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Service Dog Trainer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training * Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin on-the-job training in bathing ...

Scheduling evaluations, training, daycare, and boarding services. Maintaining accurate client and dog records. Preparing materials that help our trainers succeed. Keeping our reception area clean ...

You'll spend your time: • Welcoming clients and their dogs. • Answering phone calls, emails, and online inquiries. • Helping families choose the training and services that best fit their goals ...

Scheduling evaluations, training, daycare, and boarding services. * Maintaining accurate client and dog records. * Preparing materials that help our trainers succeed. * Keeping our reception area ...

Scheduling evaluations, training, daycare, and boarding services. Maintaining accurate client and dog records. Preparing materials that help our trainers succeed. Keeping our reception area clean ...

Scheduling evaluations, training, daycare, and boarding services. Maintaining accurate client and dog records. Preparing materials that help our trainers succeed. Keeping our reception area clean ...

Our multi-layered security system relentlessly stops would-be thieves where The Electric Guard Dog ... Excellent training * Career Advancement See what our employees have to say about working for AMAROK!

... i.e., dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.) · Client needs and work volume may often require more ... EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING · High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. · Must be at ...

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries and government officials PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start ...

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries and government officials PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start ...

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries and government officials PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start ...

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries and government officials PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start ...

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries and government officials PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start ...

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries and government officials PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start ...

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries and government officials PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you start ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Clinton, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne security patrol and interdiction operations * Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne security patrol and interdiction operations * Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne security patrol and interdiction operations * Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries ...

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Davenport, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne security patrol and interdiction operations * Provide protective service to high-ranking dignitaries ...

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Service Dog Trainer information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do service dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for service dog trainer in Iowa is $18.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a service dog trainer?

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.

What challenges do service dog trainers face 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 are popular job titles related to Service Dog Trainer jobs in Iowa? For Service Dog Trainer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Service Dog Trainer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Service Dog Trainer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Service Dog Trainer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Service Dog Trainer job openings:
Infographic showing various Service Dog Trainer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,898 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Junior Groomer

Petco

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 732 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?


We're proud to be where the pets go and where thepet peoplego. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing,Petco is the place for you.


Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.


  • Pet First - Protect & Empower.All pets shouldLive their Best Life.We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond.OurPassionfor pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit.We are stronger asOne Petco team.We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:


We're proud to be"where the pets go"to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are29,000+strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than1,500Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico,250+Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately7 million animalsthrough in-store adoption events.


Your Petco Grooming Career:

Begin your Petco journey as a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming!

During this ten-week training period as a Junior Pet Stylist, you will learn fundamental grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, drying, cutting nails, and more! Gaining hands-on experience with guidance from seasoned groomers, our industry leading program is designed to develop essential grooming skills and set the foundation for your future career with Petco Grooming.

In addition to our commitment to continuous training, development, and career growth, we also offer:

  • Competitive base pay
  • Medical, dental, vision and more
  • 401k and more
  • Paid Time Off
  • Petco Discounts
  • All the supplies & equipment you need, including, brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
  • State of the art equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers

Purpose:

The Junior Pet Stylist's primary purpose is to learn how to perform the following services: bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, alongside seasoned groomers. In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and well-being of the pets in our care and delivering optimal customer services to pet parents. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about animals and grooming to start their career in the pet care industry.

Essential Job Functions:

The incumbent must be able to consistently perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Under close supervision of experienced groomers, perform limited grooming services including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning according to the pet parents' instructions and in adherence to company policies and procedures
  • Ensure the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon at all times
  • Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming related inquiries and provide timely resolution
  • Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon, disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in the salon and in adherence to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies, other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned, including but not limited to cleaning air filters, vents, and drains
  • Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records
  • Learn and adhere to Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business

Training Program Outline:

  • Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training
    • Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin on-the-job training in bathing and drying techniques
  • Weeks 3-10: Performing and Achieving Productivity
    • Perform bathing and walk-in services while achieving weekly productivity goals

Education/Experience:

  • 0-1 year of animal related experience, including shelter volunteering or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred
  • High-school diploma or GED is preferred, though not required
  • Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career in pet grooming
  • Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior, and common grooming practices
  • Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members
  • Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, as required by the Pet Care Center's grooming schedule

Work Environment:

The majority of job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. Position may require exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools, such as vacuums, to perform assigned cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with our pet parents and their dogs, and the remaining time will be with the other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

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