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Animal Assisted Intervention Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heartshare

Canine Handler

Queens, NY · On-site

$24.72 - $27.47/hr

Have training specific to animal-assisted intervention on topics including, but not limited to: * Ensure appropriate interactions between the students and the animal * Use techniques for responsive ...

Heartshare

Canine Handler

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$24.72 - $27.47/hr

Have training specific to animal-assisted intervention on topics including, but not limited to: * Ensure appropriate interactions between the students and the animal * Use techniques for responsive ...

Calo Programs

Lead Adventure Therapist

Lake Ozark, MO · On-site

Integrate animal-assisted interventions, including work alongside CALO's canine companions, to promote connection, regulation, and growth. * Provide clinical support through assessments, treatment ...

Auburn University

Psychologist

Auburn University, AL · On-site

$61K/yr

... animal-assisted interventions! Cover letter with resume submission is required. Please combine into one document. Responsibilities * Provides psychological services to students that include, but are ...

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Animal Assisted Intervention information

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$23.5K

$50.7K

$78.5K

How much do animal assisted intervention jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal assisted intervention in the United States is $50,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal assisted intervention?

An Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) job involves using trained animals to support therapeutic, educational, or healthcare goals for individuals in need. Professionals in this field, such as therapists or handlers, work with animals to improve a person's physical, emotional, or social well-being. These interventions can take place in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, or nursing homes. The role requires knowledge of animal behavior, patient care, and sometimes specialized certifications. AAI professionals collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective interactions between animals and clients.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in animal assisted intervention?

A typical day in Animal Assisted Intervention involves conducting therapy sessions where you facilitate interactions between clients and specially trained animals to support emotional, psychological, or physical well-being. You may work individually or as part of a multidisciplinary team, sometimes rotating between different settings such as schools, healthcare facilities, or community centers. Daily responsibilities often include assessing client progress, maintaining records, and ensuring the welfare and readiness of your therapy animals. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals and regular animal care routines are integral parts of the job. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as schedules may vary based on client needs and program requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in animal assisted intervention, and why are they important?

To thrive in Animal Assisted Intervention, you need a solid background in animal behavior, basic therapeutic techniques, and often a degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related health profession. Certification in animal-assisted therapy and familiarity with assessment tools and documentation systems are typically required, alongside training for handling therapy animals. Excellent communication, patience, and emotional intelligence are vital soft skills for building rapport with clients and managing unique scenarios involving animals. These abilities support safe, effective interventions and positive outcomes for both participants and therapy animals.

Is animal-assisted intervention a good career?

Animal-assisted intervention is a growing field that involves working with therapy animals to support mental and physical health. It often requires training, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, and can be rewarding for those interested in healthcare, therapy, or animal care. Job opportunities vary by setting, including hospitals, schools, and community programs.

What degree do I need to be an animal assisted intervention?

Animal Assisted Intervention professionals typically hold at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as psychology, social work, therapy, or related health sciences. Additional certifications in animal-assisted therapy and training in handling therapy animals are often required or preferred to work effectively in this role.
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What states have the most Animal Assisted Intervention jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Assisted Intervention jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Animal Assisted Intervention jobs look for?

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Animal Assisted Intervention jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Assisted Intervention job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 77% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $50,712 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Recreation Therapist,Dog Handl

Phoenix Children's Hospital

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Department: RSRCH-GRNT | Pet Therapy Program
Location: Phoenix
Shift: Mon-Fri, Days, 8am-5pm
Category: Behavioral Health
Posting #: 1054835
Employee Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Recreation Therapist - Dog Handler is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) who partners with a trained facility dog and the interdisciplinary clinical team to incorporate animal-assisted intervention into patients' plans of care to meet clinical goals. This position plans, coordinates, and facilitates therapeutic recreation services and activity-based interventions designed to support the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being of pediatric patients and their families in the hospital setting.
Position Duties
  • Facility Dog Handling & Animal Assisted Intervention
    • Serves as the primary handler of a hospital-owned facility dog, maintaining safety, care, health, grooming, and behavior of the dog in accordance with hospital and department policies.
    • Partners with the treating clinical team in the assigned setting (e.g., Providers; nursing; rehab therapists; psychology; social work; child life) to design and deliver animal-assisted interventions that support each patient's established treatment goals.
    • Assesses both the facility dog and the patient throughout each interaction for signs of stress, fatigue, or discomfort, and adjusts or discontinues the intervention as needed to protect the safety and wellbeing of both.
    • Maintains the safety of the facility dog, patients, families, and staff during all interventions, including in high-stimulation inpatient/bedside and outpatient clinic environments.
    • Coordinates supply orders, veterinary care, and grooming services in accordance with hospital/department guidelines and policies.
    • Represents the facility dog program in new employee orientation, hospital marketing, media, and community engagement activities as assigned.
    • Trains, orients, and supervises Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) volunteer handlers as assigned by AAT Supervisor.
  • Recreational Therapy Assessment & Treatment Planning
    • Applies recreational therapy assessment methods to evaluate patients' physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and leisure functioning as it relates to animal-assisted intervention goals.
    • Develops individualized and group treatment plans that integrate the facility dog into therapeutic recreation activities designed to complement the goals set by the patients' treating clinical teams.
    • Establishes and maintains a therapeutic rapport with patients and families to support engagement in animal-assisted treatment activities.
    • Continually evaluates and adjusts intervention plans based on patient progress and response.
    • Responds to crisis or acute situations calmly and effectively to maintain ongoing safety of patients, the facility dog, and others.
    • Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and communicates relevant observations to support coordinated patient care.
    • Documents assessment and intervention outcomes in accordance with hospital documentation standards.
    • Documents unusual occurrences, incidents, or safety concerns involving the facility dog or patients in the appropriate reporting format.
  • Performs miscellaneous job related duties as requested.

Phoenix Children's Mission, Vision, & Values
Mission
To advance hope, healing and the best healthcare for children and their families
Vision
Phoenix Children's will be the leading pediatric health system in the Southwest, nationally recognized for exceptional care, innovative research and advanced medical education.
We realize this vision by:
  • Offering the most comprehensive care across ages, communities and specialties
  • Investing in innovative research, including emerging treatments, tools and technologies
  • Advancing education and training to shape the next generation of clinical leaders
  • Advocating for the health and well-being of children and families
Values
  • We place children and families at the center of all we do
  • We deliver exceptional care, every day and in every way
  • We collaborate with colleagues, partners and communities to amplify our impact
  • We set the standards of pediatric healthcare today, and innovate for the future
  • We are accountable for making the highest quality care accessible and affordable
Phoenix Children's Hospital logo

About Phoenix Children's Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Phoenix Children's Hospital, located in Phoenix, AZ, is a prominent establishment within the healthcare industry. Known for its commitment to pediatric healthcare, the hospital provides a vast range of services catering to the unique health needs of children. Originally founded in 1983, Phoenix Children's Hospital prides itself on being one of the largest and most respected children's hospitals in the country. Guided by its mission–"to provide hope, healing and the best healthcare for children and their families"–the hospital holds strong on its core values of family-centered care, excellence in clinical care, innovation, and stewardship.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1983

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