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Working Animals Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Paradise Paws LLC

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Kennel Technician

East Providence, RI · On-site

$20/hr

A Kennel Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals in a boarding kennel facility. Reporting to the Kennel Manager and working within a small team of 3, this ...

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Working Animals information

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with service or therapy animals, and how can these be managed?

Professionals who work with service or therapy animals often encounter challenges such as maintaining the animals’ training and behavior standards, ensuring their health and well-being, and fostering effective communication between the animal and handler. It’s also common to navigate public misconceptions and access issues when bringing animals into various environments. Managing these challenges involves ongoing education, regular health check-ups for the animals, and strong teamwork with both human and animal partners. Support from experienced colleagues and continuing professional development are also valuable in overcoming these daily obstacles.

What is the difference between Working Animals vs Search and Rescue Dogs?

AspectWorking AnimalsSearch and Rescue Dogs
Required CredentialsBasic training, certifications vary by taskAdvanced training, certifications in search and rescue techniques
Work EnvironmentFarms, farms, urban areas, specialized environmentsDisaster sites, wilderness, urban search zones
Employer & IndustryAgriculture, transportation, service industriesEmergency services, rescue organizations

Working Animals encompass a broad range of animals trained for various tasks across industries, while Search and Rescue Dogs are specifically trained to locate missing persons in disaster or wilderness scenarios. Both roles require specialized training, but Search and Rescue Dogs undergo more intensive certification processes and operate primarily in emergency environments. Understanding these differences helps clarify their unique functions and training requirements.

What is a working animal?

Working animals are animals that have been trained to perform specific tasks or services for humans. These roles can include herding livestock, pulling carts or plows, providing transportation, assisting people with disabilities, performing search and rescue, or even detecting drugs and explosives. Common examples include horses, dogs, donkeys, and oxen. Working animals have played a significant role in human societies throughout history and continue to be important in many industries and communities today.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to work with working animals?

To excel as an animal trainer for working animals, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and relevant animal care practices, often supported by a high school diploma or animal science coursework. Familiarity with positive reinforcement tools, clicker training systems, and animal handling equipment is typically required. Patience, clear communication, and observational skills are crucial soft skills that help build trust and ensure effective training. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safety, well-being, and optimal performance of working animals in professional settings.

What are popular job titles related to Working Animals jobs in Rhode Island?

For Working Animals jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Working Animals jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Working Animals jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Working Animals jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Working Animals job openings:

Working Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Certified Dog Trainer

Potter League for Animals

Middletown, RI • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Job description

Organization Overview:
The Potter League for Animals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the well-being of Rhode Island's companion animals. As the most comprehensive animal welfare organization in RI, we impact more than 10,000 companion animals annually. For more than 95 years, we have been committed to serving the needs of people and animals in the RI community and across New England as a 4-star Charity Navigator-rated nonprofit, ranking in the top 1% nationally.
Position Description:
Position: Contract Certified Dog Trainer
Department/Location: Behavior & Training - Potter League Dog Training Center (Rhode Island)
Classification: Independent Contractor (approximately 10-12 hours/week)
Reports To: Behavior & Training Manager
Role Overview
The Potter League for Animals is seeking a Certified Dog Trainer to join our Behavior & Training team on a contract basis. This contractor will teach group classes, facilitate canine playgroups, and provide one-on-one private consultations for dogs and their guardians, using positive, humane, evidence-based training methods.
This is a great opportunity for a trainer who values relationship-based, cooperative training and enjoys working with both people and dogs in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
Scope of Work / Primary Responsibilities
  • Teach group dog training classes (e.g., foundations, manners, specialty classes) using positive reinforcement and humane, science-based methods.
  • Facilitate safe, structured dog-dog playgroups, including assessment of play styles, body language, and suitability for group play.
  • Conduct private consultations with clients to address basic manners, enrichment, and common behavior concerns.
  • Communicate clearly and compassionately with guardians, providing homework, written follow-up, and practical coaching.
  • Maintain timely and accurate class rosters, attendance, and consultation notes as requested.
  • Collaborate with Potter League staff and volunteers to ensure a positive experience for clients and dogs and alignment with organizational training philosophy.
  • Represent the Potter League in a professional, friendly, and inclusive manner with all staff, volunteers, and members of the public.
Qualifications
  • Current dog training certification from a recognized organization (e.g., CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC, or equivalent) required.
  • Demonstrated experience teaching group classes and/or providing private consultations for dog guardians.
  • Strong knowledge of canine body language, behavior, and learning theory, with a commitment to positive reinforcement and humane, low-stress handling.
  • Excellent people skills: able to explain concepts clearly, coach guardians with patience, and create a welcoming environment.
  • Comfortable working with a variety of dogs, including those who may be overexcited, shy, or mildly reactive, and knowing when to refer more complex cases.
  • Reliable, punctual, and able to manage a class schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
  • The Potter League is looking for a Certified Dog Trainer to teach group classes, facilitate playgroups and provide private consultations.
Contract Details
Time Commitment: Approximately 10-12 hours per week, including evenings and weekends based on class and consultation schedules.
Contract Status: This is an independent contractor (1099) role, not employment with the Potter League for Animals.
Requirements:
  • Registration with the State of Rhode Island as an independent contractor.
  • Proof of current professional liability insurance.
  • Ability to provide your own transportation to and from class and consultation locations.

Compensation: Competitive per-class and/or per-consultation rates, commensurate with experience and credentials (to be discussed during the interview process).
Physical & Environmental Considerations:
  • Ability to safely handle and work around dogs of various sizes and strength.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move for the majority of class time.
  • Work is performed in a training center environment with frequent exposure to dogs, cleaning products, and moderate noise levels.
How to Express Interest
If you are interested in contracting with the Potter League for Animals as a Certified Dog Trainer, please contact:
Alisha Brzozowy, Behavior & Training Manager at ABrzozowy@potterleague.org
Please include:
  • A brief statement of interest
  • Your resume
  • Relevant certifications
  • A summary of your training philosophy and experience teaching group classes and/or private lessons
  • Proof of (or plans to obtain) Rhode Island independent contractor registration and professional liability insurance

Apply