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Pet Therapy Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

HHC

Pet Therapy Program

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Pet Therapy Volunteer Program Coordinator : Emily Smith, Pet Therapy Program Manager Summary : The Pet Therapy Program Volunteer will provide Eskenazi Health Patients the opportunity to experience ...

Heart to Heart Hospice

Therapy Pets

Fairmount, IN · On-site

$13.25 - $14.75/hr

Pet therapy benefits the elderly community in so many ways. If you have a licensed therapy pet and would like to help bring smiles to our hospice patients, please contact us. :) Kyle Pitt, Volunteer ...

Heart to Heart Hospice

Therapy Pets

Muncie, IN · On-site

$13 - $14.50/hr

Pet therapy benefits the elderly community in so many ways. If you have a licensed therapy pet and would like to help bring smiles to our hospice patients, please contact us. :) Kyle Pitt, Volunteer ...

Majestic Care

Activities Assistant / Part-Time

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$13.25 - $15.75/hr

Utilize a variety of models to achieve individualized programming such as pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy, etc. * Assist with decorating the facility and preparing for special events and ...

Majestic Care of Avon

Activities Assistant

Avon, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Utilize a variety of models to achieve individualized programming such as pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy, etc. * Assist with decorating the facility and preparing for special events and ...

Majestic Care

Memory Care Activities Assistant

Goshen, IN · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

Utilize a variety of models to achieve individualized programming such as pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy, etc. * Assist with decorating the facility and preparing for special events and ...

Majestic Care

Activities Assistant

Avon, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Utilize a variety of models to achieve individualized programming such as pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy, etc. * Assist with decorating the facility and preparing for special events and ...

Lutheran Life Communities

Volunteer

Crown Point, IN · On-site

Support the Life Enrichment Program for residents living in the community through volunteer service * Assist with activities such as pet therapy, resident engagement, one-on-one conversations, crafts ...

Ascension

Certified Child Life Specialist

Evansville, IN · On-site

$21.36/hr

This position will have training opportunities with a sister hospital in Indianapolis, that is made up of 12 CCLSs, Creative Arts Therapists, School Teacher, and Pet Therapy. * This position offers ...

The Pet Parlor, Ltd

Pet Sitter / Dog Walker

Munster, IN · On-site

The Pet Parlor is growing across Porter and Lake County, and we're looking for our next amazing pet ... my therapy from my other job!" Ready? Apply in just a few minutes -- click the link below and ...

Elara Caring

Physical Therapy Assistant

Nashville, IN · On-site

$26 - $34.50/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 ...

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Pet Therapy information

See Indiana salary details

$7

$15

$20

How much do pet therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for pet therapy in Indiana is $15.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pet therapy?

Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal, often a dog or cat, with the purpose of helping the person recover from or cope with health problems or mental disorders. The presence of animals can provide comfort, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote emotional well-being. Pet therapy is commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to enhance the quality of life for patients and participants. The animals used in therapy are specifically trained and certified, and sessions are supervised by professionals.

What are jobs in pet therapy?

If you have appropriate qualifications in social work, occupational therapy, or a related clinical field, plus a love of animals, you can work in pet therapy. In these roles, you provide services for young people, veterans, and others who struggle with mental health issues, and you incorporate pets like dogs and cats, or farm animals like horses and goats, into your treatment plan and therapy program. Interacting with animals helps your patients develop emotional regulation and effective communication skills, and you combine these interactions with traditional therapeutic approaches to deliver effective, multi-focal care. Additionally, in some positions, you coordinate volunteers and perform related administrative duties.

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

To thrive as a Pet Therapy Specialist, you generally need knowledge of animal behavior, basic animal care, and a certification in pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy. Familiarity with assessment tools, therapy program protocols, and possibly certification for therapy animals (such as through Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International) is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and interpersonal skills help build rapport with clients and ensure positive therapy outcomes. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing safe, effective, and compassionate therapy sessions that benefit both clients and animals.

What are some common challenges faced by pet therapy professionals when working with clients in healthcare settings?

