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Volunteer Therapy Dog Jobs (NOW HIRING)

INTEGRIS Health

Pet Therapy Volunteer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

Credentialed* therapy dogs and their handlers visit patients, staff, and guests throughout the ... APPLY HERE: www.integrishealth.org/volunteer * Pet must be certified through a credentialed therapy ...

Gentiva Hospice - Portland

Therapy Dog Visits

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Own a therapy dog? You can serve as an additional support by making friendly visits with your ... Our volunteer training will teach you everything you need to know to be a companion for someone ...

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Volunteer Therapy Dog information

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$8

$19

$33

How much do volunteer therapy dog jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer therapy dog in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer therapy dog?

Volunteer Therapy Dogs are specially trained dogs that, alongside their handlers, visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities to provide comfort, support, and companionship to people in need. These dogs are not service animals but are valued for their gentle temperaments and ability to interact positively with a variety of individuals. The primary purpose of therapy dogs is to help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness, often bringing smiles and emotional relief to those they visit. Volunteer handlers and their dogs typically work with organizations that ensure both dog and handler are properly trained and certified for therapy work.

What are some common challenges faced when volunteering as a therapy dog handler, and how can they be managed?

Volunteering as a therapy dog handler can be highly rewarding, but it comes with unique challenges, such as unpredictable environments and interactions with individuals who may be anxious or unfamiliar with dogs. Handlers must ensure their dog remains calm and responsive, even when faced with loud noises, medical equipment, or sudden movements. Effective training, ongoing socialization, and clear communication with facility staff can help manage these challenges and ensure positive visits. Handlers also need to be attentive to their dog's stress signals and advocate for their well-being during each session.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer therapy dog, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Therapy Dog team, the handler should have a solid understanding of animal behavior and basic obedience training, while the dog must demonstrate calm temperament and reliable responsiveness, often verified by therapy animal certification. Familiarity with therapy animal program protocols, health screening requirements, and facility-specific rules is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations help the team build trust and comfort with clients. These skills and qualities ensure safe, positive interactions that maximize the therapeutic benefits for individuals in hospitals, schools, or care facilities.

What is the difference between Volunteer Therapy Dog vs Volunteer Animal-Assisted Therapist?

AspectVolunteer Therapy DogVolunteer Animal-Assisted Therapist
CertificationsDog training, therapy dog certificationTherapist certification, training in animal-assisted therapy
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, schoolsHospitals, mental health clinics, therapy settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, hospitals, therapy programsHealthcare providers, mental health organizations

Volunteer Therapy Dogs are trained dogs certified to provide comfort in various settings, working alongside handlers. Volunteer Animal-Assisted Therapists are trained professionals who incorporate animals into therapeutic practices, often with formal therapy certifications. While both roles involve animals in healing environments, Volunteer Therapy Dogs focus on providing comfort through trained dogs, whereas Volunteer Animal-Assisted Therapists integrate animals into structured therapy sessions.

More about Volunteer Therapy Dog jobs

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Therapy Dog jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Therapy Dog job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Therapy Dog jobs?

The most popular types of Therapy Dog jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Therapy Dog jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Therapy Dog jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Therapy Dog jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Therapy Dog jobs are:

Volunteer Therapy Dog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Therapy Dog job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Therapy Dog Volunteer Program

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Salary: $0.00 Annually
Location : 5835 S Sossaman Road, Mesa, AZ
Job Type: Part-Time Non-Benefited
Department: Operations & Maintenance
Opening Date: 06/18/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Duties and Responsibilities
01
Why do you want to volunteer as a member of the Therapy Dog Volunteer Program Team at Mesa Gateway Airport?
02
Please describe your previous experience (include volunteer experience).
03
Please list your skills and qualifications for this volunteer program.
04
What are your preferred days to serve as a volunteer?
05
Are you able to commit to volunteering at least 2 hours per week, primarily during periods of peak flight activity?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Name of dog(s):
07
Breed/Description:
08
Age of dog(s):
09
Weight of dog(s):
10
Sex of dog(s):
11
Are dog(s) spayed/neutered?
  • Yes
  • No

12
Veterinarian Name:
13
Veterinarian's name of practice and phone number:
14
Date of last vaccines:• Rabies• DHLPP• Bordetella
15
Date of last veterinarian exam:
16
Please describe any physical or medical restrictions for your dog (e.g. epilepsy, diabetes, heart problems, arthritis):
17
Is your dog on any medication for these conditions?
  • Yes
  • No

18
Are you the owner of the dog? If yes, how long have you been the owner?
19
Where did you get your dog (breeder, shelter, rescue)?
20
How old was your dog when you got it?
21
Did you attend a formal obedience class and graduate together?
  • Yes
  • No

22
Please provide the name of your obedience class instructor:
23
Does your dog respond well to basic obedience commands?
24
Is your dog potty trained?
  • Yes
  • No

25
Please list any awards that your dog has received.
Required Question

Apply