Service Dog Instructor

Description

The Service Dog Instructor's primary role is to help evaluate, train, and place working task-trained service dog and facility therapy dog teams.

The Service Dog Program at Dogs Inc trains and places exceptional dogs into careers benefiting Veterans with disabilities, focusing primarily on PTSD mitigation and limited mobility assistance. Gaining confidence from these dogs, Veterans expand their lives, regain mobility and independence, and take positive steps to re-integrate into their communities.

The Service Dog Program is also responsible for placing facility therapy dogs in a variety of roles in military and first responder communities. These specially trained dogs live with facility team members and spend time with wounded warriors recovering at military hospitals or personnel stationed in high-stress environments.

In-person work at the Dogs Inc campus in Palmetto, FL and surrounding areas Monday through Friday (with very occasional weekend work) is a component of this position.

Travel will be required less than 25% of the time, but the position may occasionally require in-state or out-of-state travel by air or car as assigned.  

Requirements:

• Strong teaching skills, instruction skills, and interpersonal skills are required
• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Behavior, Psychology, or similar background is preferred
• Service dog training experience with an Assistance Dog International (ADI) accredited program is preferred
• Dog training or dog behavior credential through a reputable training program or organization (CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CBCC-KSA, CDBC, KPA-CPT, or similar certification) is preferred
• Experience with training service dogs with an organization accredited by Assistance Dog International (ADI) is strongly preferred, but will consider candidates with other relevant animal training and education experience, as determined by program Director
• Adhere to and promote a positive reinforcement based and Least Aversive Minimally Invasive (LIMA) approach to dog training and behavior modification
• Experience working with Veteran or military communities is preferred
• Experience working with individuals diagnosed with PTSD and/or individuals with physical disabilities is preferred

Dog Training Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a level of high expectations in the training and placement of working service dog teams and facility therapy dog teams
• Adhere to the provided training curriculum to ensure that assigned program dogs can pass required assessments and are well-prepared for placement as a service dog or facility therapy dog
• Remain up to date on the behavioral history and repertoire of each dog assigned
• Keep program leadership informed of dogs who may need additional evaluation and a behavior modification or training plan before determining a career path or transfer out of the program

Dog Care Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure that the behavioral and physical needs of program dogs in training are met 
• Ensure dog feeding shifts are covered in conjunction with the Canine Care Department as assigned
• Ensure that general husbandry needs (brushing coat, brushing teeth, trimming nails, and cleanings ears) are maintained weekly with each dog assigned
• Remain up to date on all medical history/concerns with each dog assigned
• Keep program leadership informed of dogs who have an identified medical concern that may need additional evaluation before determining a career path or transfer

Dog Care Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Instruct service dog and facility therapy dog recipients on proper dog handling, dog care, and dog training to establish and maintain a successful partnership with their working dog
• Demonstrate excellent communication and teaching skills with students during the training process and during follow-up visits as assigned
• Demonstrate excellent public presentation skills, periodically participating in educational opportunities, demonstrations, and presentations with volunteers, staff, and members of the public 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure training records and reports are kept up to date in appropriate databases (including but not limited to weekly training records, monthly training reports, incident reports, student progression notes during placement, and any communication with or instruction given to students, graduates, or applicants)
• Help to create and maintain a culture of innovation, continuous quality improvement, positivity, and collaboration 
• Work effectively in both a close-knit team environment and across a variety of departments 
• Demonstrate very good attendance record, rarely absent or tardy
• Maintain a high level of productivity throughout the workday 
• Maintain cleanliness of workspaces, company vehicles, etc
• Maintain a high level of physical fitness to safely perform the range of duties required of the position
• Provide customer service and exceptional experiences to students, applicants, graduates, volunteers, members of the public, and visitors to Dogs Inc

Why Join Dogs Inc?

At Dogs Inc, we don’t just change lives—we transform them. Here’s why you’ll love working with us:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Full dental and vision insurance premiums covered, competitive medical coverage, and a $15,000 life insurance policy.
• Retirement Match: A 5% retirement plan match for all benefit-eligible employees.
• Campus Perks: Free access to our fitness center and chef-prepared lunches served on campus (Monday-Friday).
• Time to Recharge: Generous PTO policies (12-20 days/year based on tenure), plus opportunities to earn additional PTO. Enjoy 11 paid holidays—including your birthday!
• Dog-Friendly Workplace: Bring your well-behaved, pre-screened dog to work and enjoy the ultimate companion-friendly environment.

Salary : $15,000