Animal Therapy Provider Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of holistic health and wellness, the importance of Animal Therapy Providers is gaining significant recognition.

As society progresses, so does the demand for compassionate individuals who can harness, develop, and protect our natural connection with animals for therapeutic purposes.

But what does it truly mean to be an Animal Therapy Provider?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager conceptualizing the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the profound impact of animal therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Animal Therapy Provider job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Animal Therapy Provider Duties and Responsibilities

Animal Therapy Providers play a critical role in offering therapeutic support and comfort to various individuals through animals.

These professionals work with animals such as dogs, horses, cats, and more, in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.

The duties and responsibilities of an Animal Therapy Provider include:

• Training animals to be therapy companions, ensuring they are calm, gentle, and friendly
• Assessing the needs of the patients and determining the most suitable therapy animal for them
• Providing therapy sessions to individuals suffering from various conditions such as autism, PTSD, and anxiety disorders
• Maintaining records of each therapy session, documenting progress, reactions, and behaviors
• Ensuring the health and well-being of therapy animals, including regular check-ups and vaccinations
• Regularly cleaning and grooming therapy animals to maintain hygiene standards
• Consulting with healthcare professionals to understand the patient’s condition and tailor therapy accordingly
• Educating individuals and families about the benefits and process of animal therapy
• Following all relevant safety and ethical guidelines when handling animals and conducting therapy sessions

 

Animal Therapy Provider Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Animal Therapy Provider to utilize animals in treatments designed to improve patients’ mental, social, emotional, and physical health.

Your responsibilities will include planning therapy sessions, selecting suitable animals, training animals to perform specific tasks, and documenting patient progress.

Our ideal candidate is a licensed professional with experience in animal-assisted therapy and a deep understanding of animal behavior.

Ultimately, the role of the Animal Therapy Provider is to enhance patient health and wellbeing through safe and effective animal-assisted therapy.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct animal-assisted therapy sessions based on patient needs
• Train and care for therapy animals
• Evaluate patient progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly
• Ensure safe and comfortable interaction between patients and animals
• Maintain accurate records of therapy sessions and patient progress
• Comply with all applicable health and safety regulations
• Educate patients and their families about the benefits and risks of animal-assisted therapy

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Animal Therapy Provider or similar role
• Professional license in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or related field
• Experience working with diverse patient populations
• Knowledge of animal behavior and safe handling practices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Physical stamina and the ability to handle animals of various sizes
• Passion for improving patient health and wellbeing through animal-assisted therapy

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Animal Therapy Provider
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with potential for travel to patients’ homes or other facilities. Interaction with animals is a regular part of the job.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Therapy Coordinator or Clinical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 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 Therapy Provider Do?

Animal Therapy Providers, also known as Animal-Assisted Therapists, use animals to help humans cope with and recover from a variety of physical and mental health issues.

They typically work in a range of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and even private homes, and they often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.

The main role of an Animal Therapy Provider is to facilitate interactions between their therapy animals and clients.

These interactions can involve petting, grooming, playing, or simply being in the presence of the animal, and are designed to help the client relax, reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.

Animal Therapy Providers also closely observe and monitor these interactions to ensure the safety and comfort of both the client and the animal.

They may need to adjust the nature of the interactions based on the client’s health condition, emotional state, and response to the animal.

In addition to this, they are responsible for the care, training, and well-being of the therapy animals.

They ensure that the animals are healthy, well-socialized, and have the right temperament for therapy work.

Some Animal Therapy Providers specialize in working with certain types of animals, like dogs, horses, or dolphins, or with specific populations, such as children with autism, veterans with PTSD, or elderly individuals with dementia.

 

Animal Therapy Provider Qualifications and Skills

An Animal Therapy Provider should have a range of skills and qualifications to effectively provide therapy and care, such as:

• Animal handling skills to ensure the safety and comfort of animals used in therapy sessions.
• Interpersonal and communication skills for building relationships with clients and understanding their therapeutic needs.
• Patience and empathy to deal with individuals who may have difficulty communicating or may exhibit challenging behaviours.
• Knowledge of various therapeutic approaches and ability to tailor sessions according to individual client needs.
• Physical fitness to handle animals, often larger ones like horses, for extended periods and also to demonstrate certain activities to clients.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt therapy sessions when unexpected issues arise.
• Experience or training in psychology, social work, nursing or a related field to understand the therapeutic needs of clients.
• Passion for and understanding of animals, their behaviour and care needs.
• Professionalism and reliability to handle scheduling and coordinating therapy sessions, and to provide consistent care to clients.

