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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 ...

Pet Paradise

Pet Bather / Groomer Trainee - Cary

Apex, NC · On-site

$13.50/hr

Learn to become a dog trainer! (We are currently expanding this service across many of our locations) * Complimentary Pet Day Camp - Bring your dog with you to work! * 30 Days of Complimentary Pet ...

Pet Supplies Plus 4307

Pet Groomer

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$15 - $50/hr

Ongoing Training & Skill Development * Employee Discounts on Pet Products & Services * Earnings ... Provide full-service dog grooming including bathing, brushing, clipping, and styling * Groom to ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

$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 ...

Dog Gone Happy

Assistant General Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.50 - $23.50/hr

Are you a pet enthusiast with a flair for leadership and a passion for customer service? At Dog ... Team Leadership and Development: Assist in hiring, training, and mentoring team members, from ...

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 ...

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

Service Dog Trainer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$16

$27

How much do service dog trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for service dog trainer in Raleigh, NC is $16.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $17.55 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 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.

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.

More about Service Dog Trainer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Service Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Service Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Service Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Service Dog Trainer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Service Dog Trainer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Service Dog Trainer job openings:
Service Dog Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Service Dog Trainer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,651 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Dog Trainer

Paws At Play

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 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.