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Pet Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HHC

Pet Therapy Program

Indianapolis, IN

$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 ...

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Pet Therapy information

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How much do pet therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,377 per year, or $16 per hour.

Pet Therapy Program

HHC

Indianapolis, IN

$46K - $62K/yr

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Eskenazi Health is an organization that celebrates diversity, and seeks to engage a diverse volunteer workforce. We actively encourage all individuals to apply to volunteer and to seek advancement opportunities. Eskenazi Health also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by law. For additional questions please contact us at: 317-880-3311.

Position Title:  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 animal assisted activity/therapy.  Therapy animals are trained to provide supervised, goal-directed interventions to clients in the hospital and specific treatment sites.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  1. Be available to visit patients and guests on our Acuity Adaptable inpatient floors, Outpatient Clinic Waiting Areas and Eskenazi Health Centers throughout our community.
  2. Complete all necessary paperwork and evaluation forms following
  3. Follow all policies and procedures set forth by Eskenazi Health and the Pet Therapy program.
  4. Perform related duties as assigned.
  5. Must comply with HIPAA standards, policies and procedures of maintaining confidentiality of patient and medical information.
  6. Volunteers are not permitted to:
    1. Position or lift patients in/out of bed, chair or wheelchair.
    2. Transport patients confined to hospital beds.
    3. Communicate clinical information to patients, clients, visitors or family members.
    4. Document clinical information.
    5. Interpret/translate clinical information in another language.

Requirements:

  1. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Successful completion of the application, interview, hospital volunteer orientation, and position specific departmental training.
  3. Volunteers will be required to submit to criminal background inquiry, national governmental sanction check, child abuse clearance, sexual offender registry clearance and Occupational Health Screening.
  4. The Pet Therapy Dog must complete the following requirements.
    1. The dog must be at least 1 year old for testing
    2. Pass required testing with Pet Therapy Program Manager
    3. Up-to-date Health records and vaccinations which include:
      1. DA2PP(distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus)
      2. Bordetella
      3. Rabies
      4. Fecal testing once a year
      5. Heartworm prevention (not only for heartworm, but for deworming for roundworm and at least hookworm on a monthly basis)
    4. Flea prevention (fleas carry and transmit a lot of diseases)
    5. Titer testing will be accepted for certain vaccinations (Rabies not included)
  5. For more information, or questions about the program and/or processes by email Emily Smith, Pet Therapy Program Manager at emily.smith@eskenazihealth.edu

It is Eskenazi Health's philosophy and policy to treat employees, volunteers and applicants fairly and without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status or physical or mental ability. Discrimination against any employee, volunteer or applicant based on any of these conditions will not be allowed or tolerated. For additional questions please contact us at: 317-880-3311.

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About HHC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Software development

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Fairfax, VA, US

Year founded

2001

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