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Animal Assisted Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heartshare

Canine Handler

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$24.72 - $27.47/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Have training specific to animal-assisted intervention on topics including, but not limited to ... Adhere to a Social Emotional Learning plan * Create a schedule, meet with staff and communicate ...

Heartshare

Canine Handler

Queens, NY · On-site

$24.72 - $27.47/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Have training specific to animal-assisted intervention on topics including, but not limited to ... Adhere to a Social Emotional Learning plan * Create a schedule, meet with staff and communicate ...

HEARTSHARE HUMAN SERVICES OF NEW YORK

Canine Handler

Brooklyn, NY

$24.72 - $27.47/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Have training specific to animal-assisted intervention on topics including, but not limited to ... Adhere to a Social Emotional Learning plan * Create a schedule, meet with staff and communicate ...

Goodwin Living

Assisted Living Social Worker

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Interviews potential Assisted Living residents to compile a social history and determine level of ... Offers direct social work interventions to residents and their families and provides appropriate ...

Oneida Center

Director of Social Work (DSW)

Utica, NY · On-site

Oneida Center is hiring a Director of Social Work (DSW) or Director of Social Services in Utica, NY ... an Assisted Living Program and Adult Day Care. We endeavor to embrace our residents in times of ...

Goodwin Living

Assisted Living Social Worker

Alexandria, VA

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Interviews potential Assisted Living residents to compile a social history and determine level of ... Offers direct social work interventions to residents and their families and provides appropriate ...

Oneida Center

Director of Social Work (DSW)

Utica, NY

$65K - $75K/yr

Oneida Center is hiring a Director of Social Work (DSW) or Director of Social Services in Utica, NY ... an Assisted Living Program and Adult Day Care. We endeavor to embrace our residents in times of ...

Oneida Center

Director of Social Work (DSW)

Utica, NY · On-site

Oneida Center is hiring a Director of Social Work (DSW) or Director of Social Services in Utica, NY ... an Assisted Living Program and Adult Day Care. We endeavor to embrace our residents in times of ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsVeterinary JobsVeterinary Assistant JobsAnimal Assisted Social Work Jobs

Animal Assisted Social Work information

See salary details

$29K

$49.1K

$88.5K

How much do animal assisted social work jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal assisted social work in the United States is $49,138.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal assisted social work?

An Animal Assisted Social Work job involves integrating trained animals into therapeutic and social work practices to support clients' emotional, mental, and social well-being. Professionals in this field work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers, using animal-assisted interventions to reduce stress, improve communication, and foster positive behavior. This approach is often used with individuals facing trauma, mental health challenges, or developmental disabilities. Workers must have a background in social work and specialized training in animal-assisted therapy techniques.

What skills and qualifications are needed for animal assisted social work?

Animal Assisted Social Work professionals need strong social work foundations, expertise in human-animal interactions, and, typically, a degree in social work or a related field. Certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and familiarity with client assessment tools are commonly required. Outstanding empathy, patience, and communication skills help practitioners build trust with both clients and therapy animals. These qualifications ensure ethical, effective interventions that support client well-being and safe, positive animal participation.

What types of clients and settings do animal assisted social workers typically work with?

Animal Assisted Social Workers can work with a diverse range of clients, including children, adults, and seniors, often addressing issues such as trauma, mental health, developmental disorders, or social isolation. Common settings include schools, hospitals, residential care facilities, mental health clinics, and private practices. The role often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including therapists, veterinarians, and family members, to integrate animal-assisted interventions into treatment plans. This collaborative environment allows practitioners to address client needs holistically and make a positive impact on their emotional and psychological well-being.

More about Animal Assisted Social Work jobs

What cities are hiring for Animal Assisted Social Work jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Assisted Social Work job openings:

What states have the most Animal Assisted Social Work jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Animal Assisted Social Work jobs are:

Animal Assisted Social Work jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Assisted Social Work job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, and 83% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,138 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Canine Handler

Heartshare

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$24.72 - $27.47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

HeartShare Human Services of New York rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

This is a hands-on, full-time role for a therapy dog handler who already owns and works with a licensed, trained therapy dog (1 year or older).
The Canine Handler brings their therapy dog into school-based settings to support students' social-emotional learning, emotional regulation, and engagement. The handler is responsible for managing all student/dog interactions, following safety and confidentiality protocols, and coordinating with school staff.
The Canine Handler will incorporate specially trained animals into goal directed, educationally relevant teaching plans designed to promote development student skills in areas such as cognition, social functioning, personal growth etc.
Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:
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 stress management to support the animal
  • Proactive positioning of the animal relative to the student, considering special equipment such as IV lines and wheelchair wheels
  • Selection of appropriate environments and/or students for the therapy animal team, giving due consideration to the animal's experience and comfort level, the activity level of the environment, and the additional oversight or support that is available from onsite staff
  • Enforce any applicable confidentiality requirements, such as the Health
  • Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
  • Identify signs/symptoms in the handler or animal that preclude interactions
  • Identify risks to the handler and animal that preclude an interaction, such as posted precautions
  • Facilitate interactions with students:
  • Adhere to a Social Emotional Learning plan
  • Create a schedule, meet with staff and communicate lesson plans
  • Act as a liaison for the program who will become knowledgeable of the policy and procedures of the therapy dog program
  • The liaison will be responsible for the coordination of services between the facility and therapy dog organization
  • Remain present during therapy dog activities as a means of further ensuring safety for all participants
  • Maintain records of the session, including documentation of any problems that may have arisen during a specific session
  • Have access to continuing education, including formal coursework and/or mentoring/shadowing
  • Each handler/animal team must have undergone a practical assessment of skills and aptitude to demonstrate its ability to interact with students safely and effectively
  • Handlers should have a relationship with the animal for at least six months
  • Basic canine obedience skills such as walking on a leash without pulling, not jumping up on people, no face-licking, etc. are all important attributes for dogs to have
  • All animals should welcome touching from a variety of people in a variety of ways, including people with poor motor control, or people with varied tones of voice
  • Maintain health standards for the animal
  • Care for the dog is allocated towards the salary.

Completion of formal training in animal-assisted intervention, including:
  • Handler must have an established relationship with the dog for a minimum of six months.
  • MUST PROVIDE DOG. Animals should be one year of age or older.
  • DOG MUST BE LICENSED as required by article 7 of NYS agriculture and Markets Law
  • Trauma-informed engagement canine stress signs and safe handling
  • Intervention planning
  • Risk reduction and environmental assessment
  • Must maintain ongoing professional development through coursework, mentorship, or shadowing.

Benefits
At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect:
  • Rewarding Work in a team environment.
  • Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
  • 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
  • Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
  • Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
  • Tuition Assistance Program.
  • Professional Development opportunities.
  • Wellhub Discount
  • Verizon Wireless Discount.
  • BJs Membership discount.
  • Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.
About Heartshare
Who WE ARE:
For over 150 years, Heartshare has been dedicated to championing and empowering New Yorkers society has too often overlooked and underestimated. To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or Follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook
#INDHP

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