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Animal Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Calo Programs

Animal Assisted Group Therapist

Camdenton, MO · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

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 ...

NVA

Veterinary Technician - Rehab

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

Are you a CCAT = Certified Companion Animal Therapist, CCRP = Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, CCRVN = Certified Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurse, CVMRT = Certified in Veterinary Massage ...

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Animal Therapist information

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$35.5K

$63.9K

$112K

How much do animal therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal therapist in the United States is $63,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal therapist?

Animal therapists are professionals who use therapeutic techniques to help animals recover from physical injuries, emotional trauma, or behavioral issues. They may specialize in areas such as physical rehabilitation, behavioral therapy, or emotional support for pets and other animals. Animal therapists work with veterinarians, pet owners, and sometimes animal trainers to create and implement treatment plans tailored to each animal's needs. Their goal is to improve the animal's quality of life and overall well-being.

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

To thrive as an Animal Therapist, you need a background in animal behavior, veterinary science, or psychology, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training or certification in animal-assisted therapy. Familiarity with assessment tools, animal handling equipment, and therapy documentation systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and empathy are essential soft skills for building trust with both animals and their owners. These skills ensure effective therapy outcomes, promote animal welfare, and foster positive relationships with clients.

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

Animal therapists often encounter challenges such as working with animals that have experienced trauma, leading to unpredictable behavior or slow progress. Building trust with both the animal and its owner can require patience and strong communication skills. Additionally, therapists may need to adapt their methods based on each animal's unique needs and collaborate closely with veterinarians, trainers, and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to care. Managing emotional stress, especially when outcomes are uncertain, is also a significant aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Animal Therapist vs Animal Behaviorist?

AspectAnimal TherapistAnimal Behaviorist
Required CredentialsCertification in animal therapy or related fields, often with specialized trainingAdvanced degrees in animal behavior, psychology, or related fields, often with certification
Work EnvironmentClinics, therapy centers, or private practice settingsResearch facilities, consulting, or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageVeterinary clinics, therapy organizations, pet therapy programsResearch institutions, animal training companies, academic institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding therapy roles for animals, pet therapy servicesUnderstanding animal behavior, training, and modification techniques

Animal Therapists focus on providing therapeutic services to animals, often working in clinical or therapy settings. Animal Behaviorists analyze and modify animal behavior, typically with a scientific or research approach. While both roles involve working with animals, their credentials, work environments, and primary goals differ significantly.

How do you become an animal therapist?

To become an animal therapist, individuals typically need a background in animal behavior, psychology, or related fields, along with specialized training or certification in animal-assisted therapy. Gaining experience working with animals and obtaining certification from recognized organizations can enhance job prospects and credibility in this field.

How much money do animal therapists make?

Animal therapists typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification level. Salaries can vary based on whether they work in clinics, hospitals, or private practice, and additional skills in animal behavior can influence earning potential.

How to get a job in animal therapy?

To become an animal therapist, typically a background in psychology, social work, or veterinary fields is helpful, along with specialized training in animal-assisted therapy. Certification from recognized organizations and experience working with animals and clients are often required. Developing strong communication skills and understanding animal behavior are also important for success in this field.
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Animal Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,943 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Mental Health Clinician

Lawrence, KS • On-site

Professional Renewal Center Pa
See more jobs at Professional Renewal Center Paexternal

$55K - $80K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Description

The Professional Renewal Center® (PRC®) is a private mental health and counseling facility specializing in assessing and treating high accountability professionals. PRC® is currently searching for new clinicians. We hope to hire a Master's Level Social Worker, Counselor, Mental Health Therapist, or Psychologist.

We welcome you to join our team of mental health therapists/specialist, including our certified animal therapist (emotional support animal and therapy dog in training). We hope to add a clinician with experience in counseling and group therapy. The selected therapist will have the following responsibilities.

Job responsibilities during the assessment process include but are not limited:

· Delivery of various assessment components.

· Identify areas that are contributing to a client's current difficulties.

· Identify areas for improvement.

· Discuss each client case with a multidisciplinary team to identify recommendation.

· Collect data from various professional and personal sources identified by the client to inform the treatment process.

· Complete behavioral observation notes.

· Individual progress notes.

· Formal assessment reports to be integrated into the client's assessment report.

Job responsibilities during the treatment process include but are not limited:

daily individual session:

· Individual sessions.

· Group sessions.

· Occasional family sessions.

· Educational sessions with treatment clients and relevant individuals. Daily assessment and monitoring of any signs of risk

· Collaboration and communication with personal and professional sources.

· Weekly case reviews.

· Collaboration with consulting providers such as PRC®'s psychiatrists, forensic psychologists, and polygraphers.

· Complete weekly progress notes and treatment updates to reflect progress in treatment.

· Work with a multidisciplinary team to formulate aftercare recommendations.

· Monitoring of compliance with aftercare recommendations.

Requirements:

Licensing in one of the following:

· Social Work (LMSW, LSCSW, LCSW, MSW)

Licensed Professional Counselor

· Masters Level Psychology

*Certification in substance and alcohol is a plus (LAC, LCAC, LMAC)

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Weekend availability

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Weekends as needed

Education:

  • Master's (Required)

License/Certification:

  • And current license through BSRB? (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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