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Entry Level Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy information

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$11K

$79.1K

$112.5K

How much do entry level animal assisted occupational therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level animal assisted occupational therapy in the United States is $79,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $92,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entry level animal assisted occupational therapy?

Entry level animal assisted occupational therapy involves using trained animals as part of therapeutic interventions to help clients improve their physical, emotional, or cognitive skills under the supervision of an occupational therapist. At the entry level, professionals typically assist with therapy sessions, help care for the therapy animals, and support the lead therapist in treatment planning and documentation. This role may also include interacting with clients and helping facilitate activities that involve the animal to achieve specific therapeutic goals.

What are the typical responsibilities of an entry level animal assisted occupational therapist?

As an entry level animal assisted occupational therapy professional, your daily tasks often include assisting licensed occupational therapists during therapy sessions with clients and therapy animals, preparing therapy materials, maintaining the cleanliness and welfare of therapy animals, and documenting session notes. You may also help set up therapy spaces to ensure safety and comfort for both clients and animals. Collaboration with therapists, animal handlers, and sometimes families is key, and you’ll have the opportunity to observe and learn therapeutic techniques, paving the way for future advancement in this specialized field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level animal assisted occupational therapist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Assisted Occupational Therapist, you need a background in occupational therapy, foundational knowledge of human-animal interaction, and completion of an accredited OT program, often with state licensure. Familiarity with animal-assisted therapy protocols, safety procedures, and documentation systems is also required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and the ability to build rapport with both clients and therapy animals are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, effective, and therapeutic interventions that maximize patient outcomes in a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy vs Entry Level Occupational Therapy Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Animal Assisted Occupational TherapyEntry Level Occupational Therapy Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy or related field; certification in animal-assisted therapy is a plusRequires an associate degree in occupational therapy assisting and state licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, and animal-assisted therapy programsRehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by therapy clinics integrating animals into treatment plansCommonly employed in healthcare settings providing occupational therapy services

While both roles support patient rehabilitation, Entry Level Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy uniquely combines occupational therapy skills with animal-assisted interventions, whereas Entry Level Occupational Therapy Assistants focus solely on delivering traditional occupational therapy under supervision.

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Entry Level Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,062 per year, or $38 per hour.

Animal Assisted Group Therapist

Embark Behavioral Health

Springfield, MO • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

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: $60,000 - $65,000
  • Fully Licensed Salary: $70,000 - $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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