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Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UnityPoint Health

Occupational Therapist

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$39.50 - $52/hr

... therapy, animal assisted therapy and groups including adult skills group, social skills group ... Provides clinical supervision of the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Therapy Technicians ...

Vertis Therapy

Occupational Therapy Assistant PRN

Naples, FL · On-site

$26.75 - $35.75/hr

Vertis Therapy is seeking a compassionate and dedicated PRN Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our rehabilitation team at an assisted living and memory care community in Naples ...

Vertis Therapy

Occupational Therapy Assistant PRN

Naples, FL · On-site

$26.75 - $35.75/hr

Description Vertis Therapy is seeking a compassionate and dedicated PRN Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our rehabilitation team at an assisted living and memory care community ...

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How much do animal assisted occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal assisted occupational therapy in the United States is $32.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal assisted occupational therapy?

An Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy (AAOT) job involves using trained animals as part of occupational therapy to help patients improve physical, emotional, and cognitive functions. Therapists incorporate animals into therapy sessions to enhance engagement, reduce stress, and motivate patients in their rehabilitation. This approach is often used for individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, or developmental disorders. Professionals in this role must have expertise in occupational therapy as well as knowledge of animal behavior and care. AAOT can take place in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or private practice settings.

What types of animals are commonly involved in animal assisted occupational therapy, and how are they selected?

Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy most commonly involves trained therapy dogs, but may also include other animals such as horses, cats, or rabbits depending on the facility and client needs. Animals are carefully selected based on their temperament, behavior, health, and compatibility with clients, and must typically pass specific training and certification processes to participate in therapeutic sessions. The occupational therapist collaborates closely with animal handlers to ensure the safety and welfare of both animals and clients throughout therapy sessions. The selection and use of animals is tailored to therapeutic goals, participant preferences, and the clinical setting, making flexibility and proper assessment skills crucial in this field.

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

Excelling in Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy requires a degree in occupational therapy, state licensure, and specialized training in animal-assisted interventions. Practitioners typically utilize tools for client assessment, treatment planning software, and must often complete continuing education or certification in animal-assisted therapy practices. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate with animal handlers and other healthcare professionals are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure effective, ethical integration of animals into client treatments, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and client engagement.

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Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,763 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Animal Assisted Group Therapist

Embark Behavioral Health

Camdenton, MO • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Embark Behavioral Health rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
On-Site | 130 Calo Lane, Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Relocation Assistance Available
Salary: Full-time
  • Associate (Provisional) Salary: $60,000 - $65,000
  • Fully Licensed Salary: $70,000 - $80,000

Are you energized by the power of Animal Assisted Therapy and passionate about creating safe, meaningful experiences for students and canines? The Animal Assisted Therapy Clinical Coordinator plays a key role in delivering high-quality, trauma-informed programming within the Calo Animal Assisted Therapy model. In this position, you will ensure operational excellence across all program areas, including canine welfare, student and staff safety, program culture, and service delivery. The Coordinator reports directly to the Animal Assisted Therapy Director.
Our ideal candidate has hands-on experience with canines, students, and families, along with a strong understanding of the Calo CASA model, developmental science, and brain-based therapeutic practices. A natural "customer-first" mindset is essential, as the role supports referents, parents, employees, and students in a dynamic, evolving environment. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are critical for ensuring excellent treatment experiences, strong outcomes, and high levels of stakeholder satisfaction.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct Group Therapy: Run 6 group therapist sessions per week.
  • Oversee daily AAT operations: verify or delegate scheduled animal-assisted activities, support safety for students/canines/staff, and uphold program culture and compliance standards.
  • Lead canine training: create and facilitate team, individual, and emergency training sessions; provide in-the-moment coaching; support therapist-requested sessions.
  • Support student engagement: build strong relationships, conduct policy-compliant 1:1s, participate in transitions, tours, enrollments, placement/finalization meetings, and assist with therapist/family requests.
  • Document and communicate: update The Family Bridge (photos, posts, blogs), maintain EMR, record critical issues, respond to emails/calls, and produce newsletters.
  • Manage canine health and safety: respond to crisis calls, administer treatments/rehab, ensure proper waste management, maintain clean/organized Therapy spaces, and safely handle all dogs.
  • Maintain inventory & operations: stock grooming/cleanup supplies, organize the canine office, and oversee supply ordering, pickup, and inventory management.
  • Provide flexible coverage: work independently in fast-paced situations, cover weekend shifts as needed, and participate in on-call (phone call only) rotations for animal emergencies.

Qualifications
  • Age & Background: At least 24 years old; able to pass a criminal background check.
  • Education: Master's in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field
    • Licensed or provisionally licensed therapist in State of Missouri: Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Psychologist (PhD or PsyD), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC)
  • Experience: documented prior experience in providing therapeutic services., especially in group therapy
  • Skills: Strong communication, relationship-building, and coaching skills; comfortable and confident working with dogs; able to work independently.
  • Availability: Willing to work weekends as needed and be on call for animal emergencies.
  • Physical Ability: Able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; carry objects with full arm mobility; lift up to 45lbs; and bend, kneel, stoop, or crouch as required for Safe Crisis Management (SCM) procedures.

Benefits
  • 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. #LI-KK1 #LI-Onsite #ALLCALO

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