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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 ...

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 6, 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 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.
More about Therapy Dog jobs
What are popular job titles related to Therapy Dog jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Therapy Dog jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Therapy Dog jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Therapy Dog jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Therapy Dog jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Therapy Dog job openings:
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 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,034 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Health Promotion Program Manager I

HealthFitness

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

HealthFitness rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 63 rated gym and leisure clubs

Job description

HealthFitness, a Trustmark company, is a proven leader in providing fitness solutions that engage and connect people both on-site and online, to create a strong community of health. Our work focuses on creating meaningful connections with each of our participants to help them move forward. We foster each individual's journey by creating communities of health within the organizations we serve - so that everyone is supported. As an employee of HealthFitness you will enjoy a variety of health and financial benefits and receive competitive pay. We provide personal and professional support, training and development and flexible employment opportunities.
About the role
HealthFitness is seeking a Program Manager I - Health Promotion to support a large client health promotion program in Durham, NC area. In this role, you will lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of wellness initiatives that help employees build healthier habits and stay engaged in their well-being. This position is a great fit for a health promotion professional who enjoys collaborating with client partners, managing program logistics, supporting a team of part-time wellness staff, and using data to evaluate outcomes and improve program impact. If you are organized, relationship-focused, and motivated by turning wellness strategies into meaningful employee experiences, we'd like to hear from you. Flexible M-F schedule and must be able to work in close proximity to therapy dogs.
Responsible for the planning, implementation, coordination, and delivery of health promotion activities throughout a designated geographical region/segment of a large client health promotion program to facilitate behavior change, maximize engagement and outcomes and customer satisfaction. Collaborates with site stakeholders and serves as the primary client contact at locations in their region; integrates directly with client health partners; and collects and evaluates program data to support the ROI process.
Key Accountabilities:
  • Develops and implements the yearly strategic business plan for DRAH and DRH Hospitals including program plan, marketing plan, and communication plan. Ensures contract compliance. Manages client relationship to ensure that high customer satisfaction is maintained and HealthFitness value is reinforced.
  • Supervises part-time staff including health coaches, dietitans and chair massage therapists.
  • Interfaces with client company management and peripheral departments at DRAH and DRH Hospitals. Maintains on-going communication with client management, medical department, and other functional areas including health related vendor-suppliers, as appropriate, to assess client needs and identify HFC programming solutions
  • Coordinates planning and delivery of all health promotion programs throughout the entire organization in collaboration with corporate and site stakeholders; ensures full integration of program throughout all lines of Client business (e.g., includes wellness challenges, wellness webinars, departmental presentations, on-site farmers market, pet therapy program). Designs and develops outcomes focused health promotion programs and interventions including data collection and evaluation process.
  • Coordinates marketing and communications of all health promotion programs to maximize program engagement, bringing in HealthFitness Corporate support as appropriate.
  • Assesses effectiveness of current health education interventions and enhance delivery methods to reach all segments of the population with greater impact on outcome results.
  • Maintains accurate records and ensures confidentiality of all data collected for health promotion activities in accordance with HealthFitness requirements including if applicable, file transfer processes collaborating with other health related suppliers. Tracks participant and program data for measurement of individual and program goal achievement, outcomes, and results. Creates outcomes focused management reports based on the identified business plan goals and objectives.
  • Prepares and manages operating budget. Ensures expenditures are made in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. Submits employment forms, payroll records, and billing worksheets accurately and according to contract provisions and HealthFitness policies as applicable.
  • Other duties as needed/assigned.

Education and Experience:
  • Minimum 1 years related industry experience, including program management in a health plan, health improvement, or related environment.
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Strong leadership, team management, interpersonal and customer service skills including the ability to motivate others.
  • Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work demands.
  • Computer proficiency in MS Office including at minimum Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Demonstrated experience in the areas of program development and implementation, data collection and analysis and outcomes reporting.
  • Prior supervisory experience strongly preferred.

The compensation range for this role is $53,000 - $63,000 annually. The final wage offer will be determined based on factors such as location, qualifications, experience, skill set, and other relevant factors. We understand that compensation is an important factor when considering a new opportunity, and we strive to provide a competitive wage within the market.
Brand: HealthFitness
Come join HealthFitness! Join a team that will not only utilize your current skills but will enhance them as well. We offer a comprehensive benefit package that includes Medical/Dental/Vision plans including HSA, PPO and FSA options, retirement/401(k) with employer matching program, fitness and wellness programs incentivized with medical plan discounts, certification reimbursement program, tuition reimbursement, paid new parent leave, paid Holidays and PTO (starting at 3 weeks for full-time associates), volunteer paid time off and much more.
HealthFitness is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our people and our business. We are an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

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