Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly therapeutic landscape, the role of Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinators has become increasingly prominent.

As our understanding of mental health and wellness evolves, the demand for compassionate individuals who can facilitate and manage animal-assisted therapy programs is on the rise.

But what does the role of an Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator truly entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this unique career,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of animal-assisted therapy,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right in.

Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinators work closely with healthcare professionals, therapists, and animals to provide therapeutic assistance to patients in various settings.

Their main objective is to plan, coordinate, and implement animal-assisted therapy programs based on patients’ individual needs.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the health and temperament of animals to determine their suitability for therapy programs
• Coordinating with healthcare and mental health professionals to understand patient needs and devise suitable therapy plans
• Implementing animal-assisted therapy sessions, ensuring the safety and comfort of both the patient and the animal
• Monitoring and documenting patient progress, adjusting therapy plans as necessary
• Training and supervising volunteers or staff involved in the therapy program
• Conducting regular health checks of therapy animals and keeping their vaccinations up-to-date
• Ensuring compliance with animal welfare laws and therapy industry standards
• Providing education and raising awareness about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy
• Keeping a clean and hygienic environment for both therapy animals and patients

 

Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating the daily activities of our Animal-Assisted Therapy program, including training therapy animals, assessing patient needs, and implementing therapeutic interventions.

This role requires a strong understanding of animal behavior and a passion for improving patient lives through the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the Animal-Assisted Therapy program within our organization
• Train and supervise therapy animals to ensure they meet necessary standards and protocols
• Assess patient needs and develop appropriate animal-assisted therapy interventions
• Work collaboratively with healthcare professionals to integrate animal-assisted therapy into treatment plans
• Monitor and document patient progress and therapy outcomes
• Ensure compliance with local and national regulations regarding animal-assisted therapy
• Provide education and awareness about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy to staff, patients, and the broader community
• Manage and maintain records of therapy animals including health checks and vaccinations

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in animal-assisted therapy, occupational therapy, or a related field
• Certification in animal-assisted therapy is preferred
• Strong understanding of animal behavior, particularly therapy animals
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a diverse range of patients
• Ability to manage and coordinate multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in handling, training, and caring for animals
• BSc degree in Psychology, Occupational Therapy, or a related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with some outdoor work when handling and training animals. Some travel may be required for animal acquisition or training.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Therapy Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator Do?

Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinators work in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, mental health centers, and schools.

Their main role is to facilitate therapy sessions that involve animals to help improve the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of individuals.

They work closely with therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement therapeutic treatment plans that incorporate animals.

This might involve activities such as petting, grooming, feeding, or playing with animals, which can help individuals reduce stress, improve social skills, or increase mobility.

Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinators are also responsible for selecting suitable animals for the therapy sessions.

This involves ensuring the animal is healthy, well-trained, and comfortable in various environments.

They also need to monitor the interactions between the animals and individuals to ensure safety for both parties.

Furthermore, they are responsible for educating staff, clients, and families about the benefits and precautions of animal-assisted therapy.

They may also be involved in conducting research to measure the effectiveness of the therapy and contribute to the ongoing development of this therapeutic approach.

In some cases, Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinators might work with a specific type of animal, such as dogs or horses, and specialize in particular therapeutic approaches, like equine-assisted therapy or canine-assisted therapy.

 

Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

An Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator must possess a unique blend of skills and qualifications to effectively manage therapy programs, including:

• Knowledge of animal behavior and experience in handling animals, preferably therapy animals.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with patients, staff, and volunteers, and to effectively communicate the benefits and progress of the therapy.
• Organizational skills to manage therapy schedules, coordinate with other health professionals, and ensure compliance with therapy protocols.
• Compassion and patience to work with patients who may have physical, emotional, or mental health challenges.
• Problem-solving skills to handle any issues or unexpected situations that arise with the therapy animals or patients.
• Experience or training in occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or a related field.
• Ability to monitor and assess the health and well-being of therapy animals.
• Communication skills to effectively interact with patients of all ages and backgrounds, and to convey the benefits and procedures of animal-assisted therapy to patients, families, and staff.

 

Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator Experience Requirements

An Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator should ideally have a background in animal care, psychology, social work or therapeutic related fields.

