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Pet Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HHC

Pet Therapy Program

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Pet Therapy Volunteer Program Coordinator : Emily Smith, Pet Therapy Program Manager Summary : The Pet Therapy Program Volunteer will provide Eskenazi Health Patients the opportunity to experience ...

Empath Tidewell Hospice

Pet Therapy Volunteers

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$13 - $17.75/hr

We welcome most common Pet Therapy certifications (TDI, Bright & Beautiful, Pet Partners, and similar), but also provide evaluations for uncertified pets. We are happy to talk with you about whether ...

Caris Healthcare

Pet therapy volunteer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

This is where pet therapy comes in. We would get to go to facilities and let your fur baby get some love and attention.All while giving back and seeing the absolute joy that you and your pet can ...

Empath Tidewell Hospice

Pet Therapy Volunteers

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

We welcome most common Pet Therapy certifications (TDI, Bright & Beautiful, Pet Partners, and similar), but also provide evaluations for uncertified pets. We are happy to talk with you about whether ...

Family Hospice Macon

Pet Therapy Volunteer

Macon, GA · On-site

Family Hospice needs Licensed Pet Therapists to provide Pet Therapy companionship to our patients in neighboring Assisted Living Facilities. We would love for you & your fur baby to become part of ...

Compassus

Pet Therapy Volunteer

West Branch, MI · On-site

Hospice pet therapy is so much more than a simple visit with an animal. Animals and their handlers have the unique ability to bring transformative joy and comfort during a time when your outlook on ...

INTEGRIS Health

Pet Therapy Volunteer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

Pet Therapy enhances a patient's quality of life. Credentialed* therapy dogs and their handlers visit patients, staff, and guests throughout the hospital, aiding in the healing process and enhancing ...

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How much do pet therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for pet therapy in the United States is $16.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pet therapy?

Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal, often a dog or cat, with the purpose of helping the person recover from or cope with health problems or mental disorders. The presence of animals can provide comfort, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote emotional well-being. Pet therapy is commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to enhance the quality of life for patients and participants. The animals used in therapy are specifically trained and certified, and sessions are supervised by professionals.

What are jobs in pet therapy?

If you have appropriate qualifications in social work, occupational therapy, or a related clinical field, plus a love of animals, you can work in pet therapy. In these roles, you provide services for young people, veterans, and others who struggle with mental health issues, and you incorporate pets like dogs and cats, or farm animals like horses and goats, into your treatment plan and therapy program. Interacting with animals helps your patients develop emotional regulation and effective communication skills, and you combine these interactions with traditional therapeutic approaches to deliver effective, multi-focal care. Additionally, in some positions, you coordinate volunteers and perform related administrative duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pet therapy specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pet Therapy Specialist, you generally need knowledge of animal behavior, basic animal care, and a certification in pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy. Familiarity with assessment tools, therapy program protocols, and possibly certification for therapy animals (such as through Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International) is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and interpersonal skills help build rapport with clients and ensure positive therapy outcomes. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing safe, effective, and compassionate therapy sessions that benefit both clients and animals.

What are some common challenges faced by pet therapy professionals when working with clients in healthcare settings?

Pet therapy professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting animal interactions to suit individual client needs, managing unpredictable animal behavior in unfamiliar environments, and ensuring the safety and comfort of both clients and therapy animals. Additionally, they must navigate strict health and safety protocols, especially in hospitals or nursing homes, and effectively collaborate with medical staff to integrate therapy sessions into patient care plans. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and thorough knowledge of animal behavior are essential for overcoming these challenges and providing meaningful therapeutic experiences.

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

AspectPet TherapyAnimal-Assisted Therapy
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification requiredTypically requires certification and training in therapy animal programs
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, schools, community centersSame as Pet Therapy, often integrated into clinical settings
PurposeProvide comfort and emotional support through animalsTherapeutic intervention as part of a treatment plan

Pet Therapy involves animals providing comfort in various settings, often without formal certification. Animal-Assisted Therapy is a structured, clinical approach requiring specific training and certification. Both roles involve working with animals in healthcare or community environments, but Animal-Assisted Therapy is more focused on therapeutic outcomes within treatment plans.

Is animal-assisted therapy a good career?

Animal-assisted therapy is a recognized profession that involves working with trained animals to support mental and physical health. It often requires certification, knowledge of animal behavior, and strong interpersonal skills. The career can be rewarding but may involve irregular hours and emotional demands.
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Pet Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pet Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,377 per year, or $16 per hour.

Pet Therapy Volunteer

Everett, WA • On-site

Providence at Home with Compassus - Snohomish
See more jobs at Providence at Home with Compassus - Snohomishexternal

$15.50 - $21/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Pet Therapy is a visit or series of visits from a Pet Therapy team (a handler and their animal) to a patient or family who has requested them through their hospice care team. 

The simple act of petting an animal can trigger the release of beneficial hormones that enhance mood. 

These visits are intended to: 

  • Alleviate stress and feelings of isolation. 
  • Provide opportunities for reminiscing and sharing stories about their own pets. 

Pet Therapy teams must be certified through an accepted organization. If you aren’t already certified, we are happy to provide information on the process! 

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