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Therapy Dog Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Home Health Aide

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

If there is not an RN on the case, then a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech ... Must be able to work in pet friendly home environments which may include exposure to cats dogs or ...

Home Health Aide

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

If there is not an RN on the case, then a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech ... Must be able to work in pet friendly home environments which may include exposure to cats dogs or ...

Home Health Aide

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

If there is not an RN on the case, then a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech ... cats dogs or birds. Education and/or Experience * Required - Education to meet certification ...

Home Health Aide

Santa Rosa, CA

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

If there is not an RN on the case, then a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech ... Must be able to work in pet friendly home environments which may include exposure to cats dogs or ...

Home Health Aide

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

If there is not an RN on the case, then a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech ... cats dogs or birds. Education and/or Experience * Required - Education to meet certification ...

Therapy Dog information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$48.1K

$57.4K

$65.1K

How much do therapy dog jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for therapy dog in Santa Rosa, CA is $57,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $61,800.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Therapy Dog jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Therapy Dog jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Therapy Dog jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Therapy Dog job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,399 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Home Health Aide

Compassus

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Compassus rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 245 rated social care providers


Job description

Home Health Aide

The Home Health Aide is a trained paraprofessional who performs basic nursing or therapy functions, such as personal care, prescribed therapeutic exercises and household services essential to providing health care at home following a specific written plan of care. The Registered Nurse Clinical Case Manager supervises the Home Health Aide and the Home Health Aide plan of care in the home. If there is not an RN on the case, then a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech Language Pathologist supervises the HHA and the POC for that case.

Position Specific Responsibilities

  • Provides competent personal care as outlined on the Home Health Aide Plan of Care established by the patient, family caregiver and case manager.
  • Recognizes that the plan of care identifies the tasks the HHA is allowed to perform and that any additional patient needs require development of a new plan of care by the case manager.
  • Provides care in a safe comprehensive fashion treating each patient with dignity and respect while maintaining confidentiality.
  • Performs basic nursing care as directed and instructed by the supervising nurse including taking and recording vital signs and temperature performing simple dressing changes and assisting with routine bowel care.
  • Provides personal care including but not limited to bath assist oral and denture care skin hair and nail care shaving and nail trimming.
  • Assists patient to use the bathroom or in using a bedpan or commode.
  • Provides care of surgical or prosthetic appliances or devices as instructed including catheters colostomies leg braces and dentures.
  • Assists with prescribed exercises as taught by the Physical Therapist Occupational Therapist or Registered Nurse and as described in the plan of care.
  • Assists with positioning patients in bed and provides assistance with bed transfers ambulation and mobility.
  • Assists patients with medications that are ordinarily self administered by the patient as directed by the Registered Nurse.
  • Performs light housekeeping that facilitates the patient's self care at home and is necessary to support health and recovery.
  • Observes and reports changes in condition body functions and needs to the professional responsible for the patient's care.
  • Completes appropriate records and documentation of patient status and care or services furnished.
  • Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to develop implement and update the plan of care.
  • Responds to urgent needs by prioritizing and triaging visits.
  • Communicates schedule and work plan daily to supervisor Scheduler and other team members as appropriate.
  • Provides patient information to Clinical Supervisor Manager and staffing for effective communication and coordination.
  • Independently manages caseload plans and schedules home visits and coordinates with other team members to maximize effectiveness of care.
  • Organizes weekly schedule to attend required meetings while maintaining patient care needs.
  • Organizes and coordinates transfer of patient information for coverage during absences.
  • Provides reinforcement to patient and family as identified in the plan of care to promote independence and health at discharge.
  • Obtains required 12 hours of in service education per year which may occur in classroom or documented in field education.
  • Recognizes the need for ongoing instruction to maintain and advance skills and knowledge for patient care in the home.
  • Participates in required agency in service programs and community education to remain clinically current and participates in quality improvement activities as requested.
  • Demonstrates ability to manage time effectively and efficiently.
  • Meets agency productivity expectations.
  • Checks responds to and follows up with voice mail messages in a timely manner.
  • Manages and updates schedule daily.
  • Meets productivity standards and completes visit documentation on the day of the visit in compliance with the 48 hour documentation policy.
  • Participates in care plan meetings and interdisciplinary team meetings as appropriate.
  • Works closely with clinicians to ensure patients are assisted with activities of daily living specimen collection and supervised ambulation as directed.
  • Orients and trains new Home Health Aides as directed by Clinical Supervisor Manager.
  • Must be able to work in pet friendly home environments which may include exposure to cats dogs or birds.

Education and/or Experience

  • Required - Education to meet certification, license or registration requirements.
  • CA: Preferred - 1 year Experience as a Home Health Aide.

Skills

  • Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage.
  • Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from leaders, team members, investors, and external parties. Strong written and verbal communications.
  • Language Skills: Ability to communicate and work cohesively in a multidisciplinary team environment. Requires ability to communicate in English effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. Articulates and embraces integrated healthcare at home philosophy.
  • Other Skills and Abilities: Demonstrates competency by maintaining positive, collaborative, and constructive interpersonal relationships. Understands and practices the principles of effective teamwork. Demonstrates ability to prioritize work assignments and meet productivity and quality standards. Demonstrates ability to work with minimum supervisory guidance and exercises independent judgment within the scope of practice; adapts easily to changes in work assignments and environment, is willing to assume additional responsibility and learn new procedures.
  • Other Qualifications: Ability to work flexible hours.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations

  • BLS Requirement: National Provider BLS required within 30 days of hire. American Heart Association. Vendor managed.

State Specific Requirements

California

  • To provide home health aide services in California, an individual must be Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) licensed by the Department of Health to perform CNA-level direct patient care activities in a home health setting. Criminal record clearance is required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The demands of this role necessitate a team member to effectively perform essential functions. Adaptations can be made to accommodate team members with disabilities. Regular standing, walking, and manual dexterity are fundamental, along with the ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Visual acuity requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. In a healthcare setting, exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and conditions typical to the field is expected. Routine use of standard medical equipment and tools associated with clinical care is essential. This description provides a general overview and may vary by role and department, capturing the nuanced demands and conditions inherent to clinical positions in our organization.

At Compassus, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Pillars of Success. We are committed to creating a fair work environment where our team members feel welcomed, highly valued, and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Why Compassus

Compassus is proud to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for the fourth consecutive year. This recognition reflects the culture our teammates have built together, one rooted in compassion and a shared commitment to improving quality of life for patients and families.

At Compassus, you'll find opportunities to grow professionally, contribute meaningful ideas and make an impact through work that matters. Whether you're providing direct patient care or supporting our mission behind the scenes, every role plays an important part in helping us deliver exceptional care.

Compensation range:$24.00 - $32.62

The amounts listed are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities

Comppassus offers a comprehensive benefits package including, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k and much more.


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