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Service Dog Trainer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Paws At Play

Dog Trainer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Deliver exceptional customer service and client communication Qualifications * CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) certification required * Minimum of 2 years of ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services ... In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree ...

BarkSuds

Experienced Dog Groomer

Cary, NC · On-site

$200 - $300/day

Perform full-service dog grooming including bathing, drying, brushing, and haircuts * Execute breed ... Grooming certification or formal training is a plus At Barksuds we are looking for a talented hard ...

BarkSuds

Experienced Dog Groomer

Cary, NC · On-site

$200 - $300/day

Perform full-service dog grooming including bathing, drying, brushing, and haircuts * Execute breed ... Grooming certification or formal training is a plus At Barksuds we are looking for a talented hard ...

Pet Paradise Resort

Resort Associate - Cary

Apex, NC

$13.50/hr

... services if applicable * Using proper dog handling techniques as instructed by management * Keeping dogs secure and maintaining a high standard of pet safety by following and adhering to the training ...

Pet Paradise

Resort Associate - Cary

Apex, NC · On-site

$13.50/hr

... services if applicable * Using proper dog handling techniques as instructed by management * Keeping dogs secure and maintaining a high standard of pet safety by following and adhering to the training ...

Pawz Pet Services

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$9 - $22/hr

We offer: * Paid online training * Paid in-person training with a seasoned member of our team ... Excellent customer service. Provide support and excellent service to clients, respond to feedback ...

Raleigh Pawz

Be Seen First

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$9 - $22/hr

We offer: * Paid online training * Paid in-person training with a seasoned member of our team ... Excellent customer service. Provide support and excellent service to clients, respond to feedback ...

Raleigh Pawz

Be Seen First

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$9 - $22/hr

We offer: * Paid online training * Paid in-person training with a seasoned member of our team ... Excellent customer service. Provide support and excellent service to clients, respond to feedback ...

Pawz Sit N Stay

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$9 - $22/hr

We offer: * Paid online training * Paid in-person training with a seasoned member of our team ... Excellent customer service. Provide support and excellent service to clients, respond to feedback ...

Pawz Sit N Stay

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker

Raleigh, NC

$9 - $22/hr

We offer: * Paid online training * Paid in-person training with a seasoned member of our team ... Excellent customer service. Provide support and excellent service to clients, respond to feedback ...

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All JobsService Dog Trainer JobsService Dog Trainer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Service Dog Trainer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$18

$31

How much do service dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for service dog trainer in Raleigh, NC is $18.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $19.86 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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Service Dog Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Service Dog Trainer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,222 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Dog Trainer

Paws At Play

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Full-Time Professional Dog Trainer

Paws At Play Luxury Pet Resort is seeking an experienced, passionate, and motivated Full-Time Professional Dog Trainer to join our growing team!

We're looking for someone who believes in building confident, well-mannered dogs through positive reinforcement training and enjoys working closely with both dogs and their owners. If you're committed to creating lasting results while making training fun and rewarding, we'd love to meet you.

About the Role

As our Professional Dog Trainer, you'll lead our training programs while collaborating with our daycare and boarding teams. You'll work with puppies through adult dogs, helping them develop confidence, good manners, and reliable obedience in a positive, engaging environment.

You'll be responsible for conducting our Puppy Preschool, K9 Kindergarten and Play & Train Program, private training sessions, and Board & Train sessions, while educating owners on how to continue their dog's success at home.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Puppy Preschool and Play & Train programs

  • Conduct private training and Board & Train sessions

  • Develop individualized training plans for each dog

  • Teach basic obedience, manners, and life skills using positive reinforcement

  • Evaluate dogs for temperament, behavior, and training goals

  • Provide daily progress reports and homework for pet parents

  • Work collaboratively with daycare and boarding staff to reinforce training throughout the day

  • Maintain a safe, clean, and positive training environment

  • Deliver exceptional customer service and client communication

Qualifications

  • CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) certification required

  • Minimum of 2 years of professional dog training experience preferred

  • Strong understanding of canine behavior, learning theory, and positive reinforcement training methods

  • Excellent communication and customer service skills

  • Ability to safely handle dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments

  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced daycare and boarding environment

  • Dependable, organized, self-motivated, and a collaborative team player

  • Weekend availability required

What We're Looking For

We're searching for someone who is:

  • Passionate about helping dogs and their families succeed

  • Patient, encouraging, and professional

  • Positive, energetic, and dependable

  • Committed to continuing education and staying current with modern, science-based training methods

  • Dedicated to providing exceptional care and customer service

Why Join Paws At Play?

At Paws At Play, we believe every dog deserves the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive. Our training philosophy focuses on building confidence, strengthening the human-animal bond, and creating lifelong success through positive reinforcement.

As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to grow our training department, make a meaningful impact on the lives of dogs and their families, and work alongside a supportive team that is passionate about providing exceptional care.

If you're ready to make a difference and help shape the future of training at Paws At Play, we'd love to hear from you!

Please submit your resume, CPDT-KA certification, and a brief cover letter explaining why you're the right fit for our team.