ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Petco

Dog Trainer

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Wake Forest, NC

Provide World Class Dog Training Services * Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor. * Complete all ...

Paws At Play

Dog Trainer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

Maintain a safe, clean, and positive training environment * Deliver exceptional customer service and client communication Qualifications * CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge ...

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 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 · 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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

Service Dog Training information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$18

$31

How much do service dog training jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for service dog training 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 service dog training?

Service dog training is a specialized process where dogs are taught to perform specific tasks that assist people with disabilities. This training goes beyond basic obedience and includes skills tailored to the handler's needs, such as retrieving dropped items, alerting to medical conditions, or providing mobility support. The process can take several months to years and typically involves professional trainers. Service dog training ensures the dog behaves appropriately in public and reliably performs tasks to mitigate the handler’s disability.

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 expertise in canine behavior, animal training techniques, and a foundational knowledge of disabilities and service dog requirements, often supported by certifications from organizations like Assistance Dogs International. Familiarity with positive reinforcement tools, training equipment, and client management software is typical in this field. Patience, strong communication, and empathy are crucial soft skills for working with both dogs and clients who have specific needs. These abilities ensure effective training outcomes, positive client relationships, and the successful placement of service dogs that can reliably assist individuals with disabilities.

What are some common challenges faced by service dog trainers and how are they addressed?

Service dog trainers often encounter challenges such as matching the right dog to specific client needs, ensuring consistent behavior in various environments, and managing the dog's progress through different training phases. Addressing these challenges involves thorough client consultations, developing individualized training plans, and frequent real-world practice to reinforce learned behaviors. Collaboration with other trainers and regular feedback from clients also play a key role in overcoming obstacles and ensuring the success of both the dog and its handler.

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

AspectService Dog TrainingTherapy Dog Training
CredentialsCertifications often required, such as ADA compliance trainingCertifications optional, focus on temperament and socialization
Work EnvironmentAssist individuals with disabilities in public and private settingsVisit hospitals, schools, and care facilities to provide comfort
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by individuals with disabilities, organizations, and trainersUsed by therapy organizations, hospitals, and schools

Service Dog Training and Therapy Dog Training both require specialized skills, but they serve different purposes. Service dogs assist individuals with disabilities and work in public spaces, while therapy dogs provide emotional support in therapeutic settings. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right training path for your goals.

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Service Dog Training jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Service Dog Training job openings:

Service Dog Training jobs near you
Infographic showing various Service Dog Training 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

Petco

Wake Forest, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 640 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 739 rated retailers

Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. 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 should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for 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 as One 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 are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco 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 founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
Position Overview
As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their dog companions. Your expertise in modern dog training techniques and positive reinforcement methods will help pet parents develop well-behaved, happy, and healthy dogs. You will provide one-on-one training sessions, group classes, and offer advice on basic training, environmental management, and customized training plans to address specific training goals. In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the health and wellness of pets by providing recommendations on healthy nutrition, world class services and essential supplies.
Position Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The Dog Trainer role consists of 2 core responsibilities:
Provide World Class Dog Training Services
  • Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor.
  • Complete all assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials per the DTIP roadmap.
  • Recommend and sell appropriate dog training classes, training, and supplies to ensure pet parents and their dogs have the necessary resources for a successful dog training experience.
  • Keep accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet parents' feedback.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
  • Work cross functionally with the grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole health solutions for all pet parents.
  • Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain a high level of expertise in the role.

Provide 360-Degree Solutions for all Petco Guests
  • Provide an outstanding guest experience by actively engaging with guests in the recommendation and selection of merchandise and services in accordance with their identified needs.
  • Generate future business through a deep understanding of the guest and their pet(s) and connection to our digital platforms.
  • Demonstrate a high level of awareness and knowledge for the health, welfare, and proper handling of all animals.
  • Perform related duties to support the Pet Care Center in achieving its performance goals.
  • Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to enhance the shopping experience for pet parents.
  • Complete cash register transactions and support guests with their OMNI shopping experience as needed.
  • Adhere to established operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
  • Promote a positive culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
  • Complete other duties and special projects as assigned.
  • Evaluate guest inquiries and refer to the Leader on Duty as needed.

Other Essential Duties
  • UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You're the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet Care Center Locations. Utilizing the behaviors within our Sales Model is critical to being able to identify and solve for their needs both today and in the future.
  • CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. You'll be empowered through our training programs to maintain our safety protocols. Bottom line, the safety of partners, guests and pets is our #1 priority.
  • BE A PART OF A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE. Being a great teammate is key to creating a culture that is centered around solving for the health and wellness needs of pets.
  • ENGAGE IN YOUR CAREER. As you develop your skills and knowledge, you will have the opportunity to participate in developmental programs to support your continued growth throughout your career.

Certification Requirements
  • Stage 1: All candidates are required to complete the 'Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP)' to become Petco Certified Dog Trainer consisting of the following:
    • Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development.
  • Stage 2: Dog Trainer: Successfully run and grow the dog training business in one of Petco's Pet Care Centers with local and national marketing support, with access to internal partner resources, networking, and client acquisition through our state-of-the-art online booking and scheduling systems.
  • Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
  • Note: Approved candidates with prior experience that can pass both skill and knowledge assessments may be eligible for accelerated training.

Basic Qualifications
  • Passion for animal care, training, and welfare and a genuine interest for improving the lives of pets and their pet parents.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with pet parents and provide clear instructions, demonstrations and applicable selling techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds in a safe and humane manner.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
  • Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed to accommodate the training schedule and store operations.
  • Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) associated with dog training equipment and supplies.
  • Familiarity with computer systems and software to manage training records, schedules, and communication with pet parents.

Supervisory Responsibility
  • None

Starting Rate:
$14.00
To translate this webpage to Spanish or other languages on your internet browser click the translate button to the right of your browser address bar. Additional instruction can be found here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/173424?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
Para traducir esta página web al español u otros idiomas en su navegador de Internet, haga clic en el botón de traducción a la derecha de la barra de direcciones de su navegador. Puede encontrar instrucciones adicionales aquí:
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/173424?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

What Petco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply