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Pet Therapy Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... I can of course assist you with that.The certificate is offered very cheaply.If your pet already ...

SKLD

Activities Assistant

West Bloomfield, MI · On-site

$15.85 - $21.85/hr

Resident Activity Assistant organizes and participates in person-specific activity programming ... pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy, etc. • Assists with decorating the facility and ...

OrthoArizona

Physical Therapy Assistant

Gilbert, AZ

$27.25 - $35.75/hr

Physical Therapy Assistant About OrthoArizona: At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together ... Pet Discount Plan. * ID Theft protection amp; Legal assistance.

OrthoArizona

Physical Therapy Assistant

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$27.75 - $36.75/hr

Physical Therapy Assistant About OrthoArizona: At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together ... Pet Discount Plan. * ID Theft protection & Legal assistance.

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Pet Therapy Assistant information

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$8

$26

$48

How much do pet therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for pet therapy assistant in the United States is $26.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree do you need to be an animal assisted therapist?

Pet Therapy Assistants typically do not require a specific degree but often benefit from a background in human or animal services, such as a high school diploma or equivalent. For more advanced roles like animal-assisted therapists, a degree in psychology, social work, or a related field may be preferred, along with certification in animal-assisted therapy. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior and client interaction, and certifications can enhance job prospects.

What are Pet Therapy Assistants?

Pet Therapy Assistants are professionals who help facilitate animal-assisted therapy sessions, working alongside certified therapy animals and their handlers. Their role includes preparing animals for visits, supporting clients during interactions, and maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for both animals and people. They often work in healthcare settings, schools, or community centers, bringing comfort and emotional support to individuals through positive animal interactions. Pet Therapy Assistants must have strong interpersonal skills, a passion for animal welfare, and training in both animal behavior and client care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pet Therapy Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pet Therapy Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, experience handling therapy animals, and often a certification in animal-assisted therapy or related fields. Familiarity with animal care protocols, therapy program documentation, and scheduling software is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and empathy help build rapport with clients and ensure animal and human well-being. These skills ensure safe, effective therapy sessions that benefit both clients and therapy animals.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Pet Therapy Assistants typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily rates are usually associated with specialized roles like medical specialists, high-level consultants, or executive positions. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, or working in high-demand industries, and earnings can vary widely based on location and employer.

What are the typical challenges Pet Therapy Assistants face when working with animals and clients in therapeutic settings?

Pet Therapy Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing the unpredictable behavior of therapy animals, adapting sessions to meet the diverse needs of clients, and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for everyone involved. They must be attentive to both animal welfare and client emotional responses, sometimes working with individuals who have anxiety, trauma, or special needs. Balancing the well-being of the animal with the therapeutic goals of the session requires strong observation skills, flexibility, and effective communication with supervising therapists and other team members.

How to get a job in animal-assisted therapy?

To become a pet therapy assistant, individuals typically need a background in animal care, healthcare, or social work, along with training in animal-assisted therapy techniques. Certification from organizations like Pet Partners or the Alliance of Therapy Dogs can enhance job prospects, and strong communication skills are essential for working with clients and animals. Relevant experience with animals and understanding of safety protocols are also important for employment in this field.

Is animal-assisted therapy a good career?

Pet Therapy Assistants play a key role in animal-assisted therapy by supporting therapy sessions and ensuring safety for both animals and clients. The career can be rewarding for those interested in working with animals and helping others, often requiring certification and good interpersonal skills. Job prospects depend on the setting, such as healthcare or educational environments, and demand varies by region.

What is the difference between Pet Therapy Assistant vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectPet Therapy AssistantAnimal Care Technician
CertificationsMay require pet therapy certification or training in animal handlingOften requires veterinary technician certification or animal care training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, community centers for therapy sessionsAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, research facilities
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, therapy organizations, non-profitsVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, research labs
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking roles involving animal-assisted therapyIndividuals interested in animal care and veterinary support

The Pet Therapy Assistant primarily focuses on providing animal-assisted therapy in healthcare and community settings, often requiring specialized training in therapy techniques. In contrast, an Animal Care Technician works mainly in animal shelters or veterinary clinics, focusing on animal health, grooming, and medical care. While both roles involve working with animals, their work environments, certifications, and job responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Pet Therapy Assistant jobs
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Pet Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pet Therapy Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,211 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
** Pet Therapy Volunteer Assistant** Holy Savior Hospice

** Pet Therapy Volunteer Assistant** Holy Savior Hospice

Holy Savior Hospice

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Holy Savior Hospice is looking for compassionate volunteers to join our Pet Therapy Program as Pet Therapy Assistants. If you love people, puppies, and spreading joy, we want you on our team!

Our beloved therapy pup, Hazel, is a gentle, loving dog who brings comfort and smiles to patients in hospice care. As a Pet Therapy Assistant, you’ll accompany Hazel and our therapy team on visits, helping bring warmth, companionship, and a little tail-wagging happiness to those who need it most.

What You'll Do:

  • Accompany Hazel and the pet therapy team on patient visits
  • Offer companionship and support to patients and families
  • Help manage Hazel during visits to ensure a calm, comforting experience
  • Share in the joy and healing that only a furry friend can bring

Apply