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Service Dog Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Service dogs, generally seen as a non-lethal option for neutralizing a threat, also serve as a psychological deterrent during law enforcement operations. Job Duties: * Patrol Drug Detector Dog (PDDD ...

U.S. Army

Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Service dogs, generally seen as a non-lethal option for neutralizing a threat, also serve as a psychological deterrent during law enforcement operations. Job Duties: * Patrol Drug Detector Dog (PDDD ...

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, 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 spa services as a Groomer. We have ...

Dogtopia

Dog Groomer

Alexandria, VA

$4.0K/mo

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 spa services as a Groomer. We have ...

Dogtopia

Dog Bather

Alexandria, VA

$15 - $18.43/hr

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 Dog Bather. Extensive ...

Dogtopia

Dog Bather

Alexandria, VA

$15 - $18.43/hr

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 Dog Bather. Extensive ...

Comforted Canine

Dog Sitter

Arlington, VA · On-site

$25/hr

Service Types * Walks: 30-90 minutes (1-3x daily) * Drop-ins: 30 / 45 / 60 minutes (1-3x daily ... Experienced with dog or cat care, especially in a pet sitting capacity * Confidently handle dogs ...

All of Creation Pet Care, LLC

Dog Groomer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The ideal candidate has experience grooming dogs of all breeds and sizes, maintains a calm demeanor with animals and provides excellent customer service to pet owners. Key Responsibilities: * Bathe ...

Run My Dog, LLC

Dog Walker - Pet Sitter

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Company Description Run My Dog Do you love animals? Do you prefer to work independently? Enjoy the ... Excellent customer service and communication skills * Self-motivated with great time management

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$70K/yr

Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We are looking to add three more trainers in the ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Fairfax, VA

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

Hampton, VA

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 ...

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All JobsService Dog JobsService Dog Jobs in Virginia

Service Dog information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do service dog jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for service dog in Virginia is $14.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $15.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by service dog trainers and handlers in maintaining a service dog's performance in real-world environments?

Service dog trainers and handlers often encounter challenges such as ensuring the dog remains focused and responsive in distracting public settings, maintaining consistent training standards, and addressing any behavioral issues that may arise over time. Additionally, adapting the dog's training to the specific needs of the handler and keeping up with regular retraining sessions are crucial for long-term success. Collaboration with veterinary professionals and ongoing communication with the handler are also essential to support the dog's health and performance.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The 7 7 7 rule for dogs is a guideline for training and socialization, suggesting that puppies should be exposed to 7 different people, 7 different environments, and 7 different experiences within their first 7 weeks to promote well-rounded behavior. For service dogs, early socialization and consistent training are essential to ensure they perform reliably in various settings. Proper adherence helps develop a confident, adaptable service dog capable of assisting in diverse situations.

Can you get a service dog for lupus?

A service dog can be trained to assist individuals with lupus by performing tasks such as alerting to symptoms or providing physical support. To qualify, a person must have a diagnosed disability that substantially limits major life activities, and the dog must be trained to perform specific tasks related to that disability. Certification or registration is not required by law, but proper training from a reputable organization is essential.

What is the difference between Service Dog vs Therapy Dog?

AspectService DogTherapy Dog
Required credentials/certificationsTraining certification, often ADA-compliantTraining for social interaction, certification varies
Work environmentAssists individuals with disabilities in public and private settingsProvides comfort and support in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes
Employer and industry usageIndividuals with disabilities, healthcare, public spacesHospitals, schools, therapy programs

Service Dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities and are protected by law to accompany their owners in public. Therapy Dogs are trained to provide emotional support and comfort in therapeutic settings. While both roles involve specialized training, Service Dogs have specific legal rights and certifications, whereas Therapy Dogs focus on emotional well-being in controlled environments.

What are service dogs?

Service dogs are specially trained canines that assist individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks to help them navigate daily life. These tasks may include guiding people who are visually impaired, alerting individuals with hearing loss, pulling a wheelchair, or assisting with medical alerts such as seizures or low blood sugar. Service dogs are protected under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which allows them to accompany their handlers in most public places. They undergo extensive training to ensure good behavior and reliability. Service dogs are distinct from emotional support animals and therapy dogs due to their specialized training and legal rights.

What kind of jobs can service dogs do?

Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities, such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting to medical conditions like seizures or low blood sugar, pulling a wheelchair, or providing balance support. They are trained to work in various environments and often require certification to ensure they meet standards for public access and task performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Service Dog handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Service Dog handler, you need a thorough understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and specialized training in service dog protocols, typically supported by certifications from recognized organizations. Familiarity with training tools, positive reinforcement techniques, and relevant legal requirements such as the Americans with Disabilities Act is essential. Patience, consistency, and strong communication skills help build a reliable partnership and ensure effective task performance. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the service dog is well-prepared to support individuals with disabilities and maintain public safety.

Can I get a service dog for Crohn's disease?

Service dogs can be trained to assist individuals with Crohn's disease by alerting them to symptoms or helping with tasks during flare-ups. Certification and training are required to ensure the dog can perform specific tasks related to the condition, and a healthcare professional's documentation is typically needed for approval. Proper training and legal considerations are essential for service dog placement and accommodation.
What are popular job titles related to Service Dog jobs in Virginia? For Service Dog jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Service Dog jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Service Dog jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Service Dog jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Service Dog job openings:
Service Dog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Service Dog job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,258 per year, or $14.1 per hour.
Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

U.S. Army

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 50 rated military and defense

Job description

If you're interested in working with animals or law enforcement as a profession, being a Soldier in the U.S. Army as a Working Dog Handler might be right for you.  
Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers are responsible for the care and training of his or her service dog, which contributes to combat operations abroad and installation security at home by providing target odor detection (explosive/drug). Service dogs, generally seen as a non-lethal option for neutralizing a threat, also serve as a psychological deterrent during law enforcement operations. 
Job Duties:
  • Patrol Drug Detector Dog (PDDD) handler
  • Patrol Explosive Detector Dog (PEDD) handler
  • Health and Welfare searches
  • Law and Order operations
  • Installation Force Protection and Law and Order support
  • VIP support
  • Customs support

Requirements
Candidates must first take (ASVAB), which is a series of tests that helps the Army understand your strengths and identify which Army job(s) fit your talents.
Training
Job training for Military Working Dog handlers requires 17 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) on how to care for, handle and train a Military Working Dog (MWD). The training is in two phases. The first seven-week phase covers on-the-job instruction and teaches police methods and techniques for dog handling. The second phase of instruction is an 11-week course that provides basic instructions on the application of Military Working Dog utilization and employment capabilities. Phase II instructs in basic obedience, controlled aggression, first aid, principles of conditioning, building searches, scouting, detection, and daily care and grooming of assigned MWD.
Handlers will also learn other basic skills, including:
  • Basic use of firearms
  • Military/civil laws and jurisdiction 
  • Arrest and restraint of suspects
  • Other specialized dog handling techniques

Helpful Skills
  • Ability to understand conditioning behaviors in training dogs
  • Ability to make quick decisions
  • Patience
  • Ability to interact with people

Future Civilian Careers
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with federal, state and local law enforcement. Many of the jobs skills you learn will also help you to perform civilian jobs that involve working with animals, and general management positions.
This opportunity comes with:
  • Competitive pay.
  • Free medical care.
  • Free housing and leadership development.
  • You are also afforded the opportunity of up to $86,000 for college.

Our team is willing to help all who meet, or can meet, our criteria, which includes passing  (ASVAB) .
 
Eligibility:
  • Must have an interest in joining the Army.
  • 17 to 34 years old.
  • Must be able to meet height/weight requirements *See calculator below. (https://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/fitness-and-nutrition/components-of-fitness/body-composition.html).
  • No tattoos on hands, face, or above the neck (ring tattoos are acceptable).
  • No history of a felony level offense or DUI.
  • No major medical procedures that would prohibit you from service (please feel free to ask specific questions).
 
Thank you!

What United States Army employees say

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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

Social media

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