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Internship Pet Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

L.A. Family Housing Corporation

$16 - $20.50/hr

Interns must be enrolled as an MSW and/or MFT student with participating universities. MSW/MFT ... Comfortable in a pet-friendly environment * Travel is a regular duty for this position and is ...

L.A. Family Housing Corporation

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Interns must be enrolled as an MSW and/or MFT student with participating universities. MSW/MFT ... Comfortable in a pet-friendly environment * Travel is a regular duty for this position * Use of a ...

L.A. Family Housing Corporation

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Interns must be enrolled as an MSW and/or MFT student with participating universities. MSW/MFT ... Comfortable in a pet-friendly environment * Travel is a regular duty for this position and is ...

L.A. Family Housing Corporation

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Interns must be enrolled as an MSW and/or MFT student with participating universities. MSW/MFT ... Comfortable in a pet-friendly environment * Travel is a regular duty for this position and is ...

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Internship Pet Therapy information

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$6

$16

$23

How much do internship pet therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship pet therapy in the United States is $16.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job in animal therapy?

To get a job in animal therapy, such as an internship in pet therapy, candidates typically need relevant experience with animals, often through volunteering or working with animals in healthcare or community settings. Certification in pet therapy or related fields, along with good interpersonal skills and knowledge of animal behavior, can improve job prospects. Applying to organizations that offer pet therapy programs and demonstrating a genuine interest in helping others are also important steps.

What are some common challenges interns face during a pet therapy internship, and how can they be addressed?

Interns in pet therapy often encounter challenges such as adapting to the unique needs of both animals and clients, handling unpredictable animal behavior, and maintaining professional boundaries during emotional sessions. To address these, interns should actively seek mentorship from experienced handlers, participate in regular training sessions, and communicate openly with their supervisors about any difficulties. Building strong observation and communication skills helps interns respond effectively to both animals and clients, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Pet Therapy participant, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Pet Therapy Internship, you generally need a background in animal care, basic understanding of human-animal interaction, and often enrollment in a related academic program. Familiarity with therapy animal certification requirements and knowledge of animal behavior assessment tools are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and compassion help interns effectively engage with clients and handle animals sensitively. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and therapeutic effectiveness for both clients and animals during therapy sessions.

What is the difference between Internship Pet Therapy vs Volunteer Pet Therapy?

AspectInternship Pet TherapyVolunteer Pet Therapy
CredentialsMay require basic training or certificationOften requires training and certification, but less formal
Work EnvironmentStructured settings like clinics, hospitals, or therapy programsCommunity settings such as nursing homes, schools, or events
Employer/Industry UsageOrganized by institutions or therapy programsTypically volunteer-based organizations or community groups
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding training and internship opportunities in pet therapyLooking for volunteer pet therapy opportunities

Internship Pet Therapy involves structured training and is often part of a formal program, providing hands-on experience in clinical or therapeutic settings. Volunteer Pet Therapy focuses on community service, with volunteers offering pet visits without formal internships. Both roles promote animal-assisted therapy but differ mainly in training, structure, and setting.

What is the highest paid job working with dogs?

The highest paid jobs working with dogs typically include professional dog trainers, veterinary surgeons, and animal behaviorists, with veterinary surgeons earning the most, often exceeding six figures annually. These roles require specialized education, certifications, and experience, and often involve working in clinics, hospitals, or private practices.

What is an internship in pet therapy?

An internship in pet therapy is a supervised, hands-on learning experience for students or individuals interested in animal-assisted therapy. Interns work alongside certified pet therapy professionals to learn how to use trained animals, such as dogs or cats, to support the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of clients. The internship may involve observing therapy sessions, assisting with animal care, and learning about therapy protocols, client interaction, and animal behavior. This experience helps interns gain valuable skills and prepare for future careers in fields like psychology, social work, or veterinary services.

Is animal-assisted therapy a good career?

Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that involves working with therapy animals to support clients' emotional and physical well-being. Careers in this area often require training, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, and can be rewarding for those interested in healthcare, psychology, or animal care. Job opportunities may be found in hospitals, nursing homes, or mental health facilities.
What cities are hiring for Internship Pet Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Internship Pet Therapy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pet Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Pet Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Pet Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Pet Therapy jobs include:
Internship Pet Therapy jobs near you
Pet Retention Liaison (Full or Part-Time)

Pet Retention Liaison (Full or Part-Time)

