! DTE Orlando is looking for a Dog Trainer to handle appointments from ...

ADP - RNOOID0027082843

Dog Trainer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$16/hr

DTE specializes in high level obedience and service dog training in the home of the client as well as providing group classes! DTE Orlando is looking for a Dog Trainer to handle appointments from ...

Dog Training Elite New Haven

Be Seen First

CT · On-site

$24K - $50K/yr

Duties: - Conduct dog training sessions using positive reinforcement techniques - Assess and ... Previous experience in customer service, working in a kennel, pet sitting, or pet grooming is a ...

Dog Academy

Dog Trainer-Nationwide

$70/hr

... services -Adapt your training plan to fit the individual needs of each dog, their temperament and behavior -Show compassion and provide stellar customer service to every client -Maintain thorough ...

Zoom Room Ybor

Dog Trainer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Facilities - Spacious, climate-controlled indoor areas designed for dog training, agility, and play - Clean, well-maintained, and odor-free facilities Services - Positive reinforcement dog training ...

Zoom Room Ybor

Dog Trainer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Facilities - Spacious, climate-controlled indoor areas designed for dog training, agility, and play - Clean, well-maintained, and odor-free facilities Services - Positive reinforcement dog training ...

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Service Dog Trainer information

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How much do service dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for service dog trainer in the United States is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are service dog trainers in demand?

Service dog trainers are in growing demand due to increased awareness of service animals and expanding programs for individuals with disabilities. The profession often requires specialized training, certifications, and experience, and job opportunities are available in various settings such as nonprofits, private training facilities, and veterinary clinics.

What is the difference between Service Dog Trainer vs Therapy Dog Trainer?

AspectService Dog TrainerTherapy Dog Trainer
CredentialsCertifications in dog training, specialized in assistive tasksDog training certifications, focus on socialization and obedience
Work EnvironmentAssist individuals with disabilities, training in various settingsHospitals, schools, nursing homes, training in social environments
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, private trainersHospitals, therapy organizations, private trainers
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking assistance dog training servicesPeople interested in social or emotional support dog training

Service Dog Trainers focus on preparing dogs to assist individuals with disabilities, requiring specialized skills and certifications. Therapy Dog Trainers prepare dogs to provide comfort and support in social settings, emphasizing obedience and socialization. While both roles involve dog training, their environments, goals, and certifications differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Service Dog Trainer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Service Dog Trainer, you need a solid understanding of canine behavior, animal training techniques, and often a background in animal science or related certifications. Familiarity with clicker training, positive reinforcement methods, and sometimes specialized software for tracking progress is typically required. Patience, strong observation skills, and effective communication with both dogs and clients are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure that trainers can successfully teach complex tasks to service dogs and support their handlers' unique needs.

How to get a job as a service dog trainer?

To become a service dog trainer, gain experience with dog training through certifications or apprenticeships, and develop knowledge of disability assistance requirements. Many trainers have backgrounds in animal behavior, veterinary technology, or related fields, and some obtain certifications from organizations like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Building a strong understanding of service dog tasks and working with diverse clients can improve employment prospects.

How much does it pay to train service dogs?

Service dog trainers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work for organizations or independently. Some trainers may charge clients for training services, which can range from a few thousand to over ten thousand dollars for a complete training package. Certification and specialized skills can influence earning potential in this field.

What are Service Dog Trainers?

Service dog trainers are professionals who specialize in training dogs to assist people with disabilities or special needs. They teach dogs specific skills such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting individuals to medical conditions, or providing mobility assistance. Trainers also work closely with clients to ensure the dog’s training matches the handler’s unique requirements. Their work involves understanding both canine behavior and the needs of people who rely on service animals. Certification and experience in dog training and disability awareness are often essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Service Dog Trainers when matching dogs to clients, and how are they addressed?

Service Dog Trainers often encounter challenges in matching the right dog to a client's unique needs, lifestyle, and personality. These challenges include assessing a dog's temperament, training progress, and specific skill set, as well as understanding the client's requirements and home environment. Trainers address these challenges through thorough evaluations, ongoing communication with clients, and tailored training plans to ensure both the dog and the handler are set up for success. Collaboration with other trainers, healthcare professionals, and the client’s support network is also key to a successful match.

What Is a Service Dog Trainer?

A service dog assists people who have disabilities, and service dog trainers teach dogs how to help people. As a service dog trainer, you teach dogs how to perform behaviors that assist those with auditory or visual impairments. Service dog trainers must be good with dogs and people, have strong teaching skills, and be attentive, patient, and adaptable. You may have a background in animal care or dog training. Your job may include matching service dogs with people and helping to build their relationships.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The 7 7 7 rule for dogs is a guideline suggesting that puppies should be fed seven times a day until they are three months old, then transitioned to three meals a day until six months, and finally to two meals a day as adults. For service dog trainers, understanding feeding schedules helps ensure proper development and health of working dogs. Consistent routines and proper nutrition are essential for training and maintaining a healthy service dog.
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Service Dog Trainer jobs near you
Service Dog Trainer

Service Dog Trainer

United Disabilities Services

Lancaster, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Care for, evaluate, and train dogs under the supervision of the Supervisor of Breeding & Training Operations.

  • Assist the Lead Trainer with introducing and advancing behaviors to dogs, and provide instruction to new volunteers, dog fosters, and clients.

  • Develop and apply behavioral modification plans, document daily training records, and create training materials and visual aids for online classes.

Job description

Under thesupervisionofthe Supervisor of Breeding & Training Operations, the Service Dog Trainer will Care for, evaluate, and train dogs. As a Service Dog Staff Trainer, you will be responsible for assisting the Lead Trainer with introducing and advancing simple and complex behaviors to dogs of various ages, providing frequent instruction to new volunteers, dog fosters, and clients receiving service dogs from the program, developing and applying behavioral modification plans, grooming and conducting health checks for dogs, documenting daily training records, create training materials and visual aids for online classes, conducting virtual meetings and training sessions, providing follow up support to service dog teams, preparing teams for public access testing, and occasional public relation activities. This position will require taking dogs in training into your personal home.

When needed, the Service Dog Trainer will assist trainers in all phases of training, however; focus will be on the secondary in addition, the Service Dog Trainer will work with all trainers in determining the best techniques and methods of training needed to prepare the dogs for their working life. Including having assigned dogs entering the kennel.

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or GED required.

EXPERIENCE

A minimum of three years’ experience in the training and/or handling of dogs are required. Previous experience assisting with an animal program is preferred. Previous experience working with people with disabilities is helpful.