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Service Dog Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Be Seen First

We are a growing, full-service dog grooming salon in Boise focused on creating a safe, calm, and low-stress environment for both pets and people. Our team values kindness, professionalism, continued ...

New

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Experienced Dog Groomers Location: Palm Beach Gardens & Jupiter (In Person) Job Type: Full-Time or ... We keep our service territory tight, so you spend more time grooming and less time driving! The ...

K9 Trainer

Ponte Vedra, FL · On-site

$20.48 - $23.56/hr

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or ...

Be Seen First

We are a growing, full-service dog grooming salon in Boise focused on creating a safe, calm, and low-stress environment for both pets and people. Our team values kindness, professionalism, continued ...

New

Be Seen First

We are a growing, full-service dog grooming salon in Boise focused on creating a safe, calm, and low-stress environment for both pets and people. Our team values kindness, professionalism, continued ...

New

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 ...

Dog Playtime Attendant

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

We are a busy full service dog daycare/training center with a fun energetic environment. R esponsibilities: * Maintaining a safe, happy play yard. * Must be able to work with dogs of all sizes. * Be ...

New

You will get the opportunity to train and care for pet dogs for their forever home and train Service Dogs to amplify a disabled person's life. Responsibilities: * Conduct individual and group ...

You will get the opportunity to train and care for pet dogs for their forever home and train Service Dogs to amplify a disabled person's life. Responsibilities: * Conduct individual and group ...

You will get the opportunity to train and care for pet dogs for their forever home and train Service Dogs to amplify a disabled person's life. Responsibilities: * Conduct individual and group ...

Dog Groomer

Oxford, MS · On-site

$35K - $60K/yr

We are a full-service dog spa in Oxford, MS, offering a cage-free environment with a focus on the emotional well-being of the dogs we care for. Our goal is to provide an empowering career for ...

Dog Groomer

Oxford, MS · On-site

$35K - $60K/yr

We are a full-service dog spa in Oxford, MS, offering a cage-free environment with a focus on the emotional well-being of the dogs we care for. Our goal is to provide an empowering career for ...

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Service Dog information

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$9

$14

$18

How much do service dog jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for service dog in the United States is $14.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.62 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 jobs make 3000 a month without a degree?

Service dog training and related roles can pay around $3,000 a month, especially for experienced trainers or those working independently with clients. Other high-paying jobs without a degree include commercial truck driving, sales positions, or skilled trades like plumbing and electrical work, which often require certifications or apprenticeships but not a college degree.

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 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.
More about Service Dog jobs
What cities are hiring for Service Dog jobs? Cities with the most Service Dog job openings:
What states have the most Service Dog jobs? States with the most job openings for Service Dog jobs include:
Infographic showing various Service Dog job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,511 per year, or $14.2 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 7 days ago


United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 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!

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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

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