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Pet Therapy Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapy Assistant

Danbury, CT · On-site

$28.50 - $37.75/hr

Pet insurance As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you'll contribute to our success in the following ways: * Promotes Elara Caring's philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure ...

Pet insurance As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you'll contribute to our success in the following ways: * Promotes Elara Caring's philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure ...

Activities Assistant (PRN)

Libby, MT · On-site

$12.50 - $15/hr

PRN (On-Call) Activities Assistant Flexible As-Needed Scheduling Make a Meaningful Impact We're ... Implement diverse activity approaches (music, art, pet therapy, etc.) * Engage residents who are ...

Pet insurance As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you'll contribute to our success in the following ways: * Promotes Elara Caring's philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure ...

Pet insurance As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you'll contribute to our success in the following ways: * Promotes Elara Caring's philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure ...

Physical Therapy Assistant

Greenwich, CT · On-site

$31.50 - $41.50/hr

Pet insurance As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you'll contribute to our success in the following ways: * Promotes Elara Caring's philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure ...

Physical Therapy Assistant

Tampa, FL · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Tampa General Hospital is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant for a job in Tampa, Florida ... Medical benefits * Pet insurance * Dental benefits * Vision benefits * Health savings account

Pet insurance As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you'll contribute to our success in the following ways: * Promotes Elara Caring's philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure ...

Pet insurance As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you'll contribute to our success in the following ways: * Promotes Elara Caring's philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure ...

Pet insurance As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you'll contribute to our success in the following ways: * Promotes Elara Caring's philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure ...

Pet insurance As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you'll contribute to our success in the following ways: * Promotes Elara Caring's philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure ...

Showing results 41-60

Pet Therapy Assistant information

See salary details

$8

$26

$48

How much do pet therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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.
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:

Infographic showing various Pet Therapy Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% 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.

Physical Therapy Assistant

Elara Caring

Danbury, CT • On-site

$28.50 - $37.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Elara Caring rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

182nd of 242 rated social care providers


Job description

Elara Caring is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant for a job in Danbury, Connecticut.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Discipline: Therapy
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Employment Type: Staff

At Elara Caring, we have a unique opportunity to play a huge role in the growth of an entire home care industry. Here, each employee has the chance to make a real difference by carrying out our mission every day. Join our elite team of healthcare professionals, providing the Right Care, at the Right Time, in the Right Place.

Job Description:

Physical Therapist Assistant

At Elara Caring, we care where you are and believe the best place for your care is where you live. We know there’s no place like home, and that’s why our teams continue to provide high-quality care to more than 60,000 patients each day in their preferred home setting. Wherever our patients call home and wherever they are on their health journey, we care. Each team member has a part to play in this mission. This means you have countless ways to make a difference as a Physical Therapist Assistant.  Being a part of something this great, starts by carrying out our mission every day through your true calling: developing an amazing team of compassionate and dedicated healthcare providers.

To continue to be an industry pioneer in delivering unparalleled care, we need a Physical Therapist Assistant with commitment and compassion. Are you one of them? If so, apply today!

Why Join the Elara Caring mission?

  • Work in a collaborative environment.
  • Be rewarded with a unique opportunity to make a difference
  • Competitive compensation package
  • Tuition reimbursement for full-time staff and continuing education opportunities for all employees at no cost
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Comprehensive insurance plans for medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • 401(K) with employer match
  • Paid time off, paid holidays, family, and pet bereavement
  • Pet insurance

As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you’ll contribute to our success in the following ways:

  • Promotes Elara Caring’s philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure quality of care
  • Performs direct physical therapy services in accordance with accepted standards of practice and certified by the patient’s physician to ensure quality and continuity of care.
  • Follows Plan of Care as established by Physical Therapist/being supervised by the Physical Therapist and immediate reporting of any changes in status back to Physical Therapist.
  • Adheres to the State Practice Act Guidelines.
  • Verifies the Plan of Care prior to each visit and provides care according to physician’s orders, assessment data, and established standards and guidelines. 
  • Incorporates patient care goals established in the Plan of Care, into therapy care.
  • Instructs patients and/or their families in the appropriate and safe use of prosthetic, orthotic and assistive devices (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.).
  • Instructs the patient and/or caregiver in the therapy home program
  • Physically demanding, high stress environment
  • Full range of body motion including handling, lifting and transfer of patients 
  • Potentially work irregular hours including call hours if applicable

What is Required?

  • Graduate of an accredited physical therapy assistant program approved by the American Therapy Association
  • Current, unrestricted PTA license valid for the state of work.
  • 6+ months experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant is preferred
  • Able and willing to travel within branch/office coverage area.
  • Must have a dependable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and current auto insurance in accordance with state laws.
  • Must be able and willing to travel 50%
  • Ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and support up to 50 pounds, including positioning or transferring patients and moving equipment

You will report to the Branch Director, Clinical Manager, Clinical Supervisor or designee.

Equal Employment Opportunity: We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and comply with state and federal affirmative action requirements. Individuals are recruited, hired, assigned and promoted without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at .

Pay & Benefit Information: Compensation for this role will be determined based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills, competencies, and relevant experience. Elara offers a broad range of benefits. Learn more at Elara Caring participates in E-Verify after a job offer is accepted and Form I-9 completed.

Elara Caring Job ID #JR-133402. Posted job title: Physical Therapist Assistant

About Elara Caring

Elara Caring is one of the nation’s leading providers of home-based care with a growing footprint of 26,000 caregivers and 60,000 patients in 18 states. Whether you are new to home-based care or a seasoned in-home care professional, Elara Caring will meet you where you are and develop a unique learning plan that recognizes your experience and invests in your clinical professional journey. From our preceptor program to certification prep courses, quality assessments or management training, we care about you and your success.


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About Elara Caring

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Elara Caring, we have an unique opportunity to play a huge role in the growth of an entire home care industry. Here, each employee has the chance to make a real difference by carrying out our mission every day. Join our elite team of healthcare professionals, providing the Right Care, at the Right Time, in the Right Place.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1994

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