How to Become an Animal Assisted Therapist (Barking Up the Therapy Tree)
If you’ve ever envisioned yourself using animals to make a therapeutic difference in people’s lives, or contemplated what it takes to become an animal assisted therapist, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we will delve into the PRECISE steps you need to undertake to kickstart your career as an animal assisted therapist. We’ll discuss:
- The requisite skills for this field.
- The educational background that can aid you in this journey.
- How to secure a position as an animal assisted therapist.
Whether you’re a newcomer to therapy or a seasoned practitioner looking to diversify your skills, stick around.
We’re about to unfold the roadmap to becoming an animal assisted therapist.
Let’s embark on this journey!
Steps to Become an Animal Assisted Therapist
Step 1: Research the Field of Animal Assisted Therapy
Before you start your journey to become an Animal Assisted Therapist, it’s important to thoroughly research the field.
Understand the roles and responsibilities of an Animal Assisted Therapist, the types of animals often used, and the potential impacts of therapy on both animals and patients.
You should also familiarize yourself with the different settings in which Animal Assisted Therapy is implemented, such as hospitals, mental health facilities, schools, and rehabilitation centers.
This will provide a clearer picture of the environments you might work in.
Explore the scientific research behind the effectiveness of Animal Assisted Therapy and the psychological theories it is based on.
It will also be beneficial to study the types of disorders and ailments this therapy can help with.
Lastly, get a sense of the professional landscape.
Identify the professional bodies that govern this field, such as the American Humane Society and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
Understand the ethical considerations, training requirements, and potential career paths.
This research will help you make an informed decision about whether pursuing a career in Animal Assisted Therapy aligns with your personal interests, career goals, and lifestyle.
Step 2: Obtain Relevant Educational Background
To start a career as an Animal Assisted Therapist, you need to have a solid educational foundation related to the field.
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree, although the field of study can vary depending on the type of therapy you wish to practice.
For example, you could earn a degree in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, or physical therapy.
In your undergraduate program, you should take courses that cover animal behavior, human-animal interactions, and the therapeutic benefits of animals.
It’s also beneficial to take classes in psychology and counseling to understand the therapeutic process better.
After your undergraduate studies, you might consider pursuing a master’s degree in a relevant field.
While not always necessary, a master’s degree can provide more specialized knowledge and could lead to more career opportunities.
Some universities offer master’s programs specifically in Animal Assisted Therapy, which can give you a more focused understanding of this type of therapy.
Regardless of the degree you pursue, it’s important to gain a deep understanding of both human psychology and animal behavior.
This knowledge is crucial in helping patients and in ensuring the welfare of the therapy animals.
Step 3: Gain Experience with Animals
Before embarking on a career as an Animal Assisted Therapist, it is crucial to have extensive experience with animals.
This practical knowledge is fundamental to understanding their behavior, their needs, and their unique ways of communicating.
Volunteering at animal shelters, working at veterinary clinics, or even caring for your own pets can provide valuable insights into animal behavior.
This experience is not just about handling animals; it’s also about observing and understanding their interactions with humans.
This can help you learn how to facilitate the therapeutic interaction between animals and clients.
Additionally, you could consider specializing in a particular species such as dogs, horses, or dolphins.
This specialization can be beneficial because different animals are used in therapy for different reasons and understanding the nuances of a specific animal can greatly improve the therapy sessions.
Furthermore, experience with animals can provide you with an understanding of animal welfare, which is critical in this role to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both the animals and the clients.
Step 4: Volunteer or Work in Therapeutic Settings
Before you can become an animal assisted therapist, you need to gain practical experience in therapeutic settings.
One of the best ways to do this is by volunteering or working in environments that provide therapeutic services.
Look for opportunities to work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, mental health facilities, or rehabilitation centers.
These places often have therapy programs in place and can provide you with the chance to observe and participate in sessions, allowing you to understand the dynamics of therapy.
You might also consider volunteering at animal shelters or rescue organizations.
This will not only give you hands-on experience working with a variety of animals but will also help you understand their behavior and needs.
This is vital for an animal assisted therapist, as the animals play a crucial role in the therapy process.
Remember to be patient, as gaining enough experience can take time.
But, this experience will be invaluable when you finally step into the role of an animal assisted therapist.
