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Therapy Dogs Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Pet Therapy Program

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The dog must be at least 1 year old for testing * Pass required testing with Pet Therapy Program Manager * Up-to-date Health records and vaccinations which include: * DA2PP(distemper, adenovirus ...

Surgical and therapy lasers * Lift tables for large dogs * Paperless records (ezyVet coming soon!) * Competitive compensation packages * Comprehensive benefits: health, dental, vision, 401(k), CE ...

Surgical and therapy lasers * Lift tables for large dogs * Paperless records (ezyVet coming soon!) What's in it for you: * Competitive compensation packages * Comprehensive benefits: health, dental ...

Part Time Caregiver

Whiteland, IN ยท On-site

$17 - $18/hr

The ideal candidate is patient, okay with dogs, compassionate, and reliable. RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist with personal hygiene needs and dressing * Assist with mobility, walking, and physical therapy ...

Acute Physical Therapist

Avilla, IN ยท On-site

$1.3K - $1.7K/wk

In this role, you'll provide personalized, hands-on therapy to individuals recovering from ... You might take your dog to the off-leash park by the river, or bike the 25-mile Rivergreenway ...

Part Time Caregiver

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$17 - $18/hr

The ideal candidate is patient, okay with dogs, compassionate, and reliable. RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist with personal hygiene needs and dressing * Assist with mobility, walking, and physical therapy ...

Veterinary Kennel Technician

Franklin, IN ยท On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

... Cold Therapy Laser, Surgical Laser, 24-hr Nursing Care, Medical Boarding & more. To learn more ... Perform moderately heavy physical labor (large dogs, bags of litter, pet foods, etc). * Ability to ...

Veterinary Kennel Technician

Franklin, IN ยท On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

... Cold Therapy Laser, Surgical Laser, 24-hr Nursing Care, Medical Boarding & more. To learn more ... Perform moderately heavy physical labor (large dogs, bags of litter, pet foods, etc). * Ability to ...

Veterinary Kennel Technician

Franklin, IN ยท On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

... Cold Therapy Laser, Surgical Laser, 24-hr Nursing Care, Medical Boarding & more. To learn more ... Perform moderately heavy physical labor (large dogs, bags of litter, pet foods, etc). * Ability to ...

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Therapy Dogs information

See Indiana salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do therapy dogs jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapy dogs in Indiana is $13.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.20 and $14.62 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.

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 dog certification through organizations like Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International. Experience with dogs, good communication skills, and a background in healthcare or social work can also be beneficial; some positions may require background checks and ongoing training.

Is animal assisted therapy a good career?

Animal assisted therapy is a recognized profession involving trained therapy dogs working with certified handlers to support mental and physical health. It requires specific training, certifications, and a background in healthcare or social services, and often involves working in healthcare facilities, schools, or community programs. The career can be rewarding but also demands strong interpersonal skills and adherence to safety and ethical standards.

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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Therapy Dogs jobs in Indiana? For Therapy Dogs jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Therapy Dogs jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Therapy Dogs jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Therapy Dogs jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Therapy Dogs job openings:
Infographic showing various Therapy Dogs job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,311 per year, or $13.1 per hour.

Hospice patients enjoy time with therapy dogs. - Kokomo, IN

Elara Caring - Kokomo

Kokomo, IN โ€ข On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Make a real difference in someoneโ€™s life!

Elara Caring, one of the nationโ€™s largest providers of home-based care, 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 Hospice 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, Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs.

Volunteer must have his/her own certified Therapy Dog. Handler must be able to provide dogโ€™s health record (current DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies and fecal tests), therapy certification and certified of liability insurance policy.

Hours are very flexible, weekdays, evenings or weekends. Typically, we ask that you visit your assigned patient 1-2 hours per week or offer 1-2 hours per week or work in the office.

For more information contact, Dawn Healey 765-438-6595 dhealey@elara.com