Pet therapy professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting animal interactions to suit individual client needs, managing unpredictable animal behavior in unfamiliar environments, and ensuring the safety and comfort of both clients and therapy animals. Additionally, they must navigate strict health and safety protocols, especially in hospitals or nursing homes, and effectively collaborate with medical staff to integrate therapy sessions into patient care plans. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and thorough knowledge of animal behavior are essential for overcoming these challenges and providing meaningful therapeutic experiences.

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

AspectPet TherapyAnimal-Assisted Therapy
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification requiredTypically requires certification and training in therapy animal programs
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, schools, community centersSame as Pet Therapy, often integrated into clinical settings
PurposeProvide comfort and emotional support through animalsTherapeutic intervention as part of a treatment plan

Pet Therapy involves animals providing comfort in various settings, often without formal certification. Animal-Assisted Therapy is a structured, clinical approach requiring specific training and certification. Both roles involve working with animals in healthcare or community environments, but Animal-Assisted Therapy is more focused on therapeutic outcomes within treatment plans.

Is animal-assisted therapy a good career?

Animal-assisted therapy is a recognized profession that involves working with trained animals to support mental and physical health. It often requires certification, knowledge of animal behavior, and strong interpersonal skills. The career can be rewarding but may involve irregular hours and emotional demands.
More about Pet Therapy jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Pet Therapy jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Pet Therapy jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Pet Therapy jobs in Indiana?

For Pet Therapy jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Pet Therapy jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Pet Therapy jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Pet Therapy job openings:

Pet Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pet Therapy job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,760 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Pet Therapy Program

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

HHC
Software Development • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about HHCexternal

$46K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Eskenazi Health is an organization that celebrates diversity, and seeks to engage a diverse volunteer workforce. We actively encourage all individuals to apply to volunteer and to seek advancement opportunities. Eskenazi Health also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by law. For additional questions please contact us at: 317-880-3311.

Position Title:  Pet Therapy Volunteer Program  

Coordinator:  Emily Smith, Pet Therapy Program Manager


Summary:  The Pet Therapy Program Volunteer will provide Eskenazi Health Patients the opportunity to experience animal assisted activity/therapy.  Therapy animals are trained to provide supervised, goal-directed interventions to clients in the hospital and specific treatment sites.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  1. Be available to visit patients and guests on our Acuity Adaptable inpatient floors, Outpatient Clinic Waiting Areas and Eskenazi Health Centers throughout our community.
  2. Complete all necessary paperwork and evaluation forms following
  3. Follow all policies and procedures set forth by Eskenazi Health and the Pet Therapy program.
  4. Perform related duties as assigned.
  5. Must comply with HIPAA standards, policies and procedures of maintaining confidentiality of patient and medical information.
  6. Volunteers are not permitted to:
    1. Position or lift patients in/out of bed, chair or wheelchair.
    2. Transport patients confined to hospital beds.
    3. Communicate clinical information to patients, clients, visitors or family members.
    4. Document clinical information.
    5. Interpret/translate clinical information in another language.

Requirements:

  1. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Successful completion of the application, interview, hospital volunteer orientation, and position specific departmental training.
  3. Volunteers will be required to submit to criminal background inquiry, national governmental sanction check, child abuse clearance, sexual offender registry clearance and Occupational Health Screening.
  4. The Pet Therapy Dog must complete the following requirements.
    1. The dog must be at least 1 year old for testing
    2. Pass required testing with Pet Therapy Program Manager
    3. Up-to-date Health records and vaccinations which include:
      1. DA2PP(distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus)
      2. Bordetella
      3. Rabies
      4. Fecal testing once a year
      5. Heartworm prevention (not only for heartworm, but for deworming for roundworm and at least hookworm on a monthly basis)
    4. Flea prevention (fleas carry and transmit a lot of diseases)
    5. Titer testing will be accepted for certain vaccinations (Rabies not included)
  5. For more information, or questions about the program and/or processes by email Emily Smith, Pet Therapy Program Manager at emily.smith@eskenazihealth.edu

It is Eskenazi Health's philosophy and policy to treat employees, volunteers and applicants fairly and without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status or physical or mental ability. Discrimination against any employee, volunteer or applicant based on any of these conditions will not be allowed or tolerated. For additional questions please contact us at: 317-880-3311.

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About HHC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Software development

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Fairfax, VA, US

Year founded

2001

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