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Animal Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Woods Services

Animal Therapy Specialist

Langhorne, PA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Plans and implements all animal related activities and animal therapy sessions. Provides animal related lessons and activities to day programs and residential programs. * Builds and maintains ...

Astrix Inc

Animal Technician

Plano, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

... therapies! Must have previous Animal husbandry experience to qualify! Vet technicians who are looking to make an impact within oncology research would be a great fit for this role! Schedule : Mon ...

Pharmaron

Animal Technician

Woburn, MA

$20 - $25/hr

Animal Technician Location: Woburn, MA Hourly Range: $20 - $25 About Pharmaron Pharmaron is a ... Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and ...

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How much do animal therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal therapy in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Animal Therapy vs Animal-Assisted Activities?

AspectAnimal TherapyAnimal-Assisted Activities
CredentialsCertified Animal Therapists or trained professionals with certifications in therapy animal programsGenerally no formal certification; involves volunteers or handlers
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, therapy centers, nursing homesCommunity events, schools, recreational settings
PurposeProvide targeted therapeutic benefits to individuals with specific needsEnhance well-being and social interaction, less clinical focus
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, rehabilitation servicesNonprofits, community programs, educational institutions

Animal Therapy involves trained professionals providing structured therapeutic interventions using animals, often in clinical settings. In contrast, Animal-Assisted Activities are more casual, aimed at improving general well-being without specific therapeutic goals. Both roles involve working with animals, but their credentials, environments, and objectives differ significantly.

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 expertise in animal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and usually a relevant degree or certification in animal-assisted therapy or veterinary fields. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, therapy protocols, and safety procedures is often required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trust with both animals and clients. These competencies are crucial for effectively facilitating therapeutic outcomes and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

How to get a job in animal therapy?

To work in animal therapy, individuals typically need a background in healthcare, psychology, or social work, along with experience working with animals. Certification programs in animal-assisted therapy are available and can enhance job prospects, while strong communication and empathy skills are essential. Gaining practical experience through volunteering or internships can also improve chances of employment in this field.

How do you become an animal therapist?

To become an animal therapist, individuals typically complete a relevant degree or certification in animal-assisted therapy, psychology, or a related field. Gaining experience working with animals and obtaining certifications from recognized organizations can enhance credibility and job prospects.

What are some common challenges faced by animal therapists when working with clients and their animals?

Animal therapists often encounter challenges such as building trust between the animal and client, managing unpredictable animal behavior, and ensuring the safety and comfort of both parties during sessions. Additionally, therapists must adapt their techniques to suit different animal personalities and client needs, which can require creativity and patience. Collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and other healthcare professionals is also essential to provide holistic care, making strong communication skills a valuable asset in this role.

Is animal-assisted therapy a good career?

Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that involves working with trained animals to support mental and physical health. It typically requires certification, knowledge of animal behavior, and strong interpersonal skills. The career can be rewarding but may involve irregular hours and emotional demands.

What is animal therapy?

Animal therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, or other pets, into the treatment process. The presence of animals can help promote emotional and physical well-being, reduce stress, and improve social or cognitive functioning in patients. Animal therapy is used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and mental health facilities, to support individuals coping with health issues, trauma, or developmental challenges.

What is the highest paid animal job?

The highest paid animal therapy-related jobs are often specialized roles such as veterinary anesthesiologists or zoo veterinarians, with salaries reaching over $200,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience in animal health and care.
More about Animal Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Animal Therapy job openings:
What states have the most Animal Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Therapy jobs are:
Animal Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Animal Therapy Specialist

Animal Therapy Specialist

Woods Services

Langhorne, PA • On-site

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Woods Services rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

393rd of 710 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Overview
We want you to join our team! We need deeply compassionate, committed, and highly talented staff. The Woods organization is guided by their mission to support children and adults with disabilities or challenges to achieve their highest potential and independence through innovative and individualized approaches that promote learning and personal fulfillment.
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • PTO - Paid time off
  • On-site medical center
  • 403b retirement plan
  • Continuing education programs
  • Tuition-assistance program
  • Career growth opportunities

Salary: Starting at $16.50 / hour - depending on education / experience
Job Summary
Leads the animal therapy programs as assigned.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
  • Plans and implements all animal related activities and animal therapy sessions. Provides animal related lessons and activities to day programs and residential programs.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with various therapeutic organizations. Develops new relationships and collaborations to expand the summer equestrian program.
  • Coordinates the Summer Equestrian Program including securing appropriate horses, staffing, and all scheduling with day programs and residential.
  • Educates staff and residents about all safety protocols while riding/interacting with horses, therapy dogs, etc. Provides a variety of animal care classes for residents.
  • Apply for grant monies to ensure the growth of a year round equestrian program.
  • Responsible for the safety of clients and staff while participating in equestrian and animal related activities.
  • Horse maintenance (i.e. feeding, brushing, cleaning, etc.)
  • Maintains horse corral. Maintains tack and equipment. Responsible for keeping horse corral secured at all times.
  • Performs all other duties assigned.

Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Completion of some college courses in Human services or one year experience with developmentally disabled people preferred.
  • A minimum of 5 years experience and extensive knowledge of horses required.
  • Knowledge of maintaining and grooming horse corral and horses required.
  • Knowledge and recognition of immediate health concerns, exhaustion, and change in temperament of horses required.
  • Must be agile, physically pursue clients on foot, physically restrain, bend, squat, stretch, reach, push up and stand for several hours at a time.
  • Must be able to read, write, enter dates and follow verbal/written directions, prepare written reports and complete written forms in English.
  • Must be able to verbally communicate in English and direct clients, respond to client needs.
  • Must be 18 years of age and must be able to verbally communicate emergency information in English over the phone.

About Woods Services
Woods Services is a Pennsylvania and New Jersey-based non-profit population health network and advocacy organization that along with its six affiliate organizations provides life-long innovative, comprehensive, and integrated health, education, housing, workforce, behavioral health, and case management services to more than 22,000 children and adults in the intellectual and developmental disability, child welfare, behavioral and brain trauma public health sectors who have complex and intensive medical and behavioral healthcare needs.
Our Langhorne campus is home to 550 residents and provides outpatient and day programs.

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