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How much do animal rehab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rehab in the United States is $17.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal rehab?

Animal rehab, short for animal rehabilitation, is a specialized field focused on helping animals recover from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions through physical therapy and other rehabilitative techniques. Professionals in animal rehab work with pets and sometimes wildlife to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life. Treatments may include exercises, massage, hydrotherapy, and the use of therapeutic equipment. Animal rehab specialists often collaborate with veterinarians to create tailored recovery plans for each animal. The goal is to help animals regain function, prevent further injury, and support their return to normal activities.

What is the difference between Animal Rehab vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal RehabVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsCertification in animal rehabilitation or therapyVeterinary technician license or certification
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, clinics, animal hospitalsVeterinary clinics, hospitals, labs
Employer & Industry UsageSpecialized in post-surgical or injury recoveryGeneral animal healthcare support
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on rehabilitation techniquesBroader veterinary support roles

Animal Rehab specialists focus on helping animals recover through specialized therapies, often requiring certification in animal rehabilitation. Veterinary Technicians provide general support in veterinary settings, assisting with medical procedures and patient care. While both roles work in animal healthcare environments, Animal Rehab is more specialized in recovery therapies, whereas Veterinary Technicians have a broader medical support role.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in animal rehabilitation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in animal rehabilitation often encounter challenges such as managing animals with varying temperaments, working with patients who have complex or chronic conditions, and coordinating care plans with veterinarians and pet owners. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, patience, and adaptability. Building trust with both animals and their owners, staying current on rehabilitation techniques, and collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team can help ensure the best outcomes for the animals under care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Rehabilitation Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rehabilitation Therapist, you need a solid background in veterinary medicine or animal physical therapy, often supported by a degree in veterinary technology, animal science, or a related certification such as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP). Familiarity with rehabilitation equipment, hydrotherapy systems, and record-keeping software is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help build trust with both animals and their owners. These skills are crucial to deliver effective treatment plans, ensure animal well-being, and foster positive client relationships.
More about Animal Rehab jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Rehab jobs? Cities with the most Animal Rehab job openings:
What states have the most Animal Rehab jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Rehab jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rehab jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rehab jobs are:
Animal Rehab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rehab job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,796 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Physical Therapist Assistant PTA - Transition Into Companion Animal

Alpha Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness

West Caldwell, NJ • On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description




Take Your PTA Career in a New Direction. Help Animals Move Better. Change Lives.
Are you a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) looking for a unique and rewarding career path?
At Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, we're seeking an exceptional PTA who is passionate about movement, rehabilitation, exercise, and patient care—and excited to apply those skills to companion animal rehabilitation.
As one of New Jersey's premier canine and feline rehabilitation practices, we specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, sports medicine, pain management, senior mobility, fitness, and performance care.
You'll work alongside experienced Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists (CCATs) in a collaborative environment where you'll learn an entirely new specialty while utilizing the clinical reasoning, therapeutic exercise principles, and patient care skills you've already developed as a PTA.
If you're looking for a career that's physically active, intellectually stimulating, and deeply rewarding, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
This position is designed for a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant who wants to transition into veterinary rehabilitation.
While animal rehabilitation experience is preferred, it is not required. We are committed to training the right candidate and providing mentorship to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this exciting specialty.
What You'll Do
Working under the direction of our rehabilitation therapists, you'll assist in delivering individualized rehabilitation programs that improve mobility, function, strength, endurance, and quality of life for our patients.
Responsibilities include:
Patient Care
  • Assist with rehabilitation evaluations and treatment sessions.
  • Perform and assist with therapeutic exercise programs.
  • Facilitate gait training and functional mobility activities.
  • Assist with balance, coordination, proprioception, and strengthening exercises.
  • Support neurological rehabilitation, including assisted standing, weight shifting, and mobility training.
  • Assist with orthopedic rehabilitation following surgery or injury.
  • Monitor patient progress and communicate observations to supervising therapists.
  • Maintain patient safety throughout all treatment sessions.
Rehabilitation Modalities
Assist with and learn the application of:
  • Underwater Treadmill Therapy
  • Therapeutic Exercise
  • Manual Therapy Techniques
  • Therapeutic Laser
  • Focused Shockwave Therapy
  • NMES & TENS
  • PEMF Therapy
  • Balance and Neuromuscular Re-education
  • Therapeutic Stretching
  • Functional Strengthening Programs
  • Home Exercise Program Instruction
Training will be provided on all equipment and treatment protocols.
Client Education
Help clients become active participants in their pet's recovery by:
  • Demonstrating home exercise programs.
  • Educating owners on safe handling techniques.
  • Reinforcing therapist recommendations.
  • Answering general rehabilitation questions.
  • Providing compassionate support throughout the rehabilitation journey.
Clinical Operations
  • Prepare treatment areas before appointments.
  • Maintain rehabilitation equipment.
  • Assist with patient handling and transfers.
  • Help maintain an efficient treatment schedule.
  • Collaborate closely with therapists and support staff.
  • Participate in maintaining a clean, organized, and professional clinic environment.
Who We're Looking For
We're searching for someone who is:
  • A licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).
  • Passionate about rehabilitation and movement science.
  • Compassionate toward both animals and their families.
  • Energetic and enjoys an active workday.
  • Comfortable working with dogs and cats of various sizes and temperaments.
  • A strong communicator and team player.
  • Detail-oriented and organized.
  • Adaptable and eager to learn.
  • Committed to delivering exceptional patient care.
  • Excited to grow within the field of companion animal rehabilitation.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
  • Current PTA license (or license eligible).
  • Strong understanding of therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation principles.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Preferred:
  • Experience in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, or aquatic therapy.
  • Experience with therapeutic exercise progression.
  • Manual therapy experience.
  • Interest in animal rehabilitation or veterinary medicine.
  • Previous experience working with animals.
Professional Growth & Career Development
At Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, we are committed to helping our team grow.
Opportunities include:
  • Mentorship from Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists (CCATs).
  • Structured training in companion animal rehabilitation.
  • Exposure to orthopedic, neurological, sports medicine, and geriatric rehabilitation.
  • Continuing education opportunities.
  • Advanced training in rehabilitation modalities.
  • Opportunities to pursue recognized certifications in companion animal rehabilitation.
  • Career advancement within a rapidly expanding practice.
Why Join Alpha?
No two days are the same.
One patient may be recovering from a TPLO surgery.
The next may be learning to walk again after a spinal cord injury.
Another may simply be a senior dog hoping to enjoy a few more comfortable years with its family.
Every treatment session represents an opportunity to improve quality of life—not only for the pet, but also for the people who love them.
At Alpha, we pride ourselves on delivering evidence-informed rehabilitation in a supportive, collaborative, and positive environment.
We value:
  • Compassion
  • Clinical Excellence
  • Innovation
  • Lifelong Learning
  • Teamwork
  • Integrity
  • Exceptional Client Care
Position Details
Position: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Employment: Full-Time
Location: Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness
Fairfield, New Jersey
Ready for a Career Unlike Any Other?
If you're ready to combine your rehabilitation expertise with your love of animals and build a meaningful career in one of the fastest-growing specialties in veterinary medicine, we'd love to hear from you.
Please submit:
  • Your resume
  • A brief cover letter explaining why you're interested in transitioning into companion animal rehabilitation
  • Any relevant experience in physical therapy, rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurology, sports medicine, aquatic therapy, or working with animals
Join Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness and help pets recover stronger, move better, and live happier, healthier lives.