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Animal Assisted Intervention Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Calo Programs

Adventure Therapy Manager

Lake Ozark, MO · On-site

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

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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:
What job categories do people searching Animal Assisted Intervention jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Assisted Intervention jobs are:
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.
Adventure Therapy Manager

Adventure Therapy Manager

Calo Programs

Lake Ozark, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Clinical Manager – Experiential and Adventure Therapy

Lake Ozark, MO (Onsite)
$70,000–$80,000 + Relocation Assistance

Ready to get out of the therapy room and bring therapy to life? If you're a clinician who comes alive through movement, connection, and real-world experiences, this will give you the opportunity to practice therapy in a way that's dynamic, relational, and deeply impactful.

Here, therapy happens in motion: through group challenges, outdoor experiences, and animal-assisted work. You'll work side-by-side with our youth by helping them build trust, regulate, and break through in ways traditional settings often can't reach.

At CALO, our mission is to heal generations through a holistic, family-driven model, and you will be at the heart of that work.

Apply today if you would like to be a part of a highly engaging environment where no two days look the same. Ideal for clinicians who want to stay active, build intentional and meaningful relationships, and grow further into leadership.


  • Lead experiential & adventure-based programming, including animal-assisted therapy with our canine companions, while ensuring safety and quality of care
  • Provide clinical leadership through assessments, goal setting, group therapy, real-time coaching, and crisis support
  • Partner with therapists, families, and care teams to coordinate treatment and support student progress
  • Build strong relationships with students and staff through daily engagement, mentorship, one on one support, and campus engagement activities
  • Ensure clinical documentation, compliance, and Joint Commission readiness
  • Support family communication through updates, progress sharing, and key touchpoints
  • Oversee program operations and logistics, including supplied, organization, and day-to-day flow

  • Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related clinical field
  • Active full or provisional LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or Psychologist licensure
  • Experience providing in direct therapy, including strong group work
  • Experience or interest in experiential, adventure, recreational, or activity based modalities
  • Comfortable with working hands-on animal-assisted therapy
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-based environment
  • Strong leadership, organization, and collaboration skills
  • Drive for fostering student growth through hands-on experiential and relationship-driven interventions
  • Must be 24 years of age
  • Ability to pass background and drug screen

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance – Multiple plan options including PPO and HDHPs with HSA eligibility and company contributions.
  • Paid Parental Leave – Up to 6 weeks fully paid for exempt employees and 4 weeks for non-exempt.
  • Life & Disability Coverage – Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability; voluntary life and optional short-term disability available.
  • 401(k) with Company Match – Retirement savings with matching contributions after eligibility period.
  • PTO & Holidays – Competitive PTO accrual plans and paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for life’s challenges.

CALO is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to enriching the therapeutic and healing experience we offer through the diversity of our employees and community. We actively seek to recruit and support a broadly diverse staff who contribute to our excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society. 


CALO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. #ALLCALO #onsite #LI-KK1 

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