It will give you a clear idea of the challenges and rewards involved in using animals to provide therapeutic assistance to those in need.
Step 5: Get Certified in Animal Assisted Therapy
In order to become an Animal Assisted Therapist, it is important to acquire a certification in Animal Assisted Therapy.
There are several organizations which offer such certifications, and these programs typically involve coursework in animal behavior, human-animal bond, and the therapeutic use of animals in various settings.
The certification program may also include a practical component, where you would work with animals and clients under the supervision of a licensed professional.
This provides an opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
Once certified, you will have demonstrated the necessary skills and knowledge to integrate animal-assisted therapy into your professional practice.
This would not only increase your credibility but also provide assurance to clients that you are qualified to handle both human and animal participants in therapy sessions.
Remember, to maintain certification, you might need to complete ongoing professional development and training.
This keeps you updated on the latest research and best practices in animal-assisted therapy.
Step 6: Decide on a Specific Animal Assisted Therapy Approach
As an aspiring Animal Assisted Therapist, you have to decide on a specific approach or specialty within the field.
For instance, you may choose to work with dogs, horses, or other domestic animals based on your preference and comfort level.
You may also decide to work with a particular demographic such as children, adults, or seniors, or in a specific setting like schools, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers.
It’s important to research and understand the different types of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) approaches.
For example, you could consider Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) which are more casual and focus on improving patients’ quality of life through animal interaction.
Alternatively, you might prefer Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), a more structured approach with set therapeutic goals.
Selecting a specific approach to AAT can help you tailor your training and education to meet the specific demands of your chosen path.
Your choice might also influence further decisions, such as the type of additional certifications or professional development courses you may need to pursue.
Remember, your chosen approach should align with your career goals and personal interests.
It should be an area where you feel confident and passionate, as this will reflect in the therapy you provide and ultimately contribute to the success of your patients’ treatment outcomes.
Step 7: Acquire Knowledge of Animal Behavior and Welfare
As an Animal Assisted Therapist, you will be working closely with animals in therapeutic settings, so it’s essential to understand the behavior and welfare of the animals you will be working with.
This includes understanding their physical and mental health, training, and socialization needs.
Animals used in therapy may include dogs, horses, and other animals.
To acquire this knowledge, you can take courses in animal behavior, animal psychology, and animal welfare.
These courses may be offered through degree programs, online learning platforms, or continuing education programs for therapists.
Additionally, hands-on experience with animals, such as volunteering at animal shelters or working with animals in a veterinary clinic, can also provide valuable insights into animal behavior and welfare.
Understanding animal behavior and welfare not only ensures that you can provide the best therapeutic services to your clients, but also that the animals you work with are treated with respect and care.
This understanding will also help you to identify any signs of stress or discomfort in the animals, ensuring their welfare while they are working.
Finally, having this knowledge will also allow you to educate your clients on how to interact with the animals in a way that is safe and beneficial for both the client and the animal.
Step 8: Develop Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Animal Assisted Therapists work directly with patients, so having strong interpersonal and communication skills is critical for success in this career.
You must be able to build trust and rapport with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
Taking courses in communication, psychology, or counseling during your education can help develop these skills.
Additionally, volunteering or working in roles where you’re interacting with different types of people can also improve your communication abilities.
Working with animals also requires specific communication skills, as you must be able to understand animal behavior and signals.
Training in animal behavior or spending time working with animals can help you develop the necessary skills to effectively communicate and work with them.
In addition, you should be able to explain the process and benefits of animal-assisted therapy to patients, their families, and other healthcare providers in a clear and concise manner.
This often involves translating complex medical or scientific concepts into terms that non-specialists can understand.
Therefore, developing your ability to explain these concepts effectively is another critical aspect of this step.
Finally, remember that continuous learning and development are crucial in this field.
Attend workshops, seminars, and other professional development opportunities to further hone your interpersonal and communication skills.
Step 9: Network with Other Professionals in the Field
Networking is a critical step in your journey to becoming an Animal Assisted Therapist.
Connecting with other professionals in the field can provide you with valuable insights, advice, and potential job opportunities.
These relationships can be fostered through attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and participating in online forums dedicated to animal assisted therapy.
Professional associations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association or the International Association of Animal Therapists often host events and workshops where you can meet and learn from experienced practitioners.
