16 Careers Working With Dogs: Roles, Salaries, and How to Start

They say a dog is mankind’s best friend. Many people love dogs so much they build careers around caring for them.

As the number of service and companion dogs and family pets grows, demand for trained professionals to care for dogs is rising. The popularity of pet photos and dog-focused social media content underscores how many dog-related services and jobs are expanding.

Most entry-level dog care roles require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many skills are learned on the job through hands-on training or apprenticeships, although some careers—like pet grooming, veterinary technology, or dog training—can benefit from specialized schools or certificate programs. Professions such as veterinarians require college and professional degrees.

Professional organizations—including the National Dog Groomers Association of America, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, and Pet Sitters International—offer certification programs. In many U.S. states, self-employed animal care workers also need business licenses.

The job market for animal care workers is expected to grow faster than average; projected growth reflects rising pet ownership and increased demand for services.

Below are 16 dog-related jobs, what they involve and typical salary ranges.

Dog Groomer

Salary range for animal care and service workers: $23,760 to $38,640

Overview: Dog groomers keep dogs clean, trimmed and comfortable. Regular grooming prevents matting and excessive shedding and can reveal skin issues like fleas or rashes. Groomers typically need a high school diploma and hands-on apprenticeship or grooming school training to develop skills.

Dog Sitter

Salary range for animal care and service workers: $23,760 to $38,640

Overview: Dog sitters care for pets while owners are away. Duties include walking, feeding, playtime and maintaining routines. Services can be provided in the sitter’s home, the owner’s home, or through daily visits. Experienced sitters may offer bathing, grooming or basic training, and are expected to seek veterinary care in emergencies. Professional certification is available from organizations such as Pet Sitters International.

Dog Kennel Attendant

Salary range for animal care and service workers: $23,760 to $38,640

Overview: Kennel attendants supervise dogs boarding at kennels or shelters. The job typically requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Employers often prefer candidates with previous pet care experience. Training classes are offered by organizations such as the Humane Society and the American Humane Association.

Dog Walker

Salary range for animal care and service workers: $23,760 to $38,640

Overview: Dog walkers primarily provide exercise and outdoor time for dogs while owners are at work or away. Walkers should be physically fit and capable of handling multiple dogs. While no formal experience is required to start, strong references and client referrals help build business. Training programs exist that teach dog handling, canine first aid and business skills. Some states require licenses for dog walkers.

Animal Control Worker

Salary range for animal control workers: $23,160 to $58,220

Overview: Animal control jobs include officers, dog wardens and cruelty investigators. Duties involve responding to calls about injured, lost or abused animals, restraining or transporting animals, providing basic care, investigating abuse and conducting outreach. Workers may testify in court and need skills in investigation, animal handling and public education.

Pet Dog Trainer

Salary range for animal trainers: $20,270 to $55,760

Overview: Dog trainers teach obedience, manners and specific behaviors. Many trainers start through apprenticeships, volunteering or local classes rather than formal degrees. Effective trainers are patient, calm and empathetic. They work in group classes, one-on-one sessions or with rescue organizations to prepare dogs for adoption. Certification courses and continuing education are available through various organizations.

Service Dog Trainer

Salary range for animal trainers: $20,270 to $55,760

Overview: Service dog trainers prepare dogs to assist people with disabilities—examples include guide dogs for the visually impaired or seizure-alert dogs. This work is specialized and may require more formal education, certifications or degrees in animal science. Many trainers begin by volunteering or apprenticing with established organizations or schools that place service animals.

Veterinarian

Salary range for veterinarians: $56,540 to $162,450

Overview: Veterinarians diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, perform surgery, prescribe medication, provide vaccinations and advise owners on pet health. Becoming a veterinarian requires a bachelor’s degree with prerequisite science courses, followed by veterinary school and passing licensing examinations. Vets may work with companion animals, livestock, wildlife or in specialized fields.

Veterinary Assistant

Salary range for veterinary assistants: $19,950 to $38,890

Overview: Veterinary assistants support veterinarians with routine care and clinic operations. Most positions require a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though certification or vocational programs can lead to higher pay and advancement.

Veterinary Technician

Salary range for veterinary technicians: $23,490 to $50,010

Overview: Veterinary technicians perform diagnostic tests and assist in clinical procedures. This role typically requires completion of an accredited two- or four-year veterinary technology program and passing a credentialing exam. Licensing and certification requirements vary by state.

Dog Breeder

Salary range for animal breeders: $25,590 to $69,130

Overview: Breeders select and pair dogs to preserve or enhance specific bloodlines and traits such as temperament and health. Responsible breeders maintain detailed health records, ensure proper care and place puppies in suitable homes. Most breeders begin with a high school diploma and learn through apprenticeships or hands-on experience.

Dog Photographer

Salary range for photographers: $19,110 to $76,220

Overview: Dog photographers combine photography skills with a love of animals. Specialties include pet portraits, dog show photography, shelter portraits and commercial work for pet brands. Many photographers take online or in-person courses to improve pet-photography techniques, then work from a studio, on location, or as freelancers for media and brands.

Dog Show Handler

Salary range for animal care and service workers: $23,760 to $38,640

Overview: Show handlers present dogs at competitive events on behalf of owners. Many handlers work freelance and travel to shows, managing grooming, conditioning and training for peak performance. Handlers must understand show rules, maintain dogs’ fitness and medical needs, and communicate effectively with owners, judges and breeders.

Animal Massage Therapist

Salary range for animal care and service workers: $23,760 to $38,640

Salary range for massage therapists: $21,340 to $78,280

Overview: Animal massage therapists apply techniques to improve muscle tone, circulation and mobility in dogs (and often horses). They work with veterinarians and owners to assess conditions and plan treatments. Training programs teach anatomy, physiology and animal first aid; some states require certification.

K9 Unit Police Officer

Salary range for police and detectives: $36,550 to $106,090

Overview: K9 officers are police officers paired with trained dogs for tasks such as tracking missing persons, detecting narcotics, and searching crime scenes. Candidates must complete police academy training and usually serve as patrol officers before joining a K9 unit. Officers often work irregular hours and form close bonds with their assigned dogs. College degrees can enhance a candidate’s prospects but are not always required.

Workplaces That Allow Dogs

You don’t always need a canine-focused job to spend time with your dog during the workday. Many companies allow employees to bring dogs to the office, provide pet stipends or offer paid time off for pet-related needs. Allowing dogs at work can increase employee retention and satisfaction, and many large employers maintain dog-friendly spaces and policies.

Whether you want hands-on animal care, specialized training roles, medical careers or creative positions such as photography, there are many ways to turn a love of dogs into a fulfilling career. Consider the education, certification and work environment that best match your skills and interests before choosing a path.