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Therapy Dog Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Animalcare

REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Norco, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $33/hr

... therapies as directed by the veterinarian · Perform laboratory procedures including bloodwork ... and restraint of dog breeds of all sizes and cats · Ability to work independently while ...

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All JobsTherapy Dog JobsTherapy Dog Jobs in Riverside, CA

Therapy Dog information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$45.9K

$54.8K

$62.1K

How much do therapy dog jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for therapy dog in Riverside, CA is $54,771.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,600.00 and $58,900.00 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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What job categories do people searching Therapy Dog jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Therapy Dog jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Therapy Dog jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Therapy Dog job openings:

Therapy Dog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapy Dog job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,771 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Veterinarian, Full or Part time

Corona, CA • On-site

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 52 rated veterinary

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers

Learn more about VCA Seaside Animal Hospitalexternal

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Are you an energetic, outgoing veterinarian who thrives in small animal medicine and loves working with a variety of exotics? Do you value a collaborative environment that encourages learning and fun?

Animal Medical Center of Corona, located in beautiful Corona, CA, is a 4‑doctor practice looking for a veterinarian who can treat a variety of patients, including exotics, birds, reptiles, dogs, and cats.

Role Overview

We provide state‑of‑the‑art diagnostics and therapeutics in a small, collaborative setting. Tools available include an in‑house laboratory, digital radiology, digital dental radiology, a Companion Laser for therapy, advanced ultrasound, and a Vimago HDVI‑CT.

Responsibilities
  • Diagnose and treat patients across species using the clinical tools and diagnostic equipment listed above.
  • Perform surgical procedures, including soft‑tissue, orthopedics, and advanced dental care.
  • Use advanced imaging, laboratory diagnostics, and laser therapy to support patient care.
  • Participate in continuing education and apply new knowledge to patient care.
Qualifications
  • Licensed veterinarian with a valid California veterinary license.
  • Preferably over one year of experience treating exotics, birds, and reptiles, but new graduates with specific training in these areas are welcome.
  • Commitment to learning and professional development.
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills.
Benefits and Compensation
  • Competitive salary plus production bonuses; guaranteed base or 22% of gross production, whichever is greater.
  • Paid vacation time and flexible scheduling (Monday‑Friday, 9–6 with no evenings or emergencies).
  • Health and dental insurance, license fee coverage (including DEA), and paid continuing education.
  • Memberships to VIN, VETgirl, AVMA, CVMA, and specialty groups.
  • ProSal model of salary/production pay – base guaranteed with production share; no quarterly goals.
Looking to Relocate?

We are located in the greater Los Angeles area, offering proximity to beaches, sunny weather, mountains, entertainment, parks, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Work Hours

Our clinic operates Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays are closed, and there are no evening or emergency shifts.

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