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Therapy Dogs Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Hound Therapy Llc

Dog Bather

Plano, TX · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

We are seeking an experienced Dog Bather to join our team! You will be responsible for the overall care and well-being of the animals at our facility. Responsibilities: * Handle general care tasks ...

Hound Therapy Llc

Dog Bather

Plano, TX · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

We are seeking an experienced Dog Bather to join our team! You will be responsible for the overall care and well-being of the animals at our facility. Responsibilities: * Handle general care tasks ...

MOST/DFW

Occupational Therapist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$37.25 - $49/hr

Facility Therapy Dog for use during your sessions * Administrative support: Intake coordinators and Leads assist with scheduling, billing of services, and more * Opportunities for growth and ...

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Therapy Dogs information

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How much do therapy dogs jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapy dogs in Texas is $12.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.96 and $14.33 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 Texas?

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

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Therapy Dogs jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Therapy Dogs job openings:

Therapy Dogs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapy Dogs job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,739 per year, or $12.9 per hour.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

MOST/DFW

Dallas, TX • On-site

$26.50 - $35.25/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

MOST/DFW is looking for a passionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to work in an interdisciplinary team of Speech, Physical, and ABA therapists for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.


At MOST/DFW, we strive to make the MOST of therapy and make the MOST of life! We believe in a world where all individuals are empowered to reach their full potential and live happy lives within their communities. Through personal connections, thoughtful listening, and observation, we build relationships to support our patients and their families. We work to reach our patient’s goals through engaging activities, education, and strategies impactful to their daily lives. Working as an interdisciplinary team of speech, occupational, and physical therapists, we provide fun and functional therapy to improve quality of life.


This position is IN-CLINIC, and treats out of our Dallas territory, treating at 2-3 ABA centers where we partner in Forney, Mesquite, and Rowlett. This position is a 1099 contract position to start with the opportunity to increase to a full-time caseload, depending on your availability.  Rates range from $25.00 to $55.00 per session, based on years of experience in pediatrics and additional certifications.


What sets us apart from other therapy companies?

We have a clinic located in McKinney and several partnering ABA facilities where we collaborate, providing on-site therapy to our shared patients. We strive to analyze and bridge the gap between behavior, sensory, and communication issues.  


Company Highlights:

  • Collaborative Approach to Therapy: By following a Collaborative Model focused on providing dynamic care, we can implement specialized, data-driven plans of care to promote the most successful outcome.
  • Flexibility and customizable schedule, with scheduling options of 3-days (M/W/F), 2-days (T/TH), and 5-days
  • Therapy Materials Support: in addition to providing therapy materials, we have Therapy Technicians on site to assist in creating therapy materials and general therapeutic assistance
  • Continuing Education opportunities and certification training
  • Mentorship Program: We offer a paid mentorship program to facilitate professional growth and in depth training as a therapist or new graduate
  • Additional opportunities to earn extra income: Saturday Social Groups, coverage
  • Facility Therapy Dog for use during your sessions
  • Administrative support: Intake coordinators and Leads assist with scheduling, billing of services, and more
  • Opportunities for growth and leadership


What you would bring to MOST/DFW:

  • COTA License to practice in the State of Texas
  • Minimum 1-year occupational therapy experience
  • Minimum 1-year experience with pediatrics, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or Sensory Processing Disorder preferred
  • Willingness to collaborate with a dynamic team of allied health professionals
  • Willingness to commit to a minimum of 20 working hours per week, on a 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day schedule
  • BLS/CPR certification required
  • Willing to undergo a background check
  • Laptop or tablet to document via Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system


What a day would entail at MOST/DFW:

  • Provide occupational therapy services in clinic at one of our several partnering ABA locations for a variety of clients ranging from 3-12 years of age
  • Collaborate with co-treating therapists to innovate ideas and techniques to reach a client’s goal
  • Implement therapy programs that enhance performance in individuals’ daily living and improve quality of life
  • Track and record client progression and mastery of goals; observe and record client’s progress, attitudes, and behaviors, while maintaining confidentiality per HIPAA regulation and ethical standards
  • Participate in reports and meetings on client’s progress disciplines relating to therapy treatment and goals
  • Educate families to increase generalization of skills and carryover
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; and participating in professional societies.
  • Attend and participate in continuing education programs to monitor proficiency, expand current knowledge and enhance professional excellence. Willingly shares knowledge and provides clinical orientation to other members of the staff
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About MOST/DFW

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

McKinney, TX, US

Year founded

2014

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