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Pet Therapy Dog Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HHC

Pet Therapy Program

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The dog must be at least 1 year old for testing * Pass required testing with Pet Therapy Program Manager * Up-to-date Health records and vaccinations which include: * DA2PP(distemper, adenovirus ...

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Pet Therapy Dog information

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How much do pet therapy dog jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for pet therapy dog 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 a pet therapy dog?

Pet therapy dogs are specially trained animals that provide comfort, support, and companionship to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings. Their primary role is to interact with patients or individuals to help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. Therapy dogs are not service animals; instead, they work with their handlers as part of a volunteer or therapy program. They must have a calm temperament, be well-behaved, and undergo training and certification to ensure they are suitable for therapeutic visits.

What are some typical challenges faced by pet therapy dogs and their handlers during therapy sessions?

Pet therapy dogs and their handlers often encounter challenges such as managing a variety of unpredictable environments, adapting to individuals with different comfort levels around animals, and maintaining the dog's calm demeanor in noisy or crowded settings. Handlers must be attentive to their dog's stress signals and ensure the animal's well-being while providing comfort to clients. Building rapport with patients and collaborating smoothly with healthcare staff are also essential for a successful therapy session.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pet therapy dog, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pet Therapy Dog, a dog must have basic obedience training, a gentle temperament, and typically be certified through reputable therapy dog organizations. Familiarity with therapy dog certification processes and exposure to different environments, such as hospitals or schools, are important. Exceptional patience, calmness, and sociability are soft skills that set a therapy dog apart in this role. These qualities ensure the dog can safely and effectively provide comfort, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being for individuals in need.

What is the difference between Pet Therapy Dog vs Animal-Assisted Therapist?

AspectPet Therapy DogAnimal-Assisted Therapist
CertificationsCanine Good Citizen, therapy dog certificationTherapist license, certification in animal-assisted therapy
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, schoolsHospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, education, nonprofit organizationsHealthcare, mental health, therapy practices

Pet Therapy Dogs are trained to provide comfort and companionship in various settings, often certified as therapy animals. Animal-Assisted Therapists are licensed professionals who incorporate animals into therapeutic practices, often working alongside therapy animals. While Pet Therapy Dogs focus on the animal's training, Animal-Assisted Therapists combine their clinical skills with animal interaction for mental health treatment.

How to become a pet therapy dog?

To become a pet therapy dog, a dog must typically complete basic training, pass a temperament assessment, and be certified by a recognized therapy dog organization. The handler also often needs to complete training and background checks, and the dog must be well-behaved in various environments to ensure safety and comfort for clients.

How to get a job working with pet therapy dogs?

To work as a pet therapy dog handler, individuals typically need to train their dog to meet certification standards set by organizations like Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International. Certification involves assessing the dog's behavior, obedience, and temperament, and handlers often complete training courses and background checks before volunteering in healthcare or community settings.
More about Pet Therapy Dog jobs

What states have the most Pet Therapy Dog jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pet Therapy Dog jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Pet Therapy Dog jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Pet Therapy Dog jobs are:

Pet Therapy Dog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pet Therapy Dog job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,377 per year, or $16 per hour.

Therapy Dog Volunteer (Unpaid)

Owatonna, MN • On-site

Home Health Care, Inc.
See more jobs at Home Health Care, Inc.external

$1 - $2/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Pet Therapy Volunteer

Organization: Superior Hospice

Location: 21 County service Area - Greater Twin Cities Metro

Position Type: Volunteer (unpaid)

Apply Today: Please send an email directly to Paige Lubiani at paige.lubiani@superiorhospice.net with a copy of your resume and explanation of why you are looking to volunteer with our hospice organization!

Superior Hospice, a new and compassionate hospice agency in Minnesota, is on a heartfelt mission to offer comfort and support to individuals nearing the end of their life journey. We are eager to build our foundational team and are seeking Pet Therapy Volunteers who, alongside their therapy dog(s), can help provide warmth and comfort to our patients and their families during these profound moments.

Apply Today: Please send an email directly to Paige Lubiani at paige.lubiani@superiorhospice.net with a copy of your resume and explanation of why you are looking to volunteer with our hospice organization!

Core Responsibilities:

  • Therapeutic Visits: Conduct regular visits to patients with your therapy dog, providing comfort, companionship, and joy.
  • Collaborative Care: Work closely with our care team to incorporate pet therapy into the patient's overall care plan, tailoring visits to each patient’s needs and preferences.
  • Safety and Hygiene: Ensure all pet therapy guidelines, hygiene standards, and safety protocols are followed during visits.
  • Record Keeping: Document visits and observe and report on the patient’s response to therapy.
  • Training and Development: Participate in comprehensive hospice volunteer training provided by Superior Hospice, as well as any additional training related to pet therapy.

Qualifications:

  • Ownership of a dog that is certified as a therapy animal by a recognized organization is required.
  • A strong commitment to compassionate care and the ability to sensitively interact with individuals experiencing end-of-life challenges.
  • Exceptional communication skills and the capacity to work well with an interdisciplinary team.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of patients and their families.
  • Willingness to undergo extensive training in hospice care practices and to adhere to all guidelines and standards for pet therapy.

Why Join Us?

  • Extensive Training: Benefit from detailed training sessions on hospice care and pet therapy, enhancing your skills and understanding of end-of-life care.
  • Meaningful Impact: Experience the unique fulfillment that comes from making a profound difference in the lives of individuals and families during a crucial time.
  • Personal Growth: Learn invaluable life lessons about compassion, resilience, and the human experience at the end of life.
  • Community: Be part of the pioneering group of volunteers at Superior Hospice and help shape our approach to innovative and compassionate end-of-life care in Minnesota.

At Superior Hospice, we believe in the power of pet therapy to bring comfort and joy to those in their final stages of life. If you and your therapy dog are dedicated to making a difference and are looking for a deeply fulfilling volunteer opportunity, we would be honored to welcome you to our team.