Animal Assisted Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an age where holistic well-being is becoming increasingly important, the spotlight on Animal Assisted Therapists has never been brighter.

As the understanding and appreciation for the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted interventions grow, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can forge, nurture, and protect the bond between humans and animals.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Animal Assisted Therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the unique dynamics of animal-assisted therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Animal Assisted Therapist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Animal Assisted Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Animal Assisted Therapists use the aid of animals to improve the physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing of patients.

They work with a variety of animals and have a significant understanding of animal behaviour and handling.

The duties and responsibilities of an Animal Assisted Therapist include:

• Evaluating the needs of the patient and developing appropriate therapy plans
• Choosing the right animal based on the therapy plan and patient’s comfort
• Training and preparing animals for therapy sessions
• Ensuring the safety and welfare of both the patient and the animal during therapy
• Monitoring and documenting patient’s progress and response to therapy
• Facilitating activities that promote interaction between the patient and the animal
• Collaborating with other healthcare providers to integrate animal-assisted therapy into overall treatment plans
• Ensuring that all therapy animals meet health standards and receive regular veterinary care
• Conducting research and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in animal-assisted therapy

 

Animal Assisted Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable Animal Assisted Therapist to join our team.

The Animal Assisted Therapist will utilize animals to assist in the treatment of patients with various physical and mental conditions.

This role includes planning and implementing therapeutic interventions, evaluating progress, and ensuring the well-being of the therapy animals.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the human-animal bond, is skilled in therapeutic intervention techniques, and is able to assess the emotional and physiological responses of patients to the therapy animals.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement animal-assisted therapy programs for individuals and groups
• Monitor and evaluate patient’s progress and adjust therapy programs as necessary
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop holistic treatment plans
• Ensure the safety and well-being of therapy animals
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records
• Provide education and support to patients’ families
• Stay current with latest research and trends in animal-assisted therapy

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or related field
• Experience working with therapy animals
• Certified in Animal Assisted Therapy
• Knowledge of various therapy techniques and interventions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle and care for animals in a therapeutic setting
• Experience working with individuals with various physical and mental health conditions

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Animal Assisted Therapist
• Work Environment: Typically a healthcare setting such as a hospital, clinic, or private practice. Some travel may be required for home visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Therapy Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, relevant certifications, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Animal Assisted Therapist Do?

Animal Assisted Therapists, also known as Pet Therapists, are professionals who use animals to help individuals recover or better cope with health problems, such as heart disease, mental health disorders, and cancer.

They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities.

They can also work as independent practitioners offering in-home services.

These therapists use the natural bond between humans and animals to provide comfort, reduce anxiety and stress, improve mood, and promote overall wellbeing.

This can involve activities such as petting, brushing, feeding, or playing with the animal.

Animal Assisted Therapists work closely with healthcare professionals to determine the best animal-assisted interventions for each individual.

The type of animal used in therapy can vary greatly depending on the needs and preferences of the patient, but it commonly includes dogs, cats, horses, and even small mammals like rabbits or guinea pigs.

They are also responsible for the welfare of the animals involved in therapy.

This includes making sure the animals are healthy, well-treated, and comfortable in their roles.

Animal Assisted Therapists need to continually assess the effectiveness of the animal-assisted therapy and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

They also provide education and support to families and caregivers on how to integrate animal-assisted therapy into the patient’s life.

 

Animal Assisted Therapist Qualifications and Skills

An Animal Assisted Therapist should have the skills and qualifications that are required to effectively use animal interactions to aid in the therapeutic process, such as:

• Experience and knowledge in animal care and behavior, to ensure the safety and comfort of both the patient and the animal.
• Skills in psychological and therapeutic techniques to be able to adapt and modify sessions according to patient needs and responses.
• Excellent observational abilities to assess the patient’s interaction with the animal and make accurate inferences about their emotional and mental state.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport with patients, understand their concerns, and provide effective feedback and instructions.
• Patient and empathetic approach to handle patients with a range of emotional, mental, and physical challenges.
• Problem-solving skills to navigate any issues or complications that may arise during therapy sessions.
• Physical fitness and agility to manage and control various animals during therapy sessions.
• Understanding of ethical guidelines and standards related to animal-assisted therapy to ensure proper conduct and respect for all participants in the therapy process.

 

Animal Assisted Therapist Experience Requirements

To become an Animal Assisted Therapist, it usually requires significant experience in both animal care and mental health therapy.

