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Animal Acupuncture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Acupuncture information

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How much do animal acupuncture jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal acupuncture in the United States is $15.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal acupuncture?

Animal acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on an animal's body to stimulate healing and relieve pain. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, neurological disorders, and certain digestive or respiratory issues in pets and livestock. The practice is performed by veterinarians who are specially trained and certified in veterinary acupuncture to ensure it is safe and effective for animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Acupuncturist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Acupuncturist, you need a deep understanding of veterinary medicine, acupuncture theory, and animal anatomy, usually supported by a veterinary degree and specialized certification in veterinary acupuncture. Familiarity with acupuncture needles, electro-acupuncture devices, and record-keeping software is typically required. Strong observational skills, patience, and effective communication with pet owners are standout soft skills in this field. These skills ensure safe and effective treatment, foster trust with clients, and promote the well-being of animal patients.

What is the difference between Animal Acupuncture vs Veterinary Acupuncturist?

AspectAnimal AcupunctureVeterinary Acupuncturist
CredentialsCertification in animal acupuncture, often through specialized coursesVeterinary degree + acupuncture certification
Work EnvironmentPrivate clinics, animal hospitals, mobile practicesVeterinary clinics, hospitals, animal care facilities
Industry UsageFocuses solely on acupuncture for animalsProvides comprehensive veterinary care including acupuncture
Common Search IntentAnimal acupuncture techniques, certification, treatment optionsVeterinary acupuncture services, licensing, animal health

Animal Acupuncture specialists focus exclusively on acupuncture treatments for animals, often with certification in animal acupuncture techniques. Veterinary Acupuncturists are licensed veterinarians who incorporate acupuncture into their broader veterinary practice. While both roles involve acupuncture, veterinary acupuncturists provide a wider range of medical services, whereas animal acupuncturists typically specialize solely in acupuncture treatments.

What are some common challenges faced by animal acupuncturists when working with different species?

Animal acupuncturists often encounter challenges related to the temperament and size of their animal patients. For example, nervous or aggressive animals may require extra patience and gentle restraint, while larger animals like horses can be physically demanding to treat. Additionally, communicating effectively with pet owners and veterinary teams to ensure a coordinated care plan is essential. Adapting acupuncture techniques to suit species-specific anatomy and behavioral differences is a key part of the role.
More about Animal Acupuncture jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Acupuncture jobs? Cities with the most Animal Acupuncture job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Acupuncture job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,905 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
ACUPUNCTURIST (ON-CALL)

ACUPUNCTURIST (ON-CALL)

North East Medical Services

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$53.97 - $61.90/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

The acupuncturists are to administer specific therapeutic treatment of symptoms and disorders amenable to acupuncture procedures, as specifically referral by our internal primary care physicians. An acupuncturist engages in the practice of acupuncture, electro acupuncture, perform or prescribe the use of oriental massage, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, breathing techniques, exercise, heat, cold, magnets, nutrition, diet, herbs, plant, animal, and mineral products, and dietary supplements to promote, maintain, and restore health.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Taking a detailed case history; that may involve questioning patients about their physical and emotional health history, lifestyle, and diet.
  • Making a diagnosis and devising a personalized treatment plan.
  • Explaining the diagnosis and treatment to the patient and responding to their questions and concerns.
  • Providing an accurate diagnosis, supported by medical findings based on standardized examination and techniques generally accepted by the medical community. This includes TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Western diagnostic techniques.
  • Treating by inserting fine needles into the skin at particular locations to stimulate the energy flow along meridians (energy channels) and the body's own healing response.
  • Incorporating other treatments, such as moxibustion (burning herbs to warm insertion points), electro-acupuncture (stimulating insertion points with small electric currents), acupressure (to loosen and relax muscles), and cupping.
  • Providing medically necessary acupuncture, consults, assessments, and treatments when requested/authorized by family physicians/specialists.
  • Providing quality treatment to cure or relieve the medical condition causing the patient's complaint.
  • Documenting all treatments and patient's response to acupuncture therapy on patient's chart in EHR.
  • Performing other job duties or projects as required by Integrative Medicine manager.

  • 2 years experience working as an acupuncturist is required.
  • Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine or Oriental Medicine. ACAOM accredited education (Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).
  • Post-graduate degree preferred; i.e., Ph.D. in related fields, N.D. (Doctor of Naturopathy), D.O.M. (Doctor of Oriental Medicine).
  • NCCAOM Certification (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) preferred.
  • Must possess a current/valid Licensed Acupuncturist from the State of California.
  • Current documentation of Basic Life Support is required.

LANGUAGE:
  • Must be able to fluently speak, read and write English.
  • Fluency in Chinese (Cantonese and/or Mandarin) required.

STATUS:
  • This is an FLSA Exempt position.
  • This is an OSHA high-risk position.
  • This is a Full Time position.

NEMS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer welcoming diversity in our workforce. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.