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Pet Therapy Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medilodge of Livonia

Activity Assistant

Livonia, MI · On-site

$15.85 - $21.85/hr

Summary: Resident Activity Assistant organizes and participates in person-specific activity ... Utilizes a variety of models to achieve individualized programming, such a pet therapy, music ...

Medilodge of Livonia

Activity Assistant

Livonia, MI · On-site

$15.85 - $21.85/hr

Resident Activity Assistant organizes and participates in person-specific activity programming ... Utilizes a variety of models to achieve individualized programming, such a pet therapy, music ...

SKLD

Activity Assistant

Livonia, MI · On-site

$15.85 - $21.85/hr

Summary: Resident Activity Assistant organizes and participates in person-specific activity ... Utilizes a variety of models to achieve individualized programming, such a pet therapy, music ...

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 ...

Nampa West of Cascadia, LLC

Activities Assistant

Nampa, ID · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

Description An Activities Assistant organizes and participates in person-centered activity ... as normalization activities, pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy, etc. * Assists with ...

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 Aug 5, 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 is a pet therapy assistant?

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 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.

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
What cities are hiring for Pet Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Pet Therapy Assistant 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 Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Pet Therapy Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pet Therapy Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pet Therapy Assistant jobs are:
Pet Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pet Therapy Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,211 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Activity Assistant

Medilodge of Livonia

Livonia, MI • On-site

$15.85 - $21.85/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description:

Summary: Resident Activity Assistant organizes and participates in person-specific activity programming,

including one to one interventions, small group facilitation and large group presentations. Capable of documenting

individual participation and value of approaches in medical record.


Essential Functions:

  • Assists the resident activity director as needed.
  • Utilizes the environment to provide both comfort and stimulation to the resident population.
  • Fosters a sense of community within the center environment.
  • Leads and participates in individual and group activities.
  • Utilizes a variety of models to achieve individualized programming, such a pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy, etc.
  • Assists with decorating the facility and preparing for special events and seasonal parties.
  • Develops and posts monthly calendar as a planning resource for residents and families.
  • Participates in recreational programs for residents confined to their rooms.
  • Promotes volunteer efforts in the community.
  • Maintains records of activities and attendance.
  • Stores activity equipment and supplies and cleans area after conclusion of the activity.
  • Utilizes the biopsychosocial model to support resident well-being.
Requirements:

Qualifications:


Education:

  • Bachelors in Recreational Therapy or Occupational Therapy or
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant human service field, 20 hrs CEU’s within 1 year of hire* or state specific training to be initiated at first offering or
  • Certification as Occupational Therapy Assistant or
  • Associate degree in human service field, 20 hrs CEU’s within 1 year of hire* or
  • NCCAP Certified as Activity Assistant Certified*
  • High School Diploma or GED AND minimum of 6 college credits*(as required by NCCAP) or
  • State-specific certification as an Activity Assistant


Licenses/Certification:

  • Certified Recreation Therapist, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant or Activity Assistant Certified (NCCAP or state-specific) preferred


Experience:

  • Prefer minimum of 500 hours of experience in activity programming in any setting prior to hire.
  • For high school/GED educated applicants, college courses must include one English course in composition, report or technical writing, and one course in areas of Art/Recreation Programming, Sciences, or Management with a passing grade.
  • *Acceptable areas of in-service education and CEU’s can be reviewed at www.nccap.org