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Animal Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alliance Animal Health

Animal Care Coordinator

Hudson, NH · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

... therapy, in-house pharmacy, surgery, urgent/immediate care, rehabilitation services, and ... As an Animal Care Coordinator, you'll play an essential role in supporting our veterinary team by ...

Unavailable

Animal Technician II

Seattle, WA · On-site

$23.33 - $33.21/hr

... proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states ... The Animal Technician II performs routine animal husbandry tasks, and maintenance of animal ...

Alliance Animal Health

Animal Care Coordinator

Hudson, NH · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

... therapy, in-house pharmacy, surgery, urgent/immediate care, rehabilitation services, and ... As an Animal Care Coordinator, you'll play an essential role in supporting our veterinary team by ...

Unavailable

Animal Technician I

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22.22 - $31.63/hr

... proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states ... The Animal Technician I performs routine animal husbandry, custodial care for the animal areas, and ...

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Animal Therapy information

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$10

$18

$26

How much do animal therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 skills and empathy are essential for success in this field.

How do you become an animal therapist?

To become an animal therapist, individuals typically need a background in animal behavior, psychology, or therapy, along with specialized training in animal-assisted therapy. Certification from recognized organizations and experience working with animals and clients are often required to practice professionally.

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 animals to support mental and physical health in various settings such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Careers in this area often require training in therapy techniques, animal handling, and certification, and can offer meaningful work helping individuals improve their well-being.

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.
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What cities are hiring for Animal Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Animal Therapy job openings:
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Animal Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Animal Assisted Group Therapist

Embark Behavioral Health

Camdenton, MO • On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Embark Behavioral Health rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
On-Site | 130 Calo Lane, Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Relocation Assistance Available
Salary: Full-time
  • Associate (Provisional) Salary: $70,000 - $75,000
  • Fully Licensed Salary: $75,000 - $80,000

Are you energized by the power of Animal Assisted Therapy and passionate about creating safe, meaningful experiences for students and canines? 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 ensure operational excellence across all program areas, including canine welfare, student and staff safety, program culture, and service delivery. The Coordinator reports directly to the Animal Assisted Therapy Director.
Our ideal candidate has hands-on experience with canines, students, and families, along with a strong understanding of the Calo CASA model, developmental science, and brain-based therapeutic practices. A natural "customer-first" mindset is essential, as the role supports referents, parents, employees, and students in a dynamic, evolving environment. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are critical for ensuring excellent treatment experiences, strong outcomes, and high levels of stakeholder satisfaction.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct Group Therapy: Run 6 group therapist sessions per week.
  • Oversee daily AAT operations: verify or delegate scheduled animal-assisted activities, support safety for students/canines/staff, and uphold program culture and compliance standards.
  • Lead canine training: create and facilitate team, individual, and emergency training sessions; provide in-the-moment coaching; support therapist-requested sessions.
  • Support student engagement: build strong relationships, conduct policy-compliant 1:1s, participate in transitions, tours, enrollments, placement/finalization meetings, and assist with therapist/family requests.
  • Document and communicate: update The Family Bridge (photos, posts, blogs), maintain EMR, record critical issues, respond to emails/calls, and produce newsletters.
  • Manage canine health and safety: respond to crisis calls, administer treatments/rehab, ensure proper waste management, maintain clean/organized Therapy spaces, and safely handle all dogs.
  • Maintain inventory & operations: stock grooming/cleanup supplies, organize the canine office, and oversee supply ordering, pickup, and inventory management.
  • Provide flexible coverage: work independently in fast-paced situations, cover weekend shifts as needed, and participate in on-call (phone call only) rotations for animal emergencies.

Qualifications
  • Age & Background: At least 24 years old; able to pass a criminal background check.
  • Education: Master's in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field
    • Licensed or provisionally licensed therapist in State of Missouri: Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Psychologist (PhD or PsyD), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC)
  • Experience: documented prior experience in providing therapeutic services., especially in group therapy
  • Skills: Strong communication, relationship-building, and coaching skills; comfortable and confident working with dogs; able to work independently.
  • Availability: Willing to work weekends as needed and be on call for animal emergencies.
  • Physical Ability: Able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; carry objects with full arm mobility; lift up to 45lbs; and bend, kneel, stoop, or crouch as required for Safe Crisis Management (SCM) procedures.

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - Multiple plan options including PPO and HDHPs with HSA eligibility and company contributions.
  • Paid Parental Leave - Up to 6 weeks fully paid for exempt employees and 4 weeks for non-exempt.
  • Life & Disability Coverage - Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability; voluntary life and optional short-term disability available.
  • 401(k) with Company Match - Retirement savings with matching contributions after eligibility period.
  • PTO & Holidays - Competitive PTO accrual plans and paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for life's challenges.

CALO is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to enriching the therapeutic and healing experience we offer through the diversity of our employees and community. We actively seek to recruit and support a broadly diverse staff who contribute to our excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society.
CALO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. #LI-KK1 #LI-Onsite #ALLCALO

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