Online platforms like LinkedIn can also be used to connect with peers and industry experts.
By actively participating in these networking opportunities, you can stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends, gain exposure to different therapeutic methods and animals, and potentially find mentorship opportunities.
Building a strong professional network can significantly enhance your career growth and success in the field of Animal Assisted Therapy.
Step 10: Join Professional Organizations
Joining professional organizations can be a critical step in the career of an animal-assisted therapist.
These organizations offer opportunities for networking, continuing education, and staying informed about current research and developments in the field.
Examples of such organizations include the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado (AATPC), and the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program.
Each offers resources, training, and networking opportunities for professionals in the field.
Membership can also provide access to job boards and career development resources.
It allows you to connect with other professionals who can provide advice, share experiences, and open doors to new opportunities.
Moreover, being a part of these organizations can show potential employers and clients that you are dedicated to your profession and committed to staying current with the latest practices and advancements in animal-assisted therapy.
Lastly, many of these organizations advocate for the profession at a legislative level, working towards the recognition and advancement of animal-assisted therapy.
Being a member not only supports these efforts but also provides the opportunity to contribute to this growing field.
Step 11: Complete Any Necessary Licensing or Credentialing
After you have earned your degree and gathered experience in the field, the next step is to obtain any necessary licenses or credentials to practice as an Animal Assisted Therapist.
These requirements can vary greatly depending on your location, so it is important to research the specific regulations in your area.
In many regions, Animal Assisted Therapists are required to be licensed as professional therapists or counselors.
This often involves passing a board exam and completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours.
For the animal-assisted part of the therapy, there are many organizations that offer certification programs.
These can range from general animal-assisted therapy certificates to more specific programs focused on working with certain types of animals or patients.
For example, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers provides certification for dog trainers, which could be beneficial if you plan to incorporate dogs into your therapy sessions.
Once you have obtained the necessary credentials, it’s important to stay updated on the latest research and techniques in animal-assisted therapy.
This could involve attending workshops, seminars, or continuing education programs.
Keeping your skills and knowledge up-to-date can help you provide the best possible care for your clients.
Step 12: Find Employment or Establish Your Practice
After gaining the necessary education, certifications, and experience, the final step is to find employment or establish your own practice as an Animal Assisted Therapist.
Your employment options include working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, or mental health facilities.
These institutions often have therapy programs that use the aid of animals to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their patients.
You can use online job boards, professional networking, and industry-specific job fairs to find relevant job opportunities.
When applying for jobs, highlight your specific experience and skills in animal-assisted therapy to demonstrate your expertise.
If you opt to establish your own practice, ensure that you have the necessary permits and licenses to legally operate your business.
Also, consider the types of animals you will use for therapy, their housing and care, and the specific services you plan to offer.
You may also need to invest in marketing your services to your community, and networking with other professionals in the healthcare field who can refer clients to you.
Remember, as an Animal Assisted Therapist, your primary goal is to use the unique bond between humans and animals to promote healing and improve the quality of life of your clients.
Whether you choose to find employment or establish your own practice, this is a rewarding and fulfilling career for those who love both animals and helping others.
Step 13: Continue Professional Development
Continuing professional development is an essential part of any therapist’s career, including those working in the field of Animal Assisted Therapy.
This could involve attending workshops, seminars, or conferences related to animal-assisted therapy.
These events often offer new insights, techniques, and approaches that can be beneficial to your practice.
Staying current with the latest research in the field is also crucial.
This could mean regularly reading academic journals or books about animal-assisted therapy and related topics.
It can also involve conducting your own research to contribute to the field’s knowledge base.
In addition to these, consider joining professional organizations related to animal-assisted therapy.
Being a member of such organizations can provide opportunities for networking, learning, and even certification.
They often also provide resources and support for professionals in the field.
Lastly, make sure to continue your training with animals.
This might mean learning about new species you could work with or deepening your understanding and skills with the animals you already use in your therapy sessions.
Keep in mind that the more experience and expertise you have with animals, the more effective your therapy sessions will be.
Continuing professional development is not only a way to improve your skills but also a means to stay passionate, motivated, and engaged in your work as an Animal Assisted Therapist.
