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Working Animals Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Group Therapist - Small Animals

Grove City, OH · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

The Group Therapist Small Animals is responsible for providing quality mental health groups to ... You have previous work experience as a Therapist, Social Worker, Counselor, or Clinician. * You ...

Requires working knowledge of Ohio law regarding domestic animals, dog licensing, and dog control. Enters and retrieves information on computer (e.g., animal records), assists in general office ...

$15 - $16/hr

Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain. 1+ years of experience is required. Ability to meet the physical demands of the job.

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Working Animals information

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with service or therapy animals, and how can these be managed?

Professionals who work with service or therapy animals often encounter challenges such as maintaining the animals’ training and behavior standards, ensuring their health and well-being, and fostering effective communication between the animal and handler. It’s also common to navigate public misconceptions and access issues when bringing animals into various environments. Managing these challenges involves ongoing education, regular health check-ups for the animals, and strong teamwork with both human and animal partners. Support from experienced colleagues and continuing professional development are also valuable in overcoming these daily obstacles.

What is the difference between Working Animals vs Search and Rescue Dogs?

AspectWorking AnimalsSearch and Rescue Dogs
Required CredentialsBasic training, certifications vary by taskAdvanced training, certifications in search and rescue techniques
Work EnvironmentFarms, farms, urban areas, specialized environmentsDisaster sites, wilderness, urban search zones
Employer & IndustryAgriculture, transportation, service industriesEmergency services, rescue organizations

Working Animals encompass a broad range of animals trained for various tasks across industries, while Search and Rescue Dogs are specifically trained to locate missing persons in disaster or wilderness scenarios. Both roles require specialized training, but Search and Rescue Dogs undergo more intensive certification processes and operate primarily in emergency environments. Understanding these differences helps clarify their unique functions and training requirements.

What is a working animal?

Working animals are animals that have been trained to perform specific tasks or services for humans. These roles can include herding livestock, pulling carts or plows, providing transportation, assisting people with disabilities, performing search and rescue, or even detecting drugs and explosives. Common examples include horses, dogs, donkeys, and oxen. Working animals have played a significant role in human societies throughout history and continue to be important in many industries and communities today.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to work with working animals?

To excel as an animal trainer for working animals, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and relevant animal care practices, often supported by a high school diploma or animal science coursework. Familiarity with positive reinforcement tools, clicker training systems, and animal handling equipment is typically required. Patience, clear communication, and observational skills are crucial soft skills that help build trust and ensure effective training. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safety, well-being, and optimal performance of working animals in professional settings.
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Working Animals jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Working Animals job openings:
Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Group Therapist - Small Animals

BUCKEYE RANCH

Grove City, OH • On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


The Buckeye Ranch rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Buckeye Ranch is currently seeking a Group Therapist - Small Animals to join our Residential Treatment Program. The Group Therapist Small Animals is responsible for providing quality mental health groups to children in the Residential Program. Will also provide care and cleanup of the animals in the Small Animal Assisted Therapy programming.

Learn about The Buckeye Ranch:

For decades, The Buckeye Ranch has been restoring hope and providing healing for children, youth, and families in Central Ohio. Our continuum of care addresses every stage and aspect of what children may be experiencing after traumas caused by mental illness, abuse, or neglect. With help from The Buckeye Ranch, they’re empowered to overcome obstacles, tap into their resilience, and move forward toward healthy, fulfilling lives.

Schedule: Full-time, Salaried

  • Tuesday - Saturday (9am - 5pm)

What you’ll do:

  • Identifies indicators of age-appropriate development in all domains for children of varying ages. Applies knowledge in all aspects of work: screening, care planning, client care, etc.
  • Identifies strengths and functioning of both client and family for utilization in treatment.
  • Assesses behavioral examples, including frequency, duration, severity, and environmental impacts.
  • Identifies history of trauma, adversity and/or toxic stress that influence presenting problem(s), functioning, and family interaction styles. Identifies cultural factors that influence strengths, functioning, and family interaction styles.
  • Identifies concrete strengths and functioning of both client and family for utilization in treatment.
  • Develops collaborative relationships with providers of services tailored to the needs of culturally diverse healthcare consumers and family members.
  • Understanding special issues regarding gender identity/crisis, substance use, mental health conditions, and other needs typically presented by the service population
  • Effectively facilitates youth clients, with or without family members, through active engagement utilizing strength-based language in interactions.
  • Understanding the definitions of human trafficking (both labor and sex trafficking) and sexual exploitation and identifying potential victims
  • Uses trauma focused interventions to engage clients.

Our benefits:

Benefit effective date: First of the month following 30 days of employment.

  • Wonderful medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Paid Time Off (Three weeks within the first year)
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Short Term Disability
  • 401K + Employer Contribution
  • Non-Profit Student Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Employee Referral Program

Who you are:

  • You have a bachelor's degree in social work, or a related field.
  • You have at least one year of previous behavioral health work experience.
  • You have previous work experience as a Therapist, Social Worker, Counselor, or Clinician.
  • You have anactive Ohio LSW, LPC, or MFT license.
  • You preferably have previous experience working with youth in trauma or crisis situations.
  • You have a valid driver's license and active car insurance.

Applicants are considered for all positions in accordance with statutes and regulations concerning non-discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, non-disqualifying disability, veteran status, or other protected classification. The Buckeye Ranch is an equal opportunity employer, as well as a substance and tobacco free workplace. All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment drug screen, references, FBI/BCI background check, ARCS registries check, and SACWIS database checks. At this time, The Buckeye Ranch is unable to provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.

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