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Therapy Dog Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Heart

Registered Nurse (RN)

Vienna, VA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Events to include therapy dogs, raffles, and other fun events Virginia Heart is Northern Virginia's premier cardiovascular practice, bringing an unparalleled standard of excellence to our patients.

Virginia Heart

Registered Nurse (RN)

Vienna, VA · On-site

Events to include therapy dogs, raffles, and other fun events Virginia Heart is Northern Virginia's premier cardiovascular practice, bringing an unparalleled standard of excellence to our patients.

Virginia Heart

Registered Nurse (RN)

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Events to include therapy dogs, raffles, and other fun events Virginia Heart is Northern Virginia's premier cardiovascular practice, bringing an unparalleled standard of excellence to our patients.

Virginia Heart

Registered Nurse (RN)

Falls Church, VA · On-site

Events to include therapy dogs, raffles, and other fun events Virginia Heart is Northern Virginia's premier cardiovascular practice, bringing an unparalleled standard of excellence to our patients.

Virginia Heart

Medical Coder

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$23 - $29/hr

... therapy dogs, raffles, and other fun events. Virginia Heart is Northern Virginia's premier cardiovascular practice, bringing an unparalleled standard of excellence to our patients. We are seeking ...

Virginia Heart

Front Desk Medical Receptionist

Reston, VA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Events to include therapy dogs, raffles, and other fun events Virginia Heart is Northern Virginia's premier cardiovascular practice, bringing an unparalleled standard of excellence to our patients.

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All JobsTherapy Dog JobsTherapy Dog Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Therapy Dog information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$45.5K

$54.3K

$61.5K

How much do therapy dog jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for therapy dog in Silver Spring, MD is $54,273.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $58,400.00 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 Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Therapy Dog jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Therapy Dog jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Therapy Dog job openings:

Therapy Dog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapy Dog job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,273 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Veterinarian - Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia! Up to $30k Sign On Bonus!

Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia

Columbia, MD • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Practice
If you want a practice that feels like home, then you'll find it at Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia! Conveniently located with plenty of parking for our clients, our small animal practice is bright and busy, with a welcoming feeling once you walk in the door!
Position Purpose
At Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia, we're more than a busy small animal practice-we're a close-knit, collaborative team that genuinely cares about our patients, clients, and each other. Whether you're looking for full-time or part-time work, this is a place where you'll be supported, valued, and encouraged to grow. You'll have the freedom to practice great medicine, backed by a skilled team that keeps your day running smoothly. You'll also find strong mentorship and real collaboration with experienced doctors who enjoy teaching and learning together.
Grow your interests
We support your development in areas like:
  • Laser therapy
  • Orthopedics exposure
  • Ultrasound
  • Dentistry
  • Advanced radiology

Have a special interest? We'll help you build it here.
About Columbia, MD
Located between Baltimore and Washington, Columbia offers top-ranked schools, excellent safety, and a vibrant mix of nature and city life-plus easy access to both the mountains and the Chesapeake Bay.
Who we're looking for
  • Collaborative, team-oriented veterinarian
  • Strong communicator who values client relationships
  • Curious, growth-minded, and engaged in medicine
  • All experience levels welcome

If you want a place where you can practice great medicine, continue to learn, and actually enjoy your team-you'll fit right in here.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Examine and treat companion animals to detect and determine the nature of disease or injuries.
  • Operate diagnostic equipment and collect diagnostic samples as well as interpret results.
  • Advise pet owners on preventative care and treatment options.
  • Perform surgery and prescribe medication as needed.
  • Provide counsel around pet end of life care.
  • Maintain patients' medical records.
  • Ensures compliance with veterinary ethics and relevant statues, policies, and procedures.

Requirements/Qualifications
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited AVMA institution.
  • Appropriate state licensure.
  • Eligibility to obtain DEA/BNDD.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrates professional and courteous presentation consistently with staff and clients.
  • Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance.

Benefits Offered
  • Competitive Compensation - All salary ranges are negotiable based on experience
  • Unlimited personal time
  • Bonus incentives
  • Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance
  • Retirement benefits (401(k), Roth(k) with match)
  • CE and licensure reimbursement
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Managing career path development
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • DVM Referral Program
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Relocation assistance available

Please feel free to reach out directly to ghagerman@heartlandvetpartners.com or text me at 502.994.4793 for more information.
Pay Range
USD $120,000.00 - USD $140,000.00 /Yr.

Apply