Step 14: Adhere to Ethical Standards and Best Practices
As an Animal Assisted Therapist, it is crucial to adhere to the highest ethical standards and best practices within the field.
This includes treating both your clients and the animals involved in the therapy with respect, dignity, and compassion.
A key part of adhering to best practices involves ensuring the welfare of the therapy animals.
You must always prioritize their health and well-being, providing them with appropriate rest periods, regular veterinary checks, and an overall environment that promotes their comfort and happiness.
You should also maintain confidentiality and privacy of your clients, being sensitive to their needs and emotions.
This includes ensuring informed consent before starting any treatment program and respecting their wishes throughout the process.
Being aware of and following the guidelines and regulations set by relevant professional bodies is essential, such as the Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Study (AATPS) or the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO).
Lastly, continuous professional development is crucial.
This involves keeping up-to-date with the latest research in the field, attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and constantly striving to improve your skills and knowledge.
Adhering to these ethical standards and best practices not only helps protect the welfare of the animals involved, but also enhances the effectiveness of the therapy, builds trust with clients, and upholds the integrity of the profession.
Step 15: Promote Your Services and Expand Your Clientele
As an Animal Assisted Therapist, it is vital to continue promoting your services to increase your client base.
This can be done through traditional advertising methods, like flyers and print ads, or modern techniques, such as social media marketing and website promotion.
Create a professional website that details your expertise, the benefits of animal-assisted therapy, and testimonials from previous clients.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram also offer a great way to connect with potential clients.
You can post regular updates, share success stories and provide informative content about your therapy approach to engage your audience and attract new clients.
Networking is another key aspect of promoting your services.
Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops related to animal-assisted therapy.
These events not only help in learning new techniques and staying updated with industry trends, but also provide a platform to connect with other professionals and potential clients.
In addition, consider reaching out to local schools, hospitals, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
Explain the benefits of your services and offer to give demonstrations or free introductory sessions.
Word-of-mouth referrals can also be highly beneficial, so ensure your current clients are satisfied with your services and encourage them to spread the word.
Over time, as your reputation grows and your client base expands, you may consider hiring additional staff or partnering with other therapists to accommodate the increase in demand.
Animal Assisted Therapist Roles and Responsibilities
Animal Assisted Therapists use the natural bond between humans and animals to help improve the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of their clients.
They work with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and even dolphins, to assist in therapy.
They have the following roles and responsibilities:
Therapy Planning and Implementation
- Assess individual client needs and develop personalized therapy plans.
- Implement therapeutic interventions using animals.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy and modify as necessary.
Animal Care
- Ensure the welfare of therapy animals.
- Train animals to be able to interact safely and effectively with clients.
- Monitor the behavior and health of therapy animals.
Client Care
- Ensure the safety of clients during therapy sessions.
- Respect and maintain client confidentiality.
- Provide emotional support and feedback to clients during and after sessions.
Documentation
- Maintain accurate records of therapy sessions.
- Document client progress and response to therapy.
- Prepare reports for other healthcare professionals as needed.
Collaboration
- Work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
- Consult with animal trainers or veterinarians as needed.
Education and Advocacy
- Educate clients, families, and the community about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
- Advocate for the rights and welfare of therapy animals.
Research
- Stay up-to-date with current research in animal-assisted therapy.
- Conduct research to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of therapy techniques.
Professional Development
- Participate in continued education and training to maintain and improve professional skills.
- Stay updated on changes in regulations or best practices in animal-assisted therapy.
Communication
- Communicate effectively with clients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
- Listen actively and empathetically to client concerns.
Compliance
- Follow ethical guidelines and standards for animal-assisted therapy.
- Comply with health and safety regulations.
What Does an Animal Assisted Therapist Do?
Animal Assisted Therapists, also known as Pet Therapists, typically work in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and mental health institutions.
They may also work independently or in private practice.
They work closely with animals, mainly dogs, but sometimes cats, horses, rabbits, and other animals, to provide therapeutic support to individuals facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges.
Their job involves planning and implementing animal-assisted therapy sessions which can include tasks like walking a dog, grooming a horse, or simply petting a cat.
These tasks are designed to stimulate and engage the individual, improve their motor skills, increase their self-esteem, and reduce anxiety or depression.
Animal Assisted Therapists also monitor and document the progress of their patients and adjust the therapy accordingly.
