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Animal Assisted Intervention Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heartshare

Canine Handler (Must Have Dog)

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 ...

Heartshare

Canine Handler (Must Have Dog)

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 ...

Calo Programs

Adventure Therapy Manager

Lake Ozark, MO · On-site

Here, therapy happens in motion: through group challenges, outdoor experiences, and animal-assisted ... interventions * Must be 24 years of age * Ability to pass background and drug screen Benefits

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How much do animal assisted intervention jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 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 job?

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.

Is animal-assisted therapy a good career?

Animal-assisted therapy is a recognized profession that involves working with animals to support mental and physical health. It often requires specialized training, certifications, and a background in healthcare, education, or social work. The career can be rewarding but may also involve physical demands and variable schedules depending on the setting.

What is the highest paid job working with dogs?

The highest paid jobs working with dogs typically include professional dog trainers, veterinary behaviorists, and specialized canine consultants, with veterinary behaviorists earning the most, often over $100,000 annually. These roles require advanced education, certifications, and experience in animal behavior and health management.

How to get a job in animal-assisted therapy?

To work in animal-assisted therapy, individuals typically need a background in healthcare, psychology, or social work, along with experience working with animals. Certification programs in animal-assisted therapy or related fields can enhance job prospects, and strong interpersonal skills are essential for working with clients and animals in therapeutic settings.

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 is the highest paying job in animal care?

In animal care, veterinary surgeons or veterinarians typically earn the highest salaries, especially those specializing in exotic or large animals. These roles require advanced degrees, licensing, and often involve working in private practices, research, or specialized clinics, with salaries varying based on experience and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animal Assisted Intervention position, 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.

More about Animal Assisted Intervention jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Assisted Intervention jobs? The most popular types of Animal Assisted Intervention jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Assisted Intervention jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Assisted Intervention jobs include:
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Animal Assisted Intervention jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Assisted Intervention job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,712 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Manager of School Based Animal Assisted Intervention Program (School Therapy Dog Program Manager)

Manager of School Based Animal Assisted Intervention Program (School Therapy Dog Program Manager)

Calais School

Whippany, NJ • On-site

$63K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

The Calais School is a state-approved provider of special education for students with special needs. The school serves students in grades K - 12+ with multiple learning disabilities. It is our goal to help each and every child realize and build on their strengths and gifts. We are committed to cultivating the potential of every student, making a difference, one child at a time. Our employees know firsthand all the benefits of working for The Calais School and how we foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork and the highest service and support to our students.
Job Responsibilities:
The Manager of School-Based AAI Program is responsible for the daily implementation, coordination, and operational management of Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) programming within The Calais School. This position provides
  • Direct animal-assisted intervention services
  • Supervises school-based handlers
  • Supports program fidelity
  • Coordinates schedules and operations
  • Supports therapy dog readiness and welfare.
  • Ensures the effective day-to-day operation of AAI programming throughout the school environment.

The Manager of School-Based AAI Operations serves as the lead operational representative of the AAI department within the school setting and works collaboratively with administration, educational staff, related service providers, and AAI personnel to maintain high-quality, consistent, and mission-aligned programming. This position includes both direct service responsibilities and operational leadership duties, including handler supervision, scheduling coordination, fidelity monitoring, therapy dog readiness, documentation oversight, and participation in training, workshops, demonstrations, and public-facing activities related to TCM programming.
Requirements
  • Experience working in animal-assisted intervention, education, behavioral support, special education, counseling, human services, or related fields.
  • Experience handling therapy dogs within educational, therapeutic, or community settings.
  • Demonstrated organizational, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to supervise, mentor, and support handlers within active programming environments.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary educational settings.
  • Experience coordinating schedules, activities, or operational programming preferred.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and adaptability within dynamic school environments.
  • Completion of an approved dog handler training program.
  • Proven experience working as a dog handler.
  • Bachelor's degree in related field

For more information about The Calais School, please visit www.thecalaisschool.org
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