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Pet Therapy Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Pet Resort Attendant

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$10.50 - $13/hr

... therapy through Lyra Health • Paid parental leave • Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet • Subsidized backup childcare and elder care • Expert advice, support and network discounts for ...

Pet Resort Attendant

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$10.50 - $13/hr

Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health * Paid parental leave * Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet * Subsidized backup childcare and elder care * Expert ...

Physical Therapy Assistant * Discipline: Therapy * Duration: Ongoing * Employment Type: Staff ... Pet insurance * Sick pay * Employee assistance programs * Medical benefits * Dental benefits

Child Autism Therapist

Cary, NC · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

North Carolina's Premier Aba Therapy Provider For Children With Autism We are a values-driven ... Pet insurance What you'll bring: * A passion for working with children with autism and their ...

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Pet Therapy information

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How much do pet therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for pet therapy in Raleigh, NC is $15.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.74 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pet Therapy jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Pet Therapy jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Pet Therapy jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Pet Therapy job openings:

Infographic showing various Pet Therapy job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,664 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Pet Resort Attendant

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Holly Springs, NC • On-site

$10.50 - $13/hr

Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Thrive Pet Healthcare rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 139 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Description
Pet Resort Attendant
Part-Time
Trinity Animal Hospital
Holly Springs, NC
About You
You'll play an important role in pets' lives by providing end-to-end care for our
precious patients. Your life-changing work will range from the hands-on care of
facilitating treatments and performing laboratory tests, to support
services including admitting and discharging patients.
The success of your patients' care matters to you, and your success matters to us.
Your Experience & Skills
• 1-2 years of pet care experience
Trinity Animal Hospital is looking for a Pet Resort Attendance to join us as part of the Thrive Pet
Healthcare community.
At Trinity Animal Hospital, you'll feel the warmth and culture of a small hospital. As a
hospital deeply rooted in the local community, you will experience the best of both
worlds: a genuine local culture with the benefits of Thrive's national resources.
About The Hospital
Trinity Animal Hospital is a General Practice and Pet Hotel located in Holly Springs, NC focusing on Dogs and Cats.
Our hospital offers a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where exceptional pet care and outstanding client service go hand in hand. We serve a diverse community of pet owners who trust us to provide a safe, clean, and enriching experience for their beloved companions.
We pride ourselves on compassion, teamwork, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to providing the highest level of care for every pet. Dependability, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a genuine love for animals are all equally important for success in this role.
We are open 7 days a week, serving the Holly Springs, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, and Cary communities.
You're Willing and Able To:
  • Provide attentive daily care for dogs and cats staying in our pet hotel and daycare programs
  • Monitor pets for changes in behavior, appetite, activity level, or overall well-being and promptly communicate concerns to the veterinary team
  • Maintain a safe, clean, sanitary, and welcoming environment throughout boarding, daycare, play yards, kennels, and common areas
  • Safely handle, leash, restrain, feed, medicate (as directed), and transport pets throughout the hospital and boarding facility
  • Supervise individual and group play activities while promoting positive social interactions and ensuring pet safety at all times
  • Support hospital operations by assisting with patient movement, cleaning protocols, laundry, stocking supplies, and other facility needs
  • Communicate professionally with pet owners regarding their pet's stay, daily activities, and special care instructions
  • Follow all hospital safety protocols, animal handling procedures, and infection control standards
  • Work collaboratively with veterinary staff, client service representatives, and fellow pet care team members to ensure exceptional care and customer service
  • Assist during busy periods, adapt to changing priorities, and help maintain efficient patient and boarding flow throughout the hospital
  • Be willing to guide, mentor, and support fellow team members while contributing to a positive and collaborative workplace culture

What Makes You a Great Fit
  • Passion for animal care and welfare
  • Ability to work in a physically demanding, fast-paced environment
  • Strong observational skills and attention to detail
  • Dependable, positive, and team-focused attitude
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Ability to remain calm and professional when working with pets of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical needs

You'll Grow with Us
Here, you can grow your career as best fits you through access to comprehensive
learning and skillset programs. You can build your skills and earn credentials
through:
• Our vast, diverse, and free library of continuing education courses - ThriveU
• Live, virtual interactive workshops to develop valuable leadership skills
• A program designed to teach you the fundamentals of running a pet hospital
And, with so many locations nationwide, you can find and move into any specialty,
hospital type, or environment. Join us and provide your best care at a clinic that is
deeply rooted within its community and bolstered by the resources of Thrive Pet
Healthcare.
Benefits - our care in action
Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members' emotional, physical,
professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and
short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:
• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match
• Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra
Health
• Paid parental leave
• Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet
• Subsidized backup childcare and elder care
• Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning
• FREE CE courses
• Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
• Student loan support tools and assistance
*Some benefits shown are only for full-time team members who work 30 hours or more per week.
Certain Benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.
Compensation negotiable based on credentials and experience with a hourly pay
rate starting at $15 - $18/ hour. The actual rate offered will carefully consider a wide
range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
About Thrive
Thrive Pet Healthcare creates the future of pet well-being through medical
excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and
partners. Today, its network of 360+ primary, emergency, and specialty hospitals
across the U.S. cares for pets of all ages and health needs, while portfolio companies
provide tools and technology that help veterinary teams work smarter and deliver
better care. Thrive invests in its people-through mentorship, leadership programs,
continuing education, and well-being initiatives-so teams can grow and feel
supported. For pet owners, convenient solutions such as a mobile app, Thrive Plus
membership, HereFurYou Helpline, online booking, and flexible financial options
make accessing quality care simpler- giving families the peace of mind their pets
deserve. Learn more at thrivepetcare.com.
We welcome you to join our story and join where #WeThriveTogether.

What Thrive Pet Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Thrive Pet Healthcare logo

About Thrive Pet Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Thrive Pet Healthcare, located in Austin, TX, US, operates within the veterinary services industry, providing high-quality healthcare solutions for pets. The company offers an extensive range of pet care services, from vaccinations and routine exams to dental care and surgical procedures. Founded on the principle of making pet healthcare both affordable and convenient, Thrive Pet Healthcare has become an integral part of the pet care community, upholding this mission with unmatched dedication. They believe in providing comprehensive care that benefits the overall well-being of pets and have made substantial progress in incorporating advanced methodologies and equipment in their facilities.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US

Year founded

2003