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Service Dog Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Dogtopia

Dog Groomer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 ...

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

Dogtopia

Dog Bather

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 ...

Dogizone

Dog Bather

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Crazy about Canines? We're Looking for Top Dogs Interested in Career Growth. Want a job you'll love ... You will also monitor animal health and behavior, provide excellent client service, and support ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

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 ...

DogiZone

Dog Bather

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Crazy about Canines? We're Looking for Top Dogs Interested in Career Growth. Want a job you'll love ... You will also monitor animal health and behavior, provide excellent client service, and support ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

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 ...

DogiZone

Dog Bather

Rockville, MD

$18 - $20/hr

Description Crazy about Canines? We're Looking for Top Dogs Interested in Career Growth. Want a job ... You will also monitor animal health and behavior, provide excellent client service, and support ...

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All JobsService Dog JobsService Dog Jobs in Reston, VA

Service Dog information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do service dog jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for service dog in Reston, VA is $14.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.25 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 cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Service Dog jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Service Dog job openings:

Service Dog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Service Dog job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,702 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

DOG WALKER & CERTIFIED PET PROFESSIONAL - EVENINGS & WEEKENDS

DC Dog Sitter

Washington, DC • On-site

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Description
DC Dog Sitter is a leading provider of professional pet care services in the DC Metro area. Focused on disrupting the status quo and bringing a higher level of care and interaction, we believe in being outside, getting fresh air, swimming, PFA's (Pet-Friendly AdventuresTM), running, playing, and doing hikes. DC Dog Sitter is redefining the pet care industry providing a hands-on, highly interactive, and engaging service that caters to each pet's unique personality and temperament.
DC Dog Sitter has been named by Washingtonian as "Top Pet Professionals + Adventures" in the DC Metro Area. Our level of service and team of pet professionals rank among the best in the DMV. Our people possess the perfect combination of professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail. Our overall mission is to enrich the lives of our furry companions by providing care for all stages. Our determination shows through in everything we do from hiring the best, most qualified people, to creating a dynamic work environment where ongoing educational opportunities to further enhance the level of pet care are a top priority.
What makes us special...
Washington, DC is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the nation. Additionally, you are in the hub of activity. Close to the Capitol, the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and all of the employment, cultural, and entertainment benefits that DC provides. With this in mind, DC Dog Sitter caters to the needs of busy pet parents with demanding careers and lifestyles who desire the very best care and companionship for their furry companions.
Benefits include an hourly base plus commission, earned paid time off, and much more!
DC Dog Sitter is a member of the nation's leading nonprofit organization of professional pet care services, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS). Additionally, DC Dog Sitter has been awarded best dog walkers and top pet professionals + adventures. Join our mission to Elevate The Care!
Job Description
Job Summary
The Professional Pet Care Associate is responsible for providing effective dog walks, adventures (as needed), and ensuring pets are lovingly cared for. Reports to Administration through General Manager.
The Professional Pet Care Associate assumes an active role in delivering excellent pet care services. Reliability and the ability to get from assignment to assignment on time and manage tight schedules are a must. She/he is responsible for meeting defined goals and expectations, complying with DCDS policies and procedures, playing a supportive role to the team, and having a great time with each furry friend and assignment.
Professional Pet Care Associate
Washington, DC Metro Area, United States
Description
SCHEDULE: Part-time
SHIFT: Monday to Friday, Evenings and Weekends as needed, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Professional Pet Care Associate
Part-Time Evenings, Monday to Friday, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm as needed
DC Dog Sitter - WASHINGTON, DC METRO AREA
Washington, DC Metro Area
Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree is Preferred
  • Be 21 years or older
  • One to Three Years of Experience in the pet professional field
  • License/Certification (Specify) or ability to complete our Certification Program (paid by DCDS)
  • Be able to pass CPR and first aid certification classes (provided by DCDS)
  • Maintain ongoing CEU's (provided by DCDS)
  • Available during core work hours of 10 am to 4 pm
  • Be available some holidays and weekends
  • Have reliable transportation and insurance (vehicle, bike, moped, vespa)
  • Possess great communication skills and understand the importance of complete and grammatically correct sentences and timely responses
  • Must love dogs and cats!
  • Understand that taking care of animals is more than a job. It is a serious commitment and must be treated as such
  • Have animal handling experience.
  • Comfortable with all types, sizes, and breeds of dogs
  • Be comfortable with feline friends
  • Have excellent references
  • Ability to follow instructions and meet a demanding schedule
  • Have the physical ability to walk dogs and play with them
  • Have your own mobile/smartphone with the ability to text, email, and send photos
  • Be comfortable working outside in the rain, snow, and high and low temperatures
  • Live in close proximity to the service area or be willing to commute

Professional Pet Care Associate
MCLEAN, Virginia, United States
Description
SCHEDULE: Part-time
SHIFT: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm
Professional Pet Care Associate
Part-Time Days, Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm
DC Dog Sitter - MCLEAN VA
Mclean, Virginia
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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