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Service Dog Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

5G Dogtopia LLC

Dog Groomer

Downers Grove, IL

Our foundation features three worthy causes: sponsoring service dogs for returning service veterans, youth literacy programs, and initiatives to employ adults with autism. We host weekly Foundation ...

5G Dogtopia LLC

Dog Groomer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$50/hr

Our foundation features three worthy causes: sponsoring service dogs for returning service veterans, youth literacy programs, and initiatives to employ adults with autism. We host weekly Foundation ...

The Dog Stop - Bucktown

Be Seen First

Dog Groomer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $70/hr

Full Service Groom / Full Service Bath / Breed Standard Cuts * Customer relations - develop relationships with clientele and their dogs. You should be able to explain to customers the best cut ...

The Dog Stop - Bucktown

Be Seen First

Dog Groomer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $70/hr

Full Service Groom / Full Service Bath / Breed Standard Cuts * Customer relations - develop relationships with clientele and their dogs. You should be able to explain to customers the best cut ...

Kamp K9

Dog Trainer

Lake Zurich, IL

$18/hr

Kamp K-9 is a premier dog daycare, dog boarding, dog grooming and training facility located in Long ... Kamp K-9 will serve this customer base by providing a complete range of services, in a modern ...

Scenthound

Dog Bather

Chicago, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Complimentary service membership About the Position: The Dog Bather is a fundamental position at Scenthound, offering quick and efficient services that meet Scenthound This position requires:

4Pawz Only

Dog Trainer

Munster, IN

Customer service or people-facing experience is a plus (trainers need to coach humans as well as dogs!) * Experience using positive reinforcement techniques (even if informally) is highly preferred

Scenthound

Dog Groomer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Complimentary service membership About the Position: The Dog Groomer is an integral position at Scenthound, offering grooming knowledge and providing grooming services to clients. This Dog Groomer ...

Bark N Park

Dog Trainer

Lake Bluff, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Customer service or people-facing experience is a plus (trainers need to coach humans as well as dogs!) * Experience using positive reinforcement techniques (even if informally) is highly preferred

FH BP COMPANY LLC

Dog Bather

Westmont, IL · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

You'll also guide guests on the best services, add-ons, and routines to keep their dogs healthy, comfortable, and looking their best.If you love your craft, enjoy connecting with people, and want to ...

Playful Pup Inc

Dog Groomer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Dog Grooming Stylist needed for The Grooming Gallery, Chicago's premier pet grooming boutique! W ... grooming and spa services. With our upscale facility, top-of-the-line grooming products and ...

FH BP COMPANY LLC

Dog Bather

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

You'll also guide guests on the best services, add-ons, and routines to keep their dogs healthy, comfortable, and looking their best.If you love your craft, enjoy connecting with people, and want to ...

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All JobsService Dog JobsService Dog Jobs in Chicago, IL

Service Dog information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do service dog jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for service dog in Chicago, IL is $14.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.11 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 Chicago, IL?

For Service Dog jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Service Dog jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Service Dog jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Service Dog jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Service Dog job openings:

Service Dog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Service Dog job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,401 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Dog Groomer

Downers Grove, IL

5G Dogtopia LLC
See more jobs at 5G Dogtopia LLCexternal

Full-time, Part-time

Medical

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

We are growing our grooming team!

Dogtopia is looking for fellow dog lovers to join our growing team as a Dog Groomer! Dogtopia is the industry leader in dog daycare where health and safety is always our #1 priority. We provide a fun, fast-paced work environment that focuses on team culture and always makes it the Most Exciting Day Ever!

We are scheduling phone and in-person interviews now! Hiring for part-time and full-time team members. Offering flexible schedules and competitive base pay plus bonuses and incentives.


Purpose Beyond Profit

We "Enhance the joy of dog parenthood..." by providing clean, safe, and educational dog daycare to our furry guests and their pet parents. We believe in creating better canine citizens by truly S.E.E.ing (Socializing, Exercising, and Educating) each dog; which we believe helps keep dogs in their loving, forever homes and out of shelters.

We also "...Enable dogs to positively change our world" through our Dogtopia Foundation. Our foundation features three worthy causes: sponsoring service dogs for returning service veterans, youth literacy programs, and initiatives to employ adults with autism. We host weekly Foundation fundraising events within our daycare center, including fun photo booth days, special treats, and dog arts and crafts. 


The Role

Dog Groomer

Provider of exceptional dog grooming services, including haircuts, baths, nail trims, teeth brushing, etc.


Job Functions and Performance Standards:

  • Provide compassionate care to all grooming dogs
  • Follow dog breed standards and Pet Parent's instructions for clipping and trimming coats
  • Discuss with Pet Parents their pets' grooming needs, identify services, and set expectations
  • Make recommendations for styles, maintenance, and products
  • Communicate if/when style/cut is not possible for safety reasons
  • Assist other groomers and bathers
  • Assist PPCs in ensuring vaccines are up to date
  • Record necessary information, pertaining to a dog's groom (tools/techniques used), temperament and/or potential health concerns in Dogtopia Hub
  • Use proper dog handling/safety procedures in line with Dogtopia training
  • Equipment upkeep and care
  • Complete cleaning tasks as required
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Customer Service

  • Embodies the NBD of Dogtopia through the Dogtopia-isms
  • Maintains confidentiality in Dogtopia practices and all aspects of the business
  • Welcomes all customers promptly and professionally
  • Effectively communicates coat care, health and behavior concerns with customers in a professional manner
  • Schedule appointments through Dogtopia Hub
  • Checking dogs in and out in Dogtopia Hub, including collecting payment

Perks and Bonuses

  • 50% commission on full grooms and baths
  • Bathers available to complete bath services while groomers can focus on start to finish grooms
  • Bring your dog to work!
  • Team member referral bonuses up to $500 each
  • Birthday bonus
  • Team support bonuses for filling in when needed
  • Competitive base pay
  • Health insurance for full-time
  • Access to free mental health care tools
  • Holiday bonuses as well as holiday pay
  • Opportunities for cross-training and company advancement
  • A strong, positive team culture that values inclusivity and transparency
  • Hands-on managers who work side-by-side with our team
  • Personal development opportunities in the dog industry, as well as sales, customer service, and dog behavior and handling
  • A companywide focus on health and safety - pups and people

The rules by which we, as Dogtopians live by are our Dogtopia-isms:

We LOVE life unconditionally like a dog.

We STAY loyal to our pack.

We CHASE the absolute highest standards of safety.

We PLAY to our fullest potential.

We TREAT every day like It's the Most Exciting Day Ever!


Requirements

 Work Environment & Abilities Needed: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to bend, twist, stoop, lift, reach, kneel, crouch, push, pull, handle grooming equipment, type on a keyboard, and use a computer mouse.

Equipment: Must have your own set of professional grooming tools

Education: High school Diploma or Equivalent

Licenses/Certifications: Grooming certificate preferred

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional grooming experience in a salon or a graduate of a grooming school with a minimum of 1 year of professional grooming experience in a salon.


Skills:

  • Time management
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Ability to learn new processes and software specific to the business
  • Ability to problem solve
  • Strong verbal communication skills
  • Attention to detail and the ability to multitask and prioritize
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Has a positive attitude and is willing to contribute to a positive team culture
  • Proficiency in all breed standard haircuts
  • Able to groom an average of 5-6 dogs per day.

Apply