This role often requires 1 to 2 years of experience in working with animals, preferably in a therapeutic setting.

Internships or part-time roles involving animal care or therapy can provide useful experience for this role.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience may have worked in roles such as Animal Therapy Assistant, Animal Care Specialist, or Rehabilitation Therapist.

These professionals should have developed their skills in coordinating therapy sessions, animal handling, and understanding the therapeutic needs of clients.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have led teams or managed therapy programs.

Such candidates are often well-equipped to handle administrative duties, manage therapy schedules, and oversee the welfare of therapy animals.

Their experience might also include designing, implementing, and assessing therapy programs.

Advanced knowledge of therapeutic techniques, animal behavior, and client assessment is expected.

Additional experience with specific types of animals that are commonly used in therapy, such as dogs, horses, or small pets, could be particularly valuable.

Similarly, experience working with certain client groups, such as children, the elderly, or people with mental health issues, can also be beneficial.

 

Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

An Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator typically needs a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as animal science, psychology, social work or occupational therapy.

They also need specific training in animal handling, with an emphasis on understanding animal behavior, and the therapeutic benefits of human-animal interaction.

This can be achieved through certification programs or hands-on experience in animal care, therapy, or veterinary settings.

Knowledge of human psychology and therapeutic practices is also crucial.

This can be obtained through coursework in psychology or a related field, or through practical experience in therapy settings.

In addition to these, a master’s degree in a related field such as occupational or physical therapy, psychology, or animal behavior may be beneficial.

This advanced education can provide a deeper understanding of the therapeutic applications of animal interaction, and may open up further career opportunities.

Many employers also value certifications from recognized organizations in the field of animal-assisted therapy.

This demonstrates a commitment to the field and a mastery of the specific methodologies involved in animal-assisted therapy.

Continuous professional development is also important in this role, as it ensures the coordinator stays updated with the latest research and best practices in the field of animal-assisted therapy.

 

Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator Salary Expectations

An Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator can expect to earn an average salary of $44,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, the location of work, and the organization for which they work.

 

Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator need?

An Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator should have strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with various groups such as medical professionals, patients, and animal handlers.

They should also have a deep understanding and experience in animal behavior and handling.

The ability to assess the therapeutic needs of patients and match them with suitable animals is crucial.

In addition, they should have strong organizational and management skills to coordinate various therapy sessions effectively.

 

Do Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinators need a degree?

While not always required, having a degree in psychology, social work, or a related field can be beneficial for an Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator.

Additionally, a background in veterinary medicine or animal behavior can also be helpful.

Specialized training in animal-assisted therapy is often required, and certification from a recognized organization such as the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) or Pet Partners can be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in an Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator’s resume?

Key elements to look for in a resume include a background in a relevant field like psychology or veterinary medicine, experience working with animals, and ideally, experience in a therapeutic setting.

Qualifications or certifications in animal-assisted therapy are a big plus.

Any experience in program coordination, patient care, or a similar role should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator?

A good Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator should have a deep empathy for patients and a genuine love for animals.

They should be patient, as therapy can take time to show results, and have a high level of adaptability to cater to the various needs of patients.

They need to have good observational skills to monitor the behavior and reactions of both patients and animals during therapy.

Lastly, they should possess excellent problem-solving skills to adjust therapy plans as needed.

 

What are the daily duties of an Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator?

On a typical day, an Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator might start by checking on the therapy animals and ensuring their welfare.

They will coordinate with medical professionals and caregivers to schedule therapy sessions, plan individualized therapy programs for each patient, and pair patients with suitable therapy animals.

They might also conduct therapy sessions, monitor the progress of patients, and adjust therapy programs as needed.

Other duties might include training new therapy animals, educating staff about animal-assisted therapy, and managing any administrative tasks related to the program.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken you behind the scenes to reveal what it truly means to be an Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about playing with pets.

It’s about shaping a healing environment, one animal interaction at a time.

With our go-to Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to leap forward.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating meticulously detailed job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every animal interaction contributes to the greater healing journey.

Let’s create that journey. Together.

How to Become an Animal-Assisted Therapy Coordinator (Complete Guide)

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