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Therapy Dogs Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VetCor

Veterinarian - Visalia, CA

Visalia, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We proudly care for local police K9s and fire department therapy dogs, collaborate with the Visalia Feral Cat Coalition, partner with the local SPCA and rescue organizations, and honor euthanasia ...

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Visalia, CA

Visalia, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We proudly care for local police K9s and fire department therapy dogs, collaborate with the Visalia Feral Cat Coalition, partner with the local SPCA and rescue organizations, and honor euthanasia ...

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All JobsTherapy Dogs JobsTherapy Dogs Jobs in California

Therapy Dogs information

See California salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do therapy dogs jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapy dogs in California is $13.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $15.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are therapy dogs?

Therapy dogs are specially trained animals that provide comfort, support, and affection to people in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other settings. Unlike service dogs, which assist people with disabilities, therapy dogs are primarily there to improve emotional well-being and reduce stress or anxiety. They work alongside their handlers as a team and are evaluated for their temperament and ability to interact positively with a variety of people. Therapy dogs are not granted public access rights like service dogs but are invited into facilities to provide their therapeutic benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal-assisted therapy dog handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal-Assisted Therapy Dog Handler, you need knowledge of canine behavior, animal training, and basic healthcare, alongside completion of therapy dog certification programs. Familiarity with therapy dog evaluation standards and organizations such as Pet Partners or Alliance of Therapy Dogs is important for proper credentialing. Excellent communication, patience, and empathy are essential soft skills for building trust with clients and ensuring animal welfare. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, ethical, and effective therapeutic interactions that benefit both clients and therapy animals.

What are some common challenges handlers face when working with therapy dogs in healthcare settings?

Handlers often encounter challenges such as adapting to different patient needs, maintaining the dog's calm demeanor in busy or noisy environments, and ensuring infection control protocols are followed. Therapy dogs must be comfortable with unpredictable situations, such as sudden movements or medical equipment, and handlers need to be vigilant about their dog's stress signals. Effective communication with healthcare staff and understanding facility rules are also essential to ensure safe and successful visits.

What is the difference between Therapy Dogs vs Service Dogs?

AspectTherapy DogsService Dogs
Required CredentialsBasic training, certification from therapy dog organizationsExtensive training, certification, and often public access tests
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, nursing homes, therapy sessionsPublic spaces, assisting individuals with disabilities
Employer & Industry UsageTherapy organizations, hospitals, schoolsIndividuals with disabilities, federal and state agencies

Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs serve different roles. Therapy Dogs provide comfort and emotional support in settings like hospitals and schools, requiring basic training and certification. Service Dogs assist individuals with disabilities, undergo extensive training, and have legal access to public spaces. Understanding these differences helps clarify their unique functions and training requirements.

How to get a job working with therapy dogs?

To work with therapy dogs, individuals typically need to complete training in animal handling and therapy techniques, often through certification programs such as those offered by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs or Pet Partners. Experience with dogs, a compassionate attitude, and background checks are usually required, and some positions may require a veterinary or healthcare background depending on the setting.

Is animal-assisted therapy a good career?

Animal-assisted therapy is a specialized field where therapy dogs are used to support mental and physical health. It requires training, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, and can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others through animal interaction.

What qualifications do you need to have a therapy dog?

To qualify as a therapy dog, the dog must be well-behaved, social, and comfortable around people. The handler often needs to complete training and certification programs that assess the dog's temperament and obedience, such as those offered by organizations like Therapy Dogs International or the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

What are popular job titles related to Therapy Dogs jobs in California?

For Therapy Dogs jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Therapy Dogs jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Therapy Dogs jobs in California are:

Therapy Dogs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapy Dogs job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,325 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Dental Assistant

Storybook Smiles Children's Dentistry

San Jose, CA

$21 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Storybook Smiles Children's Dentistry is a dental office for kids in San Jose, CA. Our goal is to provide excellent dental care to all children, in a comfortable and cheerful environment. We have therapy dogs who come into the office and help the children feel comfortable! 

Our work environment includes:

  • Brand new office, state-of-the-art equipment
  • Safe work environment
  • Lively atmosphere

Responsibilities:
- The number one thing is to have a positive attitude!
- Assist the dentist during dental procedures
- Take dental radiographs (x-rays)
- Prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment
- Provide patients with instructions for oral care following dental treatment
- Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques

- Apply sealants
- Perform various office tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and managing billing and insurance claims
- Maintain a clean and organized dental office environment

Qualifications:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- X-ray certification and coronal polishing certificates are required

- Spanish-speaker required

This position offers competitive pay. If you are a dedicated and compassionate individual with a passion for dental care, we encourage you to apply.

Apply