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Therapy Dog Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Pet Resort Attendant

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$10.50 - $13/hr

Provide attentive daily care for dogs and cats staying in our pet hotel and daycare programs ... to therapy through Lyra Health • Paid parental leave • Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a ...

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Pet Resort Attendant

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$10.50 - $13/hr

Provide attentive daily care for dogs and cats staying in our pet hotel and daycare programs ... Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health * Paid parental leave

Park Veterinary Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Durham, NC · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

Laser therapy * Technician appointments * Comprehensive preventive and urgent care To maintain the ... Confidence working with both dogs and cats * The ability to lift up to 40 pounds and remain active ...

All JobsTherapy Dog JobsTherapy Dog Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Therapy Dog information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$42.8K

$51K

$57.8K

How much do therapy dog jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for therapy dog in Raleigh, NC is $51,034.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,100.00 and $54,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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, friendly, and well-behaved around people. Afterward, the dog and handler typically undergo certification through a recognized organization, which may include health checks, behavior testing, and training in handling skills. Ongoing socialization and regular re-evaluation help maintain the therapy dog's suitability for visits.
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Therapy Dog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapy Dog job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, and 46% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,034 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Jordan & Associates
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Jordan & Associatesexternal

$26 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour Job description: Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) – Creedmoor Road Animal Hospital Raleigh, NC | Independently Doctor-Owned Creedmoor Road Animal Hospital is looking for a dedicated, skilled, and compassionate Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to join our team in North Raleigh. As part of Timothy Jordan & Associates / Legacy Veterinary Group of the Carolinas, we are independently owned, locally operated, and focused on empowering technicians to work at the top of their license - not limited by corporate red tape. If you're seeking a supportive, team-driven environment where your voice matters and your skills are fully utilized, this is the place for you. About the Role We are seeking a professional, motivated RVT with strong animal handling abilities, excellent technical skills, and a passion for high-quality patient care. The ideal candidate has experience in veterinary nursing, anesthesia, dentistry, diagnostics, and client communication - and thrives in a fast-paced but supportive environment. You'll play a vital role in patient care, providing hands-on technical support to our veterinarians and ensuring the highest medical standards for every pet we serve. Responsibilities As an RVT at Creedmoor Road Animal Hospital, you will: Clinical & Technical Skills Assist veterinarians during examinations, surgeries, dental procedures, and diagnostics Perform safe and effective animal restraint for dogs and cats Conduct venipuncture, IV catheterization, medication administration, and fluid therapy Monitor anesthesia and maintain aseptic technique during all surgical preparations Perform dental cleanings and full-mouth digital dental radiographs Operate diagnostic tools including digital X-ray, ultrasound support, and in-house laboratory equipment Collect and analyze lab samples (blood, urine, fecal, cytology, etc.) Document accurate medical histories and update treatment plans in our PIMS Patient Care & Husbandry Provide compassionate animal care and monitoring during hospitalization Assist with animal husbandry, including feeding, cleaning, and observing patient health status Support kennel cleanliness and promote comfort for hospitalized pets Client Support Educate clients on treatment plans, medications, preventive care, and postprocedure instructions Provide supportive communication with empathy and professionalism Additional Skills Pet grooming or light handling tasks as needed Assisting with pet behavioral handling and safe low-stress techniques (Fear Free-minded approach) Candidate Skills & Qualifications Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) – North Carolina license or eligibility required Strong knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology Experience with veterinary critical care and anesthesia monitoring Proficiency in safe restraint and handling of dogs and cats (equine experience a bonus but not required) Familiarity with dental terminology and small animal dentistry procedures Competence with digital radiography Excellent communication skills for client education and teamwork Ability to work efficiently, multitask, and remain detail-oriented in a fast-paced setting Genuine compassion for animals and dedication to high-quality patient care Why You'll Love Working Here Hourly Pay: $26–$28 per hour, based on experience A team-driven, friendly, drama-free culture Independently owned - your ideas matter here No corporate restrictions or quotas Modern medical equipment: digital radiography, digital dental X-ray, ultrasound, laser therapy No on-call or weekend requirements Health, dental, and vision allowance 401(k) with company match PTO + paid maternity/paternity leave CE allowance & paid CE days Paid RVT license renewals Uniform allowance Employee pet care discounts Ready to Join the Creedmoor Family? If you're an experienced, compassionate RVT who loves teamwork, excellent medicine, and a positive culture, we'd love to meet you!