ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Physical Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Extern - Specialty

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Treatment modalities employed include: acupuncture, animal physical rehabilitation, underwater treadmill, pool swims, cold laser, "red" (wound healing) laser, ultrasound, pulsed signal therapy, tPEMF ...

NVA

Veterinary Extern - Specialty

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Treatment modalities employed include: acupuncture, animal physical rehabilitation, underwater treadmill, pool swims, cold laser, "red" (wound healing) laser, ultrasound, pulsed signal therapy, tPEMF ...

UK St Claire

$26.75 - $35.50/hr

Job Summary Responsible for providing direct patient care by implementing physical therapy treatment plans established by a licensed therapist. Ensures delivery of therapy services to help patients ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Physical Therapy Jobs

Animal Physical Therapy information

See salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do animal physical therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal physical therapy in the United States is $14.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal physical therapy?

Animal physical therapy, also known as veterinary rehabilitation, is a specialized field that helps animals recover from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions affecting their mobility and comfort. Therapists use techniques such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, hydrotherapy, and modalities like laser or ultrasound to improve an animal's strength, flexibility, and function. This therapy is commonly used for pets like dogs and cats, as well as horses and other animals, to enhance their quality of life and speed up recovery. Treatment plans are tailored to each animal's specific needs and are often carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal physical therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Physical Therapist, you need a background in veterinary medicine, animal anatomy, and rehabilitation techniques, typically supported by a degree in veterinary technology or physical therapy and specialized certification in animal rehabilitation. Familiarity with modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound, laser therapy, and hydrotherapy, as well as software for treatment planning and documentation, is important. Compassion, patience, and effective communication with pet owners and veterinary teams are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, effective recovery of animal patients and foster trust with both animals and clients.

What are some common challenges faced by animal physical therapists in their daily work?

Animal physical therapists often encounter challenges such as working with animals that are anxious, in pain, or unaccustomed to hands-on treatment. Building trust with both the animal and its owner is essential for successful therapy sessions. Additionally, therapists must tailor rehabilitation plans to each animal’s specific needs and limitations, which requires strong observation and problem-solving skills. Collaboration with veterinarians and other animal care professionals is also a key part of the role, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery.

What is the difference between Animal Physical Therapy vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal Physical TherapyVeterinary Technician
CredentialsLicensed Physical Therapist (DPT or equivalent), specialized certification in animal rehabLicensed Veterinary Technician (LVT, RVT, or CVT), certification in animal nursing
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation clinics, animal hospitals, specialty practicesAnimal hospitals, clinics, research facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on rehabilitation and recovery of animals post-injury or surgeryProvides medical care, assists veterinarians, performs diagnostics

Animal Physical Therapists specialize in rehabilitating animals through therapeutic exercises and modalities, requiring advanced physical therapy credentials. Veterinary Technicians support animal health through medical procedures and diagnostics, with different certification requirements. While both roles work closely with animals in veterinary settings, their focus and qualifications differ significantly.

More about Animal Physical Therapy jobs

What cities are hiring for Animal Physical Therapy jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Physical Therapy job openings:

What states have the most Animal Physical Therapy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Physical Therapy jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Animal Physical Therapy jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Physical Therapy jobs are:

Animal Physical Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Physical Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,014 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Veterinary Extern - Specialty

National Veterinary Associates

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE) is an integrative, holistic animal rehabilitation clinic housed in an 8,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility in west Los Angeles.  We see mostly dogs, some cats, and the rare exotic small animal.


Treatment modalities employed include:  acupuncture, animal physical rehabilitation, underwater treadmill, pool swims, cold laser, "red" (wound healing) laser, ultrasound, pulsed signal therapy, tPEMF, acupuncture, western and Chinese herbology, homeopathy, electronical stimulation, massage, etc.


We are a full-scale facility with rehabilitation, orthotic and cart fittings, preventative fitness, boarding, and grooming available in-house.


Our unique treatment model pairs Doctors of Physical Therapy certified in canine rehabilitation with veterinarians certified in acupuncture and canine rehabilitation. 


Our case breakdown is approximately:

  • 40% neurological
  • 40% orthopedic
  • 20% miscellaneous other
  • Geriatric patients account for approximately 75% of cases
  • 50 patients per day

Most of the hands-on experience would consist of palpation, demonstration of physical therapy modalities, involvement in case discussions, etc. ; the level of hands-on experience is dependent upon the extern her/himself.  While we cannot allow externs to "treat" patients, we provide whatever hands-on experience is possible within that parameter.


The extern will be responsible for active attention and intellectual participation during observation of the full range of CARE's services. 

             Geriatrics account for approximately 75% of our case load

            We see roughly 50 patients a day in total each day

              In general, each patient is seen by a physical therapist CCRT and a veterinarian CCRT during their session at CARE

             Your schedule would be arranged around your individual externship goals, and to make sure that you observe the full range of therapeutic services at CARE.

             You would observe multiple CCRTs during your externship

             Your hands-on experience would consist of demonstrating proficiency in the skills observed during your externship.  You would not be the one to actually "treat" any patients.

               While with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, you would demonstrate stretches/ROM/manipulations you observed during the session


A unique aspect of our treatment model is the pairing of a Doctor of Physical Therapy with CCRT veterinarians to produce the most comprehensive results.

NVA logo

About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

View All NVA Jobs

Apply