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Working Dogs Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Army as a Working Dog Handler might be right for you. Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers are ... Service dogs, generally seen as a non-lethal option for neutralizing a threat, also serve as a ...

U.S. Army

Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

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 ...

Allied Universal

Veterinarian

Winchester, VA · On-site

Use a cloud-based working-dog-specific electronic medical record system, maintain veterinary records, generate relevant reports, and track necessary data * Provide veterinary expertise and ...

Allied Universal

Veterinarian

Winchester, VA · On-site

Use a cloud-based working-dog-specific electronic medical record system, maintain veterinary records, generate relevant reports, and track necessary data * Provide veterinary expertise and ...

Allied Universal

Veterinarian

Winchester, VA · On-site

Use a cloud-based working-dog-specific electronic medical record system, maintain veterinary records, generate relevant reports, and track necessary data * Provide veterinary expertise and ...

All of Creation Pet Care

Dog Groomer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Ability to stand for long periods and lift dogs as required. Why You'll Like Working Here: * Laid-back, supportive work environment. * Small team where your work really matters. * Flexible scheduling.

Dogtopia

Dog Bather

Alexandria, VA

$15 - $18.43/hr

... dogs in your care safe and well cared for! * You are cooperative, helpful and careful. * You enjoy working in a collaborative harmonious teamwork environment. *If you are seeing yourself in these ...

Dogtopia

Dog Groomer

Arlington, VA

$4K/mo

... dogs in your care safe and well cared for! * You are cooperative, helpful, and careful. * You enjoy working in a collaborative, harmonious team environment. *If you are seeing yourself in these words ...

Dogtopia

Dog Groomer

Alexandria, VA

$4K/mo

... dogs in your care safe and well cared for! * You are cooperative, helpful, and careful. * You enjoy working in a collaborative, harmonious team environment. *If you are seeing yourself in these words ...

Dogtopia

Dog Bather

Alexandria, VA

$15 - $18.43/hr

... dogs in your care safe and well cared for! * You are cooperative, helpful and careful. * You enjoy working in a collaborative harmonious teamwork environment. *If you are seeing yourself in these ...

Off Leash K9 Training

Dog Trainer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Day to day requirements: -Handling and training small and large breeds from puppy to adult. -Working with dogs needing behavior modification from anxiety to aggression. -Interacting with the public ...

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Working Dogs information

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$7

$13

$18

How much do working dogs jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for working dogs in Virginia is $13.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.92 and $15.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectWorking DogsSearch and Rescue Dogs
CertificationsVaries by role, often includes obedience and specialized trainingRequire specific SAR training certifications and certifications in tracking or scent detection
Work EnvironmentCan include farms, security, police, or service settingsPrimarily outdoor, disaster sites, wilderness, or urban search areas
Employer & IndustryEmployers include security firms, farms, police, and service organizationsTypically employed by rescue organizations, fire departments, or government agencies

While both Working Dogs and Search and Rescue Dogs are trained to perform specialized tasks, Working Dogs have a broader range of roles including security, service, and farm work, often in various environments. Search and Rescue Dogs focus specifically on locating missing persons in disaster or wilderness settings, requiring specialized scent detection training. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right training and career path for working with dogs in these fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Working Dog handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Working Dog handler, you need expertise in animal behavior, training techniques, and a foundational understanding of canine health and safety, often supported by relevant certifications or experience in animal care. Familiarity with specialized equipment such as harnesses, leashes, GPS trackers, and obedience training tools is typically required. Patience, strong observational skills, and effective non-verbal communication are essential soft skills for building trust and ensuring proper teamwork with the dog. These competencies are crucial because they ensure the well-being of the working dog and the successful performance of specialized tasks in various environments.

What are some common challenges faced by handlers working with professional working dogs, and how can they be addressed?

Handlers of professional working dogs often encounter challenges such as maintaining the dog's focus in distracting environments, ensuring consistent training, and managing the physical and emotional well-being of the animal. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing training sessions, developing a strong bond with the dog, and staying up-to-date with best practices in canine care. Regular communication with other handlers and trainers, as well as participation in professional development workshops, also help handlers stay prepared for various scenarios they may face on the job.

What are working dogs?

Working dogs are breeds that are specifically trained and utilized to perform practical tasks that assist humans, such as herding livestock, guarding property, assisting people with disabilities, search and rescue, or detecting substances. These dogs are chosen for their intelligence, strength, and trainability, which make them well-suited for demanding roles. Examples of working dog breeds include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, and Belgian Malinois. They play an essential role in various fields, including law enforcement, agriculture, and therapy. Their specialized training and natural instincts make them invaluable partners in many professions.
Working Dogs jobs near you
Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

U.S. Army

Suffolk, VA • On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/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 the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (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 the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
 
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).
 
Interested?
  • Reply to this job post ***AND***
  • Text OB92 to GOARMY ***or*** visit (https://www.goarmy.com/info/send1/?iom=OB92-AUTO-ACNP-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRC).

What United States Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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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

Social media

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