They must ensure the safety and welfare of both the patient and the animal during therapy sessions.
In addition to their therapeutic roles, Animal Assisted Therapists are also responsible for the care and training of the animals they work with.
They ensure that the animals are healthy, well-behaved, and able to interact positively with patients.
They may also work in collaboration with other professionals such as doctors, psychologists, and occupational therapists to create a holistic treatment plan for the patient.
Essential Animal Assisted Therapist Skills
- Animal Handling: An animal assisted therapist must be skilled in handling different types of animals. They should know how to control and manage an animal in a therapeutic setting while ensuring the safety and comfort of both the animal and the client.
- Empathy: A strong ability to empathize with clients and understand their feelings is crucial. This empathy helps therapists to connect with clients on a deeper level and guide them through their therapeutic journey.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills are vital. Therapists need to clearly express ideas and instructions to clients, and effectively communicate with animals.
- Knowledge of Therapeutic Techniques: Familiarity with a variety of therapeutic techniques and interventions is critical. This includes understanding how to incorporate animals into these techniques for maximum therapeutic benefit.
- Patient Assessment: Therapists should have the ability to assess a patient’s mental and physical state, and determine the most effective therapy plan. This may involve identifying specific emotional or behavioral issues that could be addressed through animal assisted therapy.
- Knowledge of Animal Behavior: Understanding animal behavior is crucial. Therapists should be able to interpret animal signals and behaviors, and use this knowledge to guide therapeutic interactions between the animal and the client.
- Problem-solving: Therapists need to be able to identify any issues that arise during therapy and find effective solutions, whether these problems are related to the client or the animal.
- Flexibility: Each client is unique and may react differently to therapy. Therefore, an animal assisted therapist must be adaptable, willing to modify therapeutic plans as needed.
- Passion for Animals: A genuine love for animals can help therapists to connect more deeply with their therapy animals and can also help to facilitate a positive therapeutic environment for clients.
- Professionalism: Therapists must maintain a professional demeanor at all times. This includes respecting client confidentiality, adhering to ethical guidelines, and providing high-quality care.
- Teamwork: An animal assisted therapist often works in a team with other healthcare professionals. Therefore, the ability to collaborate effectively is essential.
- Physical Stamina: Working with animals can be physically demanding. Therapists need to have good physical stamina to handle animals and manage active therapy sessions.
Animal Assisted Therapist Career Path Progression
The Foundation: Entry-Level Animal Assisted Therapist
Typically, your career begins as an Entry-Level Animal Assisted Therapist.
This phase allows you to learn more about animal behavior and human psychology, and how they intersect for therapeutic outcomes.
Your responsibilities may include assisting licensed therapists, conducting basic therapy sessions, and caring for therapy animals.
For success at this stage:
- Continuous Learning: Keep abreast with the latest developments in animal-assisted therapy and human psychology.
- Seek Supervision: Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance from your seniors or licensed therapists.
- Developing Empathy: Actively work on developing empathy for your clients and understanding their needs.
The Ascent: Licensed Animal Assisted Therapist
As you gain experience and confidence, you’ll transition into the role of a Licensed Animal Assisted Therapist.
You will independently conduct therapy sessions, develop therapy plans, and customize therapeutic interventions to suit individual client needs.
Tips for thriving in this role:
- Interpersonal Skills: Cultivate strong interpersonal skills to connect with clients and help them open up.
- Collaboration: Work effectively with other healthcare providers to ensure holistic care for your clients.
- Animal Care: Ensure the well-being of your therapy animals and adhere to ethical guidelines.
Reaching New Heights: Senior Animal Assisted Therapist
The next level in your career would be that of a Senior Animal Assisted Therapist.
You will be recognized for your expertise and could be responsible for training new therapists, conducting research, and shaping therapy programs.
To excel as a Senior Animal Assisted Therapist:
- Mentorship: Share your knowledge and help new therapists grow in their roles.
- Research: Conduct and contribute to research to advance the field of animal-assisted therapy.
- Leadership: Lead therapy programs and inspire others with your dedication and therapeutic skills.
Beyond the Horizon: Therapy Program Manager and Beyond
As your career progresses further, you may take up roles like Therapy Program Manager, Research Director, or even a Clinical Supervisor.
