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Therapy Dog Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Surgical and therapy lasers * Lift tables for large dogs * Paperless records (ezyVet coming soon!) * Competitive compensation packages * Comprehensive benefits: health, dental, vision, 401(k), CE ...

Surgical and therapy lasers * Lift tables for large dogs * Paperless records (ezyVet coming soon!) What's in it for you: * Competitive compensation packages * Comprehensive benefits: health, dental ...

Acute Physical Therapist

Avilla, IN · On-site

$1.3K - $1.7K/wk

In this role, you'll provide personalized, hands-on therapy to individuals recovering from ... You might take your dog to the off-leash park by the river, or bike the 25-mile Rivergreenway ...

The ideal candidate is patient, okay with dogs, compassionate, and reliable. RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist with personal hygiene needs and dressing * Assist with mobility, walking, and physical therapy ...

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Therapy Dog information

See Indiana salary details

$41.9K

$50K

$56.6K

How much do therapy dog jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for therapy dog in Indiana is $49,957.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,200.00 and $53,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can handlers expect in terms of collaboration and support when working with a therapy dog in healthcare settings?

Handlers working with therapy dogs in healthcare environments often collaborate closely with medical staff, social workers, and facility administrators to ensure visits are safe and beneficial for patients. Communication is key—handlers are typically briefed on patient needs and facility protocols before visits. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, handlers may help set goals for patient interaction and adjust their approach based on feedback. This collaborative structure not only supports the handler and dog but also enhances the overall effectiveness of therapy dog programs.

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

To thrive as a Therapy Dog, a dog must have a calm temperament, be well-socialized, and have basic obedience training, often validated through therapy dog certification programs. Handlers and dogs typically work with organizations that require evaluation and registration, and familiarity with environments like hospitals or schools is beneficial. Exceptional patience, gentleness, and the ability to respond positively to new people and situations are vital soft skills for therapy dogs. These qualities ensure that therapy dogs can safely and effectively provide comfort, support, and emotional benefits to individuals in need.

What are jobs that work with therapy dogs?

Therapy dog training jobs involve teaching dogs to perform specialized behaviors with the goal of providing support to people who have disabilities or physical limitations. As a trainer for a therapy dog, your duties focus on training the dog to assist a client with particular tasks, like helping a blind person cross the street, or to provide general animal therapy. Your responsibilities vary but typically include training a dog while evaluating their temperament and progress. Some trainers work with dogs who serve people with a specific limitation, while others train dogs to service people with multiple disabilities.

What is the difference between Therapy Dog vs Service Dog?

AspectTherapy DogService Dog
Required CredentialsTraining programs, certifications from therapy dog organizationsExtensive training, certification from organizations like the ADA or Assistance Dogs International
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, nursing homes, therapy sessionsPublic spaces, assisting individuals with disabilities in daily activities
Employer/Industry UsageHealthcare, education, therapy servicesIndividuals with disabilities, federal and state programs

Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and emotional support in various settings, while service dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities in daily tasks. Both roles require specific training and certifications, but service dogs have legal protections to accompany their owners everywhere, unlike therapy dogs which are primarily used in designated environments.

How do you become a therapy dog?

To become a therapy dog, a dog must complete basic obedience training and pass a temperament assessment to ensure they are calm and friendly. Afterward, the dog and handler typically undergo certification through a recognized organization, which may include health checks and behavior evaluations, to qualify for therapy work in settings like hospitals or schools.

What is a therapy dog?

Therapy dogs are specially trained animals that provide comfort, support, and affection to people in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, disaster areas, and other settings. Unlike service dogs, which assist individuals with disabilities, therapy dogs work with their handlers to improve the emotional well-being of groups or individuals in need. They help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness, and their presence can have positive effects on mental and physical health. Therapy dogs must be calm, friendly, and well-behaved in various environments, and they usually undergo certification or training to ensure they are suitable for this important role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Therapy Dog jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Therapy Dog jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Therapy Dog jobs in Indiana? For Therapy Dog jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Therapy Dog jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Therapy Dog job openings:
Infographic showing various Therapy Dog job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,957 per year, or $24 per hour.

Hospice patients enjoy time with therapy dogs. - Kokomo, IN

Elara Caring - Kokomo

Kokomo, IN • On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Make a real difference in someone’s life!

Elara Caring, one of the nation’s largest providers of home-based care, is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide exceptional end-of-life care to local hospice patients and their families.

Elara Caring Hospice is looking for Pet Therapy volunteers (handlers with dogs only). A visit from a therapy dog can be so beneficial. Terminally ill patients enjoy the extra attention and unconditional love they feel from a four-legged companion. In order to volunteer and visit patients, you must have your own dog who is already certified through Therapy Dogs International, West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs.

Volunteer must have his/her own certified Therapy Dog. Handler must be able to provide dog’s health record (current DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies and fecal tests), therapy certification and certified of liability insurance policy.

Hours are very flexible, weekdays, evenings or weekends. Typically, we ask that you visit your assigned patient 1-2 hours per week or offer 1-2 hours per week or work in the office.

For more information contact, Dawn Healey 765-438-6595 dhealey@elara.com