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Therapy Dogs Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

Join Our Team as a Dental Rover - Embrace Innovation and Compassion in a State-of-the-Art Dental Practice with Therapy Dogs! Christopher A. Fauver DDS, Comprehensive Dentistry & Oral Wellness, is a ...

Join Our Team as a Dental Rover - Embrace Innovation and Compassion in a State-of-the-Art Dental Practice with Therapy Dogs! Christopher A. Fauver DDS, Comprehensive Dentistry & Oral Wellness, is a ...

Not to mention, our two golden retriever therapy dogs, Winston and Finleigh, bring joy and comfort to our patients and staff daily. We are seeking a fun, dedicated, and hardworking Dental Assistant ...

Not to mention, our two golden retriever therapy dogs, Winston and Finleigh, bring joy and comfort to our patients and staff daily. We are seeking a fun, dedicated, and hardworking Dental Assistant ...

... occupational therapist has opened so many new doors for me. I've gotten to live in so many ... dog) opportunities to see parts of the world I never dreamed of. Whether for work or fun we're ...

Therapy Dogs information

See Vermont salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do therapy dogs jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapy dogs in Vermont is $14.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $16.35 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 Vermont?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Therapy Dogs job openings in Vermont as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,516 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

$17 - $19/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Join Our Team as a Dental Rover – Embrace Innovation and Compassion in a State-of-the-Art Dental Practice with Therapy Dogs!

Christopher A. Fauver DDS, Comprehensive Dentistry & Oral Wellness, is a well-established general dentistry practice located in the picturesque town of Chester, Vermont. With 24 years of service, our upscale, high-tech facility is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care enhanced by the latest advancements in technology. Our unique practice environment includes two beloved golden retriever therapy dogs, Winston and Finleigh, who create a comforting and enjoyable atmosphere for our patients and staff.
We are seeking a friendly, motivated, and hard-working Dental Rover to join our close-knit dental family. This entry-level position is perfect for someone new to dentistry who is eager to learn and grow within a supportive team. If you enjoy helping others, love dogs, and thrive in an organized work environment, this opportunity is ideal for you. Comprehensive on-the-job training will be provided to equip you with the necessary skills.

Title

Dental Rover

Job Description

Clean and prepare treatment rooms for dental procedures
Sterilize and properly maintain dental instruments and equipment according to established disinfection procedures
Organize and put away clean sterilized instruments efficiently
Maintain a clean and organized workspace to promote safety and efficiency
Assist the dental team with miscellaneous tasks as needed to ensure smooth office operations
Support a pleasant environment alongside the therapy dogs to enhance patient and staff experiences

Salary Range

Part-time $17 - $19 per hour

- Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

On-the-job training to develop your professional skills
Uniform allowance provided
Professional development assistance to foster career growth
Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
Opportunity to work alongside therapy dogs for a unique practice experience

Shift & Schedule

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday – Sunday: Closed

Requirements

Ability to maintain strict adherence to dental sterilization and disinfection protocols
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
Capability to clean and care for medical equipment safely and effectively
High school diploma or equivalent (preferred but not required)
Ability to work 33 hours per week with a flexible schedule
Commitment to relocating to or commuting to Chester, VT

Preferences

Prior experience in dental sterilization or medical equipment cleaning (helpful but not required)
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, patient-focused clinical environment
Interest in animal-assisted therapy or comfort care

Hiring Process

[1] Please apply through the Jobley application form
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[2] A recruiter will contact you to schedule an interview
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[3] Interview
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[4] Job offer
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[5] While proceeding with the hiring process, please apply for the Jobley Bonus through your Jobley account.
*The average time from application to job offer is about one week to one month.
*If you are currently employed and have difficulty changing jobs right now, schedules can be discussed.

Jobley Bonus

$45

If you land this job through Jobley, you will be eligible for a jobley bonus.