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Pet Therapy Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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.

OrthoArizona

Physical Therapy Assistant

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$27.50 - $36.50/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 25, 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.

How do you become a pet therapy assistant?

To become a pet therapy assistant, individuals typically need to have a genuine love for animals, good communication skills, and often complete training or certification in pet therapy or animal-assisted activities. Some roles may require background checks, health clearances, and experience working with animals or in healthcare settings.

Is animal assisted therapy a good career?

A Pet Therapy Assistant role involves working with animals to provide emotional support and comfort to clients, often in healthcare or community settings. It requires knowledge of animal handling, certification, and strong interpersonal skills. The career can be rewarding for those interested in helping others through animal interaction, but it may involve physical activity and irregular hours.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Pet Therapy jobs?

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What states have the most 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% 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.

Pet Therapy Volunteers

Emerald Coast Hospice- Milton, FL

Milton, FL • On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 14 days 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