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Therapy Dogs Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Wagmore Co

Dog Groomer Part Time

Wayzata, MN · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Finally, Wagmore Co committed to our community, by providing grooming services for M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital Therapy Dogs - Fern, Inka & Jersey, and Ronald ...

Wagmore Co

Dog Groomer Part Time

Wayzata, MN · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Finally, Wagmore Co committed to our community, by providing grooming services for M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital Therapy Dogs - Fern, Inka & Jersey, and Ronald ...

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All JobsTherapy Dogs JobsTherapy Dogs Jobs in Minnesota

Therapy Dogs information

See Minnesota salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do therapy dogs jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapy dogs in Minnesota is $13.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $15.05 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 Minnesota? For Therapy Dogs jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Therapy Dogs jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Therapy Dogs jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Therapy Dogs jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Therapy Dogs job openings:
Therapy Dogs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapy Dogs job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,110 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

Pet Therapy Volunteer - Anoka

St Croix Hospice

Anoka, MN • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

St. Croix Hospice rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated hospices

Job description

Do you have a certified pet therapy dog and want to share your time and compassion with others?

As a Certified Pet Therapy Volunteer you can enrich the lives of St. Croix Hospice patients in your community. In person visits would involve you and your certified pet therapy dog visiting patients at their residence on a regular basis. Scheduling is flexible.

Certified therapy dogs provide a healing presence to our end-of-life patients by reducing stress and anxiety and increasing feelings of joy, warmth, and connection. Patients live in their homes or in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities.

  • All pet companions must be pet therapy certified and have up-to-date immunizations and health records.

I am more than happy to answer any questions via email, phone or in person. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me. My name is Tara Van Berkom. My phone number is 612-477-4952, and my email is tvanberkom@stcroixhospice.com.

Watch our video to learn more: St. Croix Hospice - Volunteers

What St. Croix Hospice employees say

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