These roles would involve greater responsibilities, leadership, and strategic decision-making.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Program Management: Drive therapy programs and shape their direction and outcomes.
- People Management: Develop strong leadership and communication skills to guide your team effectively.
- Innovation: Continue to innovate and improve therapy methodologies and practices.
Pinnacle of Success: Therapy Director or VP of Therapy Services
At the peak of your career, you may reach roles like Therapy Director or VP of Therapy Services.
Here, you’ll be responsible for shaping the overall therapeutic strategy of the organization, making critical decisions, and managing larger teams of therapists and support staff.
Animal Assisted Therapist Salary
Entry-Level Animal Assisted Therapist
- Median Salary: $35,000 – $45,000 per year
- Entry-level animal assisted therapists typically have 0-2 years of experience and hold a bachelor’s degree in a field like psychology, social work, or occupational therapy. They are also expected to have training or certification in animal-assisted therapy.
Mid-Level Animal Assisted Therapist
- Median Salary: $45,000 – $60,000 per year
- Mid-level therapists have 2-5 years of experience and are more likely to take on complex cases involving a variety of therapy animals. At this level, they may also begin to supervise or train new therapists.
Senior Animal Assisted Therapist
- Median Salary: $60,000 – $80,000 per year
- Senior therapists have 5+ years of experience and are responsible for managing therapy programs, conducting advanced therapy sessions, and may also be involved in research or teaching in the field.
Animal Assisted Therapy Program Director
- Median Salary: $80,000 – $100,000+ per year
- These roles require significant experience and involve managing an entire animal assisted therapy program. This includes overseeing staff, developing program guidelines, and ensuring the welfare of therapy animals.
Principal Therapist / Therapy Director
- Median Salary: $100,000 – $140,000+ per year
- These high-level positions require extensive experience and a deep understanding of animal-assisted therapy. They often involve setting strategies for a therapy center or organization, supervising multiple programs, and contributing to advances in the field through research or educational initiatives.
Animal Assisted Therapist Work Environment
Animal Assisted Therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health centers, nursing homes, schools, or private therapy offices.
They may also provide services in the client’s home.
These professionals often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, physical therapists, or social workers, to provide holistic care to their clients.
Working with animals means they need to maintain a conducive environment for the animals, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being, which in turn ensures a successful therapy session for the clients.
Depending on the clients and the type of therapy, an Animal Assisted Therapist may need to work unconventional hours or travel between locations.
After gaining substantial experience, an Animal Assisted Therapist may open their own private practice, choose to specialize in a specific kind of therapy, or work exclusively with a certain demographic, such as children or veterans.
FAQs About Becoming an Animal Assisted Therapist
What is needed to become an animal assisted therapist?
To become an animal assisted therapist, you generally need a background in a field like psychology, counseling, occupational therapy, or social work.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in these fields is typically required.
Additionally, specific training in animal assisted therapy is essential.
You should also have a love for animals and experience in handling them.
Certifications from organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants can be beneficial.
Volunteering or working with animals in settings such as animal shelters or veterinary clinics can provide valuable experience.
How long does it take to be an animal assisted therapist?
The time it takes to become an animal assisted therapist can vary greatly depending on your educational and career path.
Most professionals in this field have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, which typically takes four years.
If you decide to pursue a master’s degree, that can add an additional two years.
Specific training and certification in animal assisted therapy can take several months to a year or more.
Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or employment in related fields can also be a part of your preparation.
Can I be an animal assisted therapist without a degree?
While it may be possible to work in some aspects of animal assisted therapy without a degree, most professional roles in this field require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology, counseling, or social work.
Having a degree can provide a solid foundation in the human side of the therapy equation.
It’s also important to have specific training and certification in animal assisted therapy, as well as experience working with animals.
Is animal assisted therapy a stressful job?
Like any job, animal assisted therapy can have its stressful moments.
Balancing the needs and well-being of both the animals and the clients can sometimes be challenging.
However, many practitioners find great satisfaction in seeing the positive impact that the therapy animals have on their clients.
The bond formed with the animals and the joy they bring to others can make this a rewarding career.
What are the prospects for animal assisted therapists in the next decade?
The prospects for animal assisted therapists are promising in the next decade.
As more people recognize the therapeutic benefits of interactions with