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Working Dogs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

The K9Edge LLC

Be Seen First

Dog Daycare and Kennel Technician

Peabody, MA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Ability to handle large breeds and working dogs a plus * Dog training experience a plus Responsibilities and Duties including but not limited to: Dog Handling and Care * Play with, exercise, 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 ...

The K9Edge LLC

Be Seen First

Dog Daycare and Kennel Technician

Peabody, MA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Ability to handle large breeds and working dogs a plus * Dog training experience a plus Responsibilities and Duties including but not limited to: Dog Handling and Care * Play with, exercise, 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 ...

DOGS INC

Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

Palmetto, FL · On-site

Ensure class-ready dogs meet IGDF accreditation standards prior to placement. * Maintain clean ... WORKING RELATIONS This role collaborates regularly with training departments, medical personnel ...

Barkadia Dogs LLC

Camp Counselor

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$12.80 - $13.50/hr

We are looking for hard-working, dog-loving people to join our pack and help us create a fun and safe environment for dogs. Camp Bow Wow is a Premier Doggy Day and Overnight Camp that provides a fun ...

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How much do working dogs jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for working dogs in the United States is $13.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $15.38 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.
What cities are hiring for Working Dogs jobs? Cities with the most Working Dogs job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Working Dogs jobs? The most popular types of Working Dogs jobs are:
What states have the most Working Dogs jobs? States with the most job openings for Working Dogs jobs include:
Working Dogs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working Dogs job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,914 per year, or $13.9 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 8 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

Social media

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