It’s common for these professionals to have a background in psychology, social work, occupational therapy or a similar field.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through an internship or part-time role in a related field, such as animal care, veterinary assistance, or mental health therapy.

They may also have experience volunteering at animal shelters, zoos, or other environments where interactions with animals are involved.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have a deeper understanding of animal behavior, human-animal bond, and therapeutic techniques.

This can be gained through working in roles such as Animal Handler, Veterinary Technician, or Psychotherapist.

They often have experience working directly with clients in therapeutic settings and are likely to have some experience in planning and implementing animal-assisted therapy programs.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership or management experience in a therapeutic setting and be ready to lead an animal-assisted therapy program.

They may also have specific experience in working with a particular population, such as children with autism, veterans with PTSD, or elderly individuals in nursing homes.

Also, Animal Assisted Therapists usually need to have qualifications or certifications from recognized organizations, such as the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), Pet Partners, or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

 

Animal Assisted Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Becoming an Animal Assisted Therapist generally requires a bachelor’s degree in a field related to therapy or counseling, such as psychology, social work, or occupational therapy.

They should have a broad understanding of human behavior and mental health disorders, as well as techniques for counseling and therapy.

Additionally, a specific training or certification in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is necessary.

These programs typically cover topics such as animal behavior, the human-animal bond, ethical considerations in AAT, and the therapeutic benefits of various species of animals.

A master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field may be required for some positions, especially those involving more complex therapy or counseling techniques.

The Animal Assisted Therapist may also need to be licensed, depending on the state and the specific profession they are in.

For example, a therapist using AAT may need to be a licensed mental health professional.

It is also beneficial for the individual to have hands-on experience with animals, which could be obtained through volunteering or working at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or other animal-related organizations.

Continuing education and professional development in the field of AAT is recommended to stay updated with current research and techniques.

 

Animal Assisted Therapist Salary Expectations

An Animal Assisted Therapist can expect to earn an average salary of $55,000 (USD) per year.

The salary may vary depending on the therapist’s level of experience, location, and the employing organization.

Also, therapists who specialize in certain areas or work with specific animals might have different salary expectations.

 

Animal Assisted Therapist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Animal Assisted Therapist need?

Animal Assisted Therapists typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or a related field.

Some roles may require a master’s degree.

They should also have certification in animal-assisted therapy and should have completed a certain amount of supervised fieldwork.

Knowledge about animal care and behavior is crucial.

 

What skills are important for an Animal Assisted Therapist?

An Animal Assisted Therapist should have strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they will work with diverse clients.

They must have empathy and patience, as they may work with clients who have severe emotional or physical health conditions.

An understanding of animal behavior and a strong bond with the animals they work with is also important.

Lastly, they should have a certain level of physical fitness, as the job often involves physical activities.

 

What does an Animal Assisted Therapist’s workday look like?

An Animal Assisted Therapist’s day might start by checking on the animals they work with, ensuring they are in good health.

Then they might plan and conduct therapy sessions with clients, which could involve activities like walking a dog, grooming a horse, or simply spending time with an animal.

They must also keep detailed notes on each client’s progress.

They might spend some time training animals, ensuring they behave appropriately during sessions.

Lastly, they might consult with other healthcare providers about their clients’ progress.

 

What qualities make a good Animal Assisted Therapist?

A good Animal Assisted Therapist should have a genuine love for and understanding of animals, as well as a strong desire to help others.

They should be patient and understanding, as progress can be slow and clients may have complex needs.

Good problem-solving skills are also important, as they may need to adapt sessions to suit individual clients.

Lastly, they should be physically fit and comfortable spending a lot of time outdoors.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Animal Assisted Therapist?

Hiring an Animal Assisted Therapist can be challenging, as it requires a specific set of skills and qualifications.

It’s a relatively new field, so there may not be a large pool of candidates to choose from.

However, it’s a rewarding profession that attracts people who are passionate about helping others and working with animals.

Advertising the role’s unique appeal may help attract the right candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we shed light on the multifaceted role of an animal assisted therapist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about working with animals.

It’s about harnessing the power of the human-animal bond to transform lives, one therapy session at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive animal assisted therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap forward.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. This tool is your next step towards creating precise job listings or refining your resume to absolute precision.

Remember:

Every therapy session contributes to a larger healing journey.

Let’s shape this compassionate future. Together.

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