Animal Friends, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Part-time
Description
Pet Retention Liaison
Status: Full or Part-Time
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Location: On-site with regular travel throughout the community
Schedule: Flexible schedule including occasional evenings, weekends, community events, outreach activities, and organizational events as needed
Starting Pay Rate: $16.50 per hour
Who We Are
For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set - and raised - the bar for humane programming in the Pittsburgh region. Our 75-acre campus serves as a center of compassion and hope for thousands of homeless pets annually. As a full-service companion animal resource community, Animal Friends supports the region by providing tens of thousands of affordable services and impacting more than 200,000 lives through humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy, and our pet food bank each year.
Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do.
At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to create a compassionate, humane, inclusive, and healthy workplace where team members feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission.
Position Summary
The Pet Retention Liaison plays a vital role in supporting Animal Friends' mission by helping keep pets and people together during times of need. This position works directly with pet owners facing barriers such as financial hardship, transportation challenges, and limited access to resources that may place their relationship with their companion animal at risk.
As a key member of the Community Programs team, the Pet Retention Liaison serves as a public-facing advocate, problem solver, and resource connector. Working closely with community members, volunteers, social service agencies, veterinary staff, and fellow Pet Retention team members, this role helps identify creative, compassionate solutions that strengthen the human-animal bond and prevent unnecessary pet surrender.
Primary Responsibilities
Pet Retention & Client Support
  • Assist pet owners experiencing barriers to care by identifying needs and connecting them with appropriate resources, including pet food, veterinary care, transportation assistance, and other support services.
  • Serve as a public and internal point person for the Chow Wagon and other Pet Retention programs.
  • Provide direct support to clients seeking veterinary services and coordinate referrals to Animal Friends' clinic programs.
  • Collaborate with staff throughout Animal Friends to coordinate support for complex client situations.
  • Maintain a comprehensive and current Pet Retention Resource Guide that connects pet owners with available community resources.
  • Support pet owners in identifying solutions that allow them to keep and care for their animals whenever possible.

Chow Wagon & Community Program Operations
  • Help maintain and support the Chow Wagon pet food pantry program, including weekly load fulfillment for partner food pantries.
  • Manage seasonal programs including the annual straw distribution and winter cat shelter initiatives for community cat caretakers.
  • Assist with transportation solutions for clients facing access barriers.
  • Support community vaccine clinics, food drives, outreach programs, mobile pet pantry events, and onsite community sales events.
  • Travel throughout the region to partner locations, outreach events, and community clinics.

Volunteer & Intern Leadership
  • Supervise Chow Wagon volunteers and social work interns.
  • Recruit, engage, and support volunteers in meaningful work that advances Animal Friends' mission.
  • Coordinate volunteer activities related to donations, inventory management, warehouse organization, and program operations.
  • Assist in guiding intern learning experiences and assigned projects.

Donations & Resource Management
  • Oversee the in-kind donation program, including donation collection, transportation, sorting, organization, and inventory management.
  • Ensure the Chow Wagon warehouse remains clean, organized, safe, and functional.
  • Coordinate donation redistribution and assist with stocking the Animal Wellness Center Resale Store as needed.

Administration & Communication
  • Provide exceptional customer service to program participants, volunteers, partners, and community members.
  • Maintain accurate case records, program data, and reports.
  • Support development of program reports, goals, budgets, and outcome tracking.
  • Communicate program information, updates, and resources clearly and professionally.
  • Collaborate with departments across Animal Friends to support program success and organizational goals.

Other Duties
  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
  • Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
  • Support organizational events, including Black Tie & Tails.
  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs.

What We Offer
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off, holidays, and birthday pay
  • Retirement plan with employer contribution
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Continuing education and professional development opportunities
  • Pet care discounts and on-site clinic benefits
  • Casual dress and Animal Friends gear
  • The opportunity to make a direct impact on pets and families throughout our community
  • A mission-driven team and meaningful work that strengthens the bond between people and animals

Our Commitment to Inclusion
Animal Friends is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We value the unique contributions and lived experiences of all team members and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply.
We welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, including those with lived experience related to the communities served by our programs. We believe that strengthening the animal-human bond begins with treating all people with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Education
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Post-secondary education or an equivalent combination of professional, volunteer, and lived experience preferred.

Experience
  • Experience in social services, community outreach, case management, education, human services, public health, customer service, animal welfare, or a related field preferred.

Skills and Abilities
  • Strong customer service, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Demonstrated empathy, emotional intelligence, and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to think critically and creatively when addressing barriers to pet retention.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and Forms.
  • Ability to learn and utilize case management platforms and databases.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and composure during stressful situations.

Availability
  • Flexible schedule required.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, outreach events, and special events.

Licenses
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Proof of insurance required.
  • Ability to travel independently throughout the region.

Animal Handling
  • Comfort working with and around dogs, cats, rabbits, and other companion animals of varying breed, size, age, temperament, and health status.
  • Ability to safely handle dogs on leash and transport animals in carriers or traps when needed.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Case management experience.
  • Experience working within underserved communities.
  • Experience with community outreach programs.
  • Experience supporting multilingual communities or culturally responsive services.
  • Experience supervising volunteers or interns.
  • Experience in animal welfare, social work, public health, or related nonprofit settings.
  • Familiarity with Doobert or similar case management platforms.

Physical, Environmental & Emotional Demands
This position:
  • Requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Requires moving pet food, donations, supplies, and materials on a regular basis.
  • Involves exposure to animals, pet hair, dander, noise, dust, and varying indoor and outdoor conditions.
  • May involve working in extreme temperatures, humidity, and inclement weather during outreach activities.
  • May involve risk of animal bites and scratches.
  • Requires travel to community locations, food pantries, partner agencies, and outreach events.
  • May involve working with individuals experiencing financial hardship, personal challenges, or crisis situations requiring empathy and professionalism.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.

Apply