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Pet Therapy Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Looking for four legged volunteers to make friendly pet therapy visits with hospice patients in ... Contact Laura Brindza, Volunteer Program Manager for details LauraBrindza@sanctuaryhospiceOH.com OR ...

Redwood Hospice is starting a pet therapy program! Do you have a therapy animal and want to make a difference in a patient's life? Hours are extremely flexible and this opportunity is rewarding!

Redwood Hospice is starting a pet therapy program! Do you have a therapy animal and want to make a difference in a patient's life? Hours are extremely flexible and this opportunity is rewarding!

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Pet Therapy Program Manager information

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$35.5K

$68.8K

$114.5K

How much do pet therapy program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for pet therapy program manager in the United States is $68,758.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pet therapy program manager do?

A Pet Therapy Program Manager oversees the development, coordination, and management of pet therapy programs within healthcare, educational, or community settings. Their responsibilities include recruiting and training therapy animal teams, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and collaborating with staff and volunteers to provide therapeutic animal-assisted activities. They also manage program logistics, track outcomes, and promote the benefits of pet therapy to stakeholders. By facilitating these programs, they help improve the emotional and physical well-being of participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pet therapy program manager?

To thrive as a Pet Therapy Program Manager, you need experience in program management, animal-assisted therapy, and a background in animal behavior or human services, often supported by a relevant degree and knowledge of industry standards. Familiarity with scheduling software, volunteer management systems, and certifications such as Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, and compassion are essential for coordinating volunteers, animals, and participants effectively. These skills ensure safe, impactful, and well-coordinated therapy programs that benefit both clients and therapy animals.

What are some common challenges faced by pet therapy program managers, and how can they be addressed?

Pet Therapy Program Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules between volunteers, therapy animals, and facility staff, ensuring all therapy teams meet certification and health requirements, and maintaining program quality across multiple locations. Addressing these challenges involves strong organizational skills, clear communication, and staying updated on industry best practices and regulations. Building strong relationships with both volunteers and partner organizations also helps proactively resolve issues and ensure program success.

What is the difference between Pet Therapy Program Manager vs Pet Therapy Coordinator?

AspectPet Therapy Program ManagerPet Therapy Coordinator
CredentialsCertifications in therapy animal programs, relevant healthcare or social work backgroundSimilar certifications, often entry-level or supporting roles
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple therapy programs, manages staff, liaises with healthcare facilitiesCoordinates therapy sessions, manages schedules, supports program activities
Employer & IndustryHospitals, nursing homes, therapy organizationsHealthcare facilities, community centers, therapy organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsLooking for operational or support roles within pet therapy programs

The Pet Therapy Program Manager typically holds a leadership role, overseeing multiple therapy programs and managing staff, requiring relevant certifications and experience. The Pet Therapy Coordinator focuses on supporting and coordinating therapy sessions, often with less managerial responsibility. Both roles are vital in pet therapy services but differ mainly in scope and level of responsibility.

What are popular job titles related to Pet Therapy Program Manager jobs?

For Pet Therapy Program Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Therapy Program Manager

Columbia, MO • On-site

Veterans United Home Loans
Finance and Insurance • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Veterans United Home Loans rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

As a Therapy Program Manager with Flourish, you will provide therapeutic, relational, and developmental services for youth participating in Flourish programs. You will provide one-on-one support, facilitate therapy, support groups, and help plan life skills programming that supports emotional wellness, healthy relationships, independent living, and long-term stability.
You will help maintain a safe, consistent, and trauma-informed home environment through coaching staff, strengthening crisis-response skills, preventing burnout, and building resilience across the team. In this role you will partner with the Executive Director, Community Support Specialist, and others to coordinate support for youth, identify opportunities to strengthen programming, and help ensure youth and staff have the support they need.
Compensation may vary based on experience and credentials but will range from $55-$65k/annually.
Job duties may include, but are not limited to:
  • Provide one-on-one therapeutic support and facilitate therapy groups, support groups, and other healing-centered group experiences. Build trusting, appropriate, and trauma-informed relationships with youth. Walk alongside youth in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, communication, conflict resolution, self-advocacy, and healthy relationships. Participate in care planning and goal setting, and maintain timely documentation, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical practice.
  • Organize life skills training for youth, including programming around emotional wellness, healthy relationships, decision-making, communication, self-care, independent living, and resilience. Partner with the Housing Program Manager and Youth Specialists to identify practical skill-building needs based on day-to-day experiences in the house and support a program culture rooted in safety, dignity, accountability, belonging, and growth.
  • Collaborate with the Housing Program Manager to identify coaching and training needs for Youth Specialists. Coach staff on trauma-informed care, de-escalation, crisis response, emotional regulation, professional boundaries, and relationship-based youth support. Help staff process challenging situations, identify healthy coping strategies, and create sustainable approaches to emotionally complex work. Provide therapeutic perspective and consultation while respecting the Housing Program Manager's supervisory responsibilities.
  • Partner with the Executive Director, Housing Program Manager, Community Support Specialist, and other team members to ensure coordinated support for youth. Participate in team meetings, case consultations, program planning, crisis planning and response, and youth-centered problem-solving. Collaborate with outside providers, schools, agencies, families, and community partners when appropriate and authorized. Maintain consistent presence in the Flourish house and active engagement with youth and staff to support scheduled therapy services, group programming, staff coaching, team meetings, and urgent program needs.
  • Actively contribute to making the team and culture stronger by assisting with other duties as needed, excluding licensed activity.

We'll also want to know you can demonstrate these attributes:
Standard
  • Exemplary customer service skills.
  • Strong communication, documentation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical practice.
  • Ability to remain calm and grounded in emotionally intense or crisis-oriented situations.
  • Ability to balance therapeutic judgment with warmth, practicality, and clear boundaries.
  • Ability to coach staff while respecting appropriate reporting and supervisory structures.
  • Strong collaboration skills and respect for team-based care.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, youth-centered environment with flexibility and professionalism.
  • Ability to thrive in a highly cooperative work setting.
  • Knowledge of trauma-informed care, adolescent development, crisis response, emotional regulation, and strength-based youth work.

Preferred
  • Experience working with at-risk youth, youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability, marginalized youth, foster care-involved youth, justice-involved youth, or youth impacted by trauma.
  • Experience in a residential, shelter, transitional living, school-based, community mental health, or youth services setting.
  • Experience in coaching or training direct-care staff.
  • Experience supporting crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning.
  • Experience developing life skills programming or psychoeducational groups for youth.

Required
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor credential.
  • Must be able to pass state and federal background screenings.
  • Valid Missouri driver's license.
  • Proficient in basic computer technologies, appropriate for an internet-based company.
  • Regular and predictable attendance.

Veterans United Home Loans and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employers that consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

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