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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 ...

Caris Healthcare

Pet therapy volunteer

Columbia, SC

$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 ...

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Pet Therapy information

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$7

$16

$21

How much do pet therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 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 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.

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 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 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 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.
More about Pet Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Pet Therapy jobs? Cities with the most 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 Pet Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Pet Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pet Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pet Therapy jobs are:
Pet Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pet Therapy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,377 per year, or $16 per hour.

Pet Therapy Volunteers

Emerald Coast Hospice- Milton, FL

Milton, FL

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Other

Posted 18 hours ago

Job description

🐾 Calling All Pet Therapy Volunteers! 🐾

Do you have a friendly, well-behaved pet that loves bringing comfort to others? Join our team at Emerald Coast Hospice and help brighten the days of our patients through the healing power of animal companionship.

Pet Therapy Volunteers make meaningful connections by visiting patients alongside their certified therapy animals, offering comfort, joy, and a sense of peace during an important time.

✨ Flexible scheduling

✨ Meaningful, heartwarming experiences

✨ Make a lasting difference in someone’s life

If you and your pet have a gentle spirit and a passion for helping others, we would love to have you on our team!

Apply