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Service Dog Trainer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

A Girl and Her Dog LLC

Canine Coach

Chantilly, VA · On-site

... dog daycare, boarding, and spa services has an immediate opening for an energetic and organized individual to be the star of our playroom as a Canine Coach. Extensive training is provided for this ...

Dogtopia of Dulles

Canine Coach

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

... dog daycare, boarding, and spa services has an immediate opening for an energetic and organized individual to be the star of our playroom as a Canine Coach. Extensive training is provided for this ...

Alle Spielen LLC

Canine Coach

Ashburn, VA · On-site

... dog daycare, boarding, and spa services has an immediate opening for an energetic and organized individual to be the star of our playroom as a Canine Coach. Extensive training is provided for this ...

DIAMOND DOG HOUSE LLC

Dog Attendant

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Provide excellent customer service to pet owners and address inquiries. * Participate in training and enrichment activities for dogs. * Collaborate with team members to ensure a positive experience ...

DIAMOND DOG HOUSE LLC

Dog Attendant

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Provide excellent customer service to pet owners and address inquiries. * Participate in training and enrichment activities for dogs. * Collaborate with team members to ensure a positive experience ...

DIAMOND DOG HOUSE LLC

Dog Attendant

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Provide excellent customer service to pet owners and address inquiries. * Participate in training and enrichment activities for dogs. * Collaborate with team members to ensure a positive experience ...

DIAMOND DOG HOUSE LLC

Dog Attendant

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15/hr

Provide excellent customer service to pet owners and address inquiries. * Participate in training and enrichment activities for dogs. * Collaborate with team members to ensure a positive experience ...

Dogtopia

Dog Groomer

Alexandria, VA

$4.0K/mo

Dogtopia offers award-winning dog daycare, boarding and spa services (with some offering grooming and training), our core service is daycare for dogs. We love and care for all dogs like they're our ...

Dogtopia

Dog Groomer

Alexandria, VA

$4.0K/mo

Dogtopia offers award-winning dog daycare, boarding and spa services (with some offering grooming and training), our core service is daycare for dogs. We love and care for all dogs like they're our ...

Dogtopia

Dog Bather

Alexandria, VA

$15 - $18.43/hr

... spa services has an immediate opening for an energetic and organized individual to be the star of our playroom as a Dog Bather. Extensive training is provided for this position and we have both ...

Dogtopia

Dog Bather

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15 - $18.43/hr

... spa services has an immediate opening for an energetic and organized individual to be the star of our playroom as a Dog Bather. Extensive training is provided for this position and we have both ...

The Dog Stop Richmond (TDS-0037)

Canine Handler

Richmond, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Dog Training * Kennel Operations * Pet Retail * Animal Behavior * Customer Service We Are Looking For Someone Who Is * Dependable * Responsible * Honest * Self-motivated * Mature * Hardworking

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All JobsService Dog Trainer JobsService Dog Trainer Jobs in Virginia

Service Dog Trainer information

See Virginia salary details

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$19

$31

How much do service dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for service dog trainer in Virginia is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 healthcare organizations.

How much do service dog trainers get paid to train service dogs?

Service dog trainers typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and location. Experienced trainers with specialized skills or working for organizations may earn higher salaries, and some may work freelance or part-time, affecting overall income.
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For Service Dog Trainer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Service Dog Trainer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Service Dog Trainer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Service Dog Trainer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Service Dog Trainer job openings:

Service Dog Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Service Dog Trainer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,002 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Canine Coach

A Girl and Her Dog LLC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Create a safe, fun, and clean play environment for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

  • Interact with dogs during playtime and ensure their safety and well-being.

  • Maintain a high standard of safety and cleanliness while engaging actively with the dogs.

Job description

Description

Dogtopia, the industry leader in dog daycare, boarding, and spa services has an immediate opening for an energetic and organized individual to be the star of our playroom as a Canine Coach. Extensive training is provided for this position and we have both full-time and part-time positions available.  If you LOVE dogs and caring for them, then this IS the role for you!!

Requirements

ABOUT YOU:

You love dogs and would love to care for them all day, every day!

You produce high quality work and want to know exactly what is expected of you.

You're the kind of person who takes your job seriously.

You're focused on achieving goals consistently and efficiently.

You're careful not to make mistakes and can be counted on to keep all the dogs in your care safe and well cared for!

You are cooperative, helpful and careful.

You enjoy working in a collaborative harmonious teamwork environment.

*If you are seeing yourself in these words, we'd love to talk to you about our Canine Coach role.


ABOUT US:

We're Dogtopia and we are a unique breed! We love and care for our Pet Parents' pups like they are our own.  A big part of our success is that we hire great people, who love dogs, and we treat them exceptionally well and reward them for their excellence. We provide you with the industry best training in dog behavior and care, and we equip you with the skills to make every day the Most Exciting Day Ever for every dog in your care.  This is why Dogtopia is the industry leader and wins customer driven awards and recognition year after year!


We are also proud to be deeply invested in giving back to our communities through our Dogtopia Foundation's Fetch It Forward initiatives with a mission that Enables Dogs to Positively Change Our World.  


ABOUT THE CANINE COACH ROLE:

The focus of the Canine Coach is to create a safe, fun, and clean play environment for each pup.

You interact with dogs of all sizes and breeds, and you are always on stage. All rooms are equipped with cameras so Pet Parents can stay engaged with their dogs and watch the fantastic experience you create for their pup.

You care for all furry friends as if they were a part of your family. 

You take your jobs seriously while having fun creating the Most Exciting Day Ever for the pups in your playroom.

This can be a dirty (yet very rewarding) role that requires you to be active and on your feet for your shift.


As a DOGTOPIAN,  you'll live and love life like a dog while making a tangible difference in the lives of dogs and our communities:

  • We LOVE life unconditionally like a dog.
  • We STAY loyal to our pack.
  • We CHASE the absolute highest standards of safety.
  • We PLAY to our fullest potential.
  • We TREAT every day like It's the Most Exciting Day Ever!

Apply