 

Animal Therapy Provider Experience Requirements

Animal Therapy Providers typically require a significant amount of training and experience in working with both humans and animals.

Starting their journey, candidates may gain basic experience through volunteering or internships at animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, or farms.

Some may also choose to earn a degree in animal-related fields such as Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or Animal Behavior to gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

At entry-level, an Animal Therapy Provider would generally have 1 to 2 years of experience in animal handling or care.

In addition, they may also need to have undergone some human-oriented training, such as a degree in psychology, social work or therapy, or gaining experience in healthcare, counseling or special education settings.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their skills in specific therapy methods and are accustomed to working with a variety of animal species.

They may also have certifications or training from recognized organizations such as the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership or managerial experience, overseeing a team of therapists or running an animal therapy program.

It’s also probable that they have experience working with a broader range of clients, including those with severe mental health issues, physical disabilities, or terminal illnesses.

They may also be involved in research or academia, contributing to the field’s knowledge base.

In all cases, ongoing education and training are crucial, as the fields of animal behavior and human therapy are continually evolving.

 

Animal Therapy Provider Education and Training Requirements

Animal Therapy Providers typically have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, nursing, or a related field.

They are also required to have a comprehensive understanding of animal behavior, often achieved through additional coursework or degree in animal sciences, veterinary technology, or a similar field.

Specific certifications are necessary depending on the type of animal used in therapy.

For example, a therapy provider using dogs would need to be certified through a recognized organization such as Therapy Dogs International or the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program.

Many positions require that the therapy provider has completed an internship or practicum in a clinical setting, working directly with the chosen animal and client population.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in a relevant field, such as counseling or occupational therapy, and additional training in animal-assisted therapy.

Continuing education is important in this field, as new research and methodologies continue to emerge.

Therefore, many Animal Therapy Providers pursue additional training and professional development opportunities throughout their careers.

Finally, depending on the regulations of the state or country of practice, Animal Therapy Providers may need to be licensed.

Licensing requirements can range from passing an examination to completing a certain number of supervised work hours.

 

Animal Therapy Provider Salary Expectations

An Animal Therapy Provider, on average, earns around $35,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can vary depending on factors such as experience, specific skills, the location of services, and the organization employing the provider.

 

Animal Therapy Provider Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Animal Therapy Provider need?

Animal Therapy Providers should have excellent interpersonal skills, as they work closely with patients and often collaborate with healthcare professionals.

A background in animal handling or care is crucial, as well as being able to read animal behavior.

They should be empathetic, patient, and have a genuine love for animals.

Good physical health and stamina are also required, as the job often involves physical activities like walking and lifting.

 

Do Animal Therapy Providers need any specific qualifications?

While not always required, a degree in animal sciences, psychology, therapy, or a related field can be beneficial.

Many Animal Therapy Providers complete specific courses or certifications related to animal-assisted therapy.

It is also essential for the animals used in therapy to be appropriately trained and certified.

 

What should you look for in an Animal Therapy Provider’s resume?

Look for experience in working with both animals and people, ideally in a therapeutic or care-giving context.

Evidence of specific training or certifications in animal-assisted therapy can be a big plus.

Any additional qualifications in psychology, counseling, or a related field should also be considered.

 

What qualities make a good Animal Therapy Provider?

A good Animal Therapy Provider should be compassionate, patient, and have a genuine love for animals.

They should be comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and with various health conditions.

They should also have excellent observational skills to monitor the behavior and health of the animals they work with, as well as the reactions of the patients receiving therapy.

 

What is the role of the animals in Animal Therapy?

The animals in Animal Therapy play a pivotal role in providing comfort, reducing stress and anxiety, and encouraging patients to express themselves.

They are specially trained to be gentle, patient, and safe to be around for all types of patients.

The type of animals used can vary widely, from dogs and cats to horses and dolphins, depending on the nature of the therapy.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the veil on what it truly means to be an Animal Therapy Provider.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about playing with animals.

It’s about shaping a compassionate future, one animal-assisted therapy session at a time.

With our ready-to-use Animal Therapy Provider job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Journey further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every therapy session is a part of a larger healing journey.

Let’s shape that compassionate future. Together.

How to Become an Animal Therapy Provider (Complete Guide)

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