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Therapy Dog Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Final Two Survivor LLC

Dog Trainer

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Service dog or therapy dog training experience. * Previous dog training certifications. * Shelter, rescue, or vet tech background. Why join us? * Fun, supportive team environment. * Ongoing ...

Final Two Survivor LLC

Dog Trainer

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Service dog or therapy dog training experience. * Previous dog training certifications. * Shelter, rescue, or vet tech background. Why join us? * Fun, supportive team environment. * Ongoing ...

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$44K

$52.5K

$59.5K

How much do therapy dog jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for therapy dog in the United States is $52,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $56,500.00 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.

What are therapy dogs?

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 cities are hiring for Therapy Dog jobs? Cities with the most Therapy Dog job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Therapy Dog jobs? The most popular types of Therapy Dog jobs are:
What states have the most Therapy Dog jobs? States with the most job openings for Therapy Dog jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Therapy Dog jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Therapy Dog jobs are:
Therapy Dog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapy Dog job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,499 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Hospice Pet Therapy Volunteers Needed!

Hospice Pet Therapy Volunteers Needed!

Elara Caring

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

Elara Caring rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 235 rated social care providers

Job description

Pet Therapy

Make a real difference in someone's life!

Elara Caring, a leading care provider in the Midwest, is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide exceptional end of life care to local hospice patients and their families.

Elara Caring is looking for Pet Therapy volunteers (handlers with dogs only). A visit from a therapy dog can be so beneficial. Terminally ill patients enjoy the extra attention and unconditional love they feel from a four-legged companion. In order to volunteer and visit patients, you must have your own dog who is already certified through Therapy Dogs International, West Michigan Therapy Dogs or Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs.

Hours are flexible, weekdays, evenings or weekends. Dog/Handler teams typically visit patients 1-2 times per month.

For more information, contact Nikisha Edmonds at 517-581-7010 or nedmonds@elara.com

Volunteer must have his/her own certified Therapy Dog. Handler must be able to provide dog's health record, Therapy certification and certificate of liability insurance policy.

What Elara Caring employees say

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About Elara Caring

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Elara Caring, we have an unique opportunity to play a huge role in the growth of an entire home care industry. Here, each employee has the chance to make a real difference by carrying out our mission every day. Join our elite team of healthcare professionals, providing the Right Care, at the Right Time, in the Right Place.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1994

Social media

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