Animal-Assisted Activity Dog Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an age where the therapeutic value of animals is being more widely recognized, the need for Animal-Assisted Activity Dogs has never been more important.

With each passing day, our understanding of the benefits of animal-human interaction grows, leading to an increased demand for trained dogs that can provide comfort and healing through companionship.

But let’s delve a bit deeper: What’s truly expected from an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog?

Whether you are:

• An individual seeking to understand the role and responsibilities of these therapy animals,
• A trainer or coordinator striving to define the ideal dog for this role,
• Or simply intrigued by the unique and powerful bond between humans and animals,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Animal-Assisted Activity Dog job description template, designed for easy posting on pet therapy websites or job boards.

Let’s dive right into it.

Animal-Assisted Activity Dog Duties and Responsibilities

Animal-Assisted Activity Dogs play a critical role in providing therapeutic support and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, schools, and other settings.

They are specially trained to interact with a variety of people while being calm, gentle, and supportive.

Their responsibilities primarily revolve around facilitating emotional and physical healing through companionship.

They include:

• Providing comfort and joy to people with various conditions, including those with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges
• Helping reduce anxiety and stress levels among patients
• Fostering social interaction and communication, often serving as a conversation starter and ice breaker
• Assisting in physical therapy sessions by encouraging patients to walk, throw balls, or engage in other physical activities
• Helping to improve motor skills, balance, and physical coordination in patients
• Participating in reading programs where children improve their reading skills by reading aloud to the dog
• Being patient and calm while individuals learn to trust and interact with them
• Maintaining overall obedience and good behavior in various settings
• Regular health check-ups and grooming to ensure they are always in good health and presentable

 

Animal-Assisted Activity Dog Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a well-trained, responsive, and gentle animal-assisted activity dog to help provide comfort, companionship, and therapeutic benefits to various individuals.

These may include patients in hospitals, seniors in retirement homes, students in educational institutions, and more.

The ideal candidates are dogs who are calm, patient, sociable and have undergone extensive training in obedience and socialization.

Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome to apply as long as they meet the specific requirements for the role.

Ultimately, the role of the animal-assisted activity dog is to help improve the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive conditions of the humans they interact with.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide comfort and companionship to individuals in need
• Participate in physical therapy sessions to assist with patient recovery
• Act as a calming presence in stressful environments, such as schools and hospitals
• Assist with educational programs to promote understanding and care for animals
• Follow commands and signals from handler
• Maintain good hygiene and health
• Uphold a positive, gentle, and patient demeanor at all times

 

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a recognized therapy dog training program
• Passing of a temperament test to assess behavior and response to different situations
• Up-to-date vaccinations and regular veterinary health checks
• Ability to follow handler’s commands and work well under supervision
• Previous experience as a therapy dog is preferred but not necessary

 

Benefits

• Regular grooming services
• Veterinary care
• Quality nutrition
• Regular exercise and play sessions
• Comfortable living accommodations

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Animal-Assisted Activity Dog
• Work Environment: Varies depending on assignment. May include hospitals, schools, retirement homes, rehabilitation centers, and more.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the assigned Handler or Therapy Dog Program Manager.
• Salary: Not applicable. Care, food, and health requirements are taken care of by the organization.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if the job requires travel)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We value diversity in our animal-assisted activity dog team and welcome dogs of all breeds and sizes that meet the necessary qualifications.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your dog’s resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog Do?

Animal-Assisted Activity Dogs, also known as therapy dogs, are specially trained to provide comfort and joy to people who are ill or under high-stress conditions.

These dogs usually belong to private owners who lend them out for therapeutic sessions.

They work in various settings like hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools, and even disaster areas, bringing relaxation and reducing anxiety and depression among those they serve.

Animal-Assisted Activity Dogs are trained to be patient, gentle, and at ease in all situations.

They allow individuals to pet them, talk to them, and often perform simple tricks or commands to entertain and engage the people they are visiting.

These dogs may also assist in physical rehabilitation by encouraging patients to walk, move, or play.

It’s important to note that these dogs do not necessarily perform tasks to help individuals with disabilities, like service dogs do.

They primarily provide emotional support and comfort.

They are also often involved in reading programs in schools or libraries, where children read to the dog, promoting an increase in reading ability and confidence.

Overall, an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog’s role is to bring a sense of joy, companionship, and emotional relief to those they visit.

 

Animal-Assisted Activity Dog Qualifications and Skills

An Animal-Assisted Activity Dog should have the qualifications and skills that align with their unique role, such as:

• Training certification from a recognized therapy animal organization, demonstrating the dog’s ability to behave appropriately in various settings.
• Good temperament and social skills, ensuring the dog can interact positively with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Highly obedient and responsive to commands, essential for maintaining control and safety in various environments.
• Physically healthy and regularly vet-checked, to ensure the dog can handle the physical demands of interaction and won’t transmit any diseases.
• Comfortable in different environments, as therapy dogs may need to work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other places with different noises, smells, and sights.
• Patience and calmness when dealing with individuals who may have difficulty in communication or physical interactions.
• Ability to cope with stressful situations, as the dog may encounter distressed or emotional people.
• Regular grooming, as the dog should be clean and presentable during interactions.

 

Animal-Assisted Activity Dog Experience Requirements

Animal-Assisted Activity Dogs, often known as Therapy Dogs, typically require extensive training and experience to fulfill their role effectively.

These dogs are usually trained in obedience and socialization from a young age.

The animals should have undergone numerous positive interactions with a variety of people, animals, environments, and situations.

This exposure helps them to be calm, comfortable, and confident in various settings, which is essential for their work.

They should also have considerable experience in Animal-Assisted Activities, often gained through volunteer work or internships at hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other facilities.

The dogs should be comfortable being handled and petted by unfamiliar people, including children and the elderly.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification from the American Kennel Club or a similar organization is often preferred.

This certification requires the dog to pass a test demonstrating good manners and obedience.

The dog’s handler, often the owner, should also have experience working with therapy dogs and knowledge of animal behavior and health.

They should be able to recognize signs of stress or discomfort in their dog and have experience in managing these situations.

In terms of age, Animal-Assisted Activity Dogs are usually at least one year old, as younger dogs may not yet have the necessary training, maturity, or experience.

However, these requirements can vary depending on the organization or facility.

 

Animal-Assisted Activity Dog Education and Training Requirements

The handler of an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog, commonly known as a therapy dog, requires specific training and education.

The handler should be proficient in dog handling and have a strong understanding of canine behavior.

This can be achieved through attending dog training classes or pursuing a more formal education in animal behavior or veterinary science.

The dog must undergo and pass a basic obedience course, displaying skills such as sitting, staying, and coming when called, along with other critical commands.

The dog and handler team will need to complete a therapy dog training program, which includes topics like patient interaction, healthcare facility regulations, and appropriate behaviors in various environments.

Successful completion of this program typically leads to certification.

After the training program, the dog and handler should pass an evaluation conducted by a recognized therapy dog organization.

The evaluation tests the dog’s behavior in a variety of situations that might occur during therapy sessions.

Additionally, some organizations may require that the handler and the dog participate in a certain number of supervised visits to facilities before receiving official certification.

Continued education is also important for therapy dog handlers to stay updated on training techniques, behavioral cues, and therapy approaches.

It’s important to note that requirements may vary depending on the therapy dog organization or the type of facilities the team will visit.

 

Animal-Assisted Activity Dog Salary Expectations

While the role of an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog is primarily volunteer-based, the handler or owner of the animal may receive compensation for their time and expenses.

This could range from $20 to $30 (USD) per session.

The potential earnings can vary depending on the frequency of sessions, the organization or facility they work with, and the location.

It’s also worth noting that many handlers do this work out of passion rather than for monetary gain.

 

Animal-Assisted Activity Dog Job Description FAQs

What qualities should an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog have?

An Animal-Assisted Activity Dog should have a calm and friendly demeanor, be comfortable and patient with people, especially in hectic environments.

They should be obedient, well-trained, and able to perform basic commands such as sit, stay, and come.

It’s also important for them to be healthy and well-groomed to avoid any health risks to the people they interact with.

 

What kind of training does an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog need?

The dog should undergo a basic obedience training program and must be well-socialized.

Specialized training is also necessary to prepare them for their role, and they must pass a behavior and temperament evaluation.

They should also receive regular health check-ups and be up-to-date on their vaccinations.

 

What does an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog’s work schedule look like?

The work schedule of an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog can vary based on where they are working.

They may be called upon for scheduled visits in hospitals, nursing homes, or schools.

It’s important to note that these dogs also need time to rest and play to prevent burnout.

 

What is the role of the handler in an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog’s job?

The handler plays a crucial role in the job of an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog.

They are responsible for the dog’s care and well-being, providing training, managing the dog’s behavior in various settings, and ensuring a positive and safe interaction between the dog and the individuals they assist.

 

How does an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog contribute to therapy or healing?

Animal-Assisted Activity Dogs provide comfort, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote an overall sense of well-being.

Their presence can help improve mood, provide distraction from pain or discomfort, and encourage communication and social interaction in individuals they work with.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve just unveiled the extraordinary world of an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about being cute and cuddly.

It’s about creating therapeutic change, one wagging tail at a time.

Armed with our trusty Animal-Assisted Activity Dog job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to embark on this compassionate journey.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards meticulously crafted listings or perfecting your resume for your dream job.

Remember:

Every wag of the tail is a part of the bigger mission.

Let’s create that therapeutic change. Together.

How to Become an Animal-Assisted Activity Dog (Complete Guide)

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