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Service Dog Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Playful Pack

Be Seen First

Dog Daycare Attendant

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Previous customer service or reception experience is a bonus. * A love for dogs is a must! The essence of the job: * Answering calls and spreading the doggy joy. * Registering new clients.

Puppy Luv Pet Services

Dog Groomer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$24K - $36K/yr

Experienced Dog Groomer Wanted, Set Days, Established Luxury Clientele Puppy Luv Pet Services is a boutique luxury pet care company serving Arlington, Alexandria, and the Washington DC area. Since ...

Playful Pack

Be Seen First

Dog Daycare Attendant

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Previous customer service or reception experience is a bonus. * A love for dogs is a must! The essence of the job: * Answering calls and spreading the doggy joy. * Registering new clients.

Puppy Luv Pet Services

Dog Groomer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$24K - $36K/yr

Free uniforms Experienced Dog Groomer Wanted, Set Days, Established Luxury Clientele Puppy Luv Pet Services is a boutique luxury pet care company serving Arlington, Alexandria, and the Washington DC ...

Puppy Luv Pet Services

Dog Groomer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$24K - $36K/yr

Experienced Dog Groomer Wanted, Set Days, Established Luxury Clientele Puppy Luv Pet Services is a boutique luxury pet care company serving Arlington, Alexandria, and the Washington DC area. Since ...

Puppy Luv Pet Services

Dog Groomer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$24K - $36K/yr

Free uniforms Experienced Dog Groomer Wanted, Set Days, Established Luxury Clientele Puppy Luv Pet Services is a boutique luxury pet care company serving Arlington, Alexandria, and the Washington DC ...

Dogtopia

Dog Daycare Playroom Attendant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Strong customer service skills are also required, as you will be interacting with the public as well. Minimum Requirements: *18 years of age or older *Able to interact in a positive way with all ...

Dogtopia of Herndon

Dog Daycare Playroom Attendant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Strong customer service skills are also required, as you will be interacting with the public as well. Minimum Requirements: *18 years of age or older *Able to interact in a positive way with all ...

Dogtopia

Dog Daycare Attendant - Canine Coach

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16.10 - $19.43/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 Canine Coach. Extensive ...

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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 Aug 18, 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 is a service dog?

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 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.

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 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.

How to become a service dog handler?

To become a service dog handler, individuals typically need to have a qualifying disability and undergo training to work effectively with a service dog. They often participate in specialized training programs to learn how to manage and care for the dog, and some may need to obtain certification or documentation depending on local laws. Building a strong bond and understanding the dog's tasks are essential components of the role.

What are some service dog jobs?

Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities, such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting deaf individuals to sounds, retrieving objects, providing balance support, or alerting to medical conditions like seizures or low blood sugar. These dogs undergo specialized training and are often certified to perform their designated tasks in various environments. Their primary role is to enhance independence and safety for their handlers.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,258 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Part time Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

Metropawlitan Petsitters

Arlington, VA

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago

Job description

Please No middle school, high school or students who go to school out of state.


This job has a minimum of 6 month commitment.

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Dog Walker to join our team. This role is perfect for individuals who love animals and enjoy spending time outdoors. As a Dog Walker, you will be responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of dogs while providing them with exercise and companionship during their walks. Your primary focus will be to create a positive experience for both the dogs and their owners.

*Responsibilities*

- Walk dogs of various sizes and breeds, ensuring they receive adequate exercise.

- Maintain control of dogs at all times, utilizing appropriate animal restraint techniques.

- Monitor the behavior and health of dogs during walks, reporting any concerns to pet owners.

- Provide basic grooming services as needed, including brushing and cleaning paws.

- Ensure that all dogs are safely secured before and after walks.

- Communicate effectively with pet owners regarding their dog's behavior and needs.

- Maintain a clean and organized environment for the dogs in your care.

- Follow all safety protocols to ensure the well-being of both the animals and yourself.

*Skills*

- Strong knowledge of dog handling techniques, including animal restraint and behavior management.

- Experience in pet care, including dog grooming, sitting, or veterinary technician roles is advantageous.

- Familiarity with equine care is a plus for those who may handle multiple types of animals.

- Excellent customer service skills to effectively communicate with pet owners.

- Ability to work independently while being responsible for the safety of pets in your care.

- Strong physical stamina to manage long walks and active dogs.

- Own a smartphone

- Enjoy the idea of a flexible schedule

- Own a reliable, insured, registered and inspected car( preferably not one shared with others

- Can work independently and without supervision

-Be comfortable with groups of dogs and be skilled in animal behavior

- Be able to provide references and pass a criminal background check

- Possess honesty, reliability, strong communication skills, common sense and good judgment

-Be adaptable – things happen. We need people who won’t unravel when things aren’t seamless

- Be in good physical health – You will be walking dogs and sometimes in the rain, sleet & snow!

If you have a passion for animals and are looking for a fulfilling role that allows you to make a difference in their lives, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity as a Dog Walker.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract, Temporary, Seasonal

  • Flexible schedule
  • Referral program


Work Location: In person