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Service Dog Training Jobs in Riverside, CA (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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Start your journey in our training salon , performing all core and advanced bathing services ... Ability to safely lift and handle dogs up to 50 lbs unassisted * Ability to safely guide or ...

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

Pomona, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/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 Training information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

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$33

How much do service dog training jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for service dog training in Riverside, CA is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job as a service dog trainer?

To become a service dog trainer, gain experience with dog training through certifications or courses, and develop knowledge of disability assistance needs. Many trainers start by working with established organizations or volunteering to build skills and credibility. Certification from recognized bodies can enhance job prospects in this specialized field.

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 is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The 7 7 7 rule for dogs is a guideline used in service dog training that suggests exposing dogs to 7 different environments, 7 new people, and 7 new experiences within a certain period to promote socialization and adaptability. This helps ensure the service dog is comfortable and well-adjusted in various situations, which is essential for their role. Proper socialization is a key component in training service dogs to perform reliably in public settings.

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 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.

How much does it pay to train service dogs?

Service dog trainers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work for organizations or independently. Some trainers may charge clients for training services, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per dog, covering training, certification, and ongoing support.

Does lupus qualify for a service dog?

Service dog training involves preparing dogs to assist individuals with disabilities, including those with chronic health conditions like lupus. While lupus itself does not automatically qualify someone for a service dog, if the condition results in a disability that impairs daily functioning, a service dog can be trained to assist with specific needs such as mobility or medical alerts, following legal guidelines and certification standards.

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 cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Service Dog Training jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Service Dog Training job openings:
Infographic showing various Service Dog Training job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, and 98% Full Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,094 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Junior Groomer

Junior Groomer

Petco

Redlands, CA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 627 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 716 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 district 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.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

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.

The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.

$10.00 - $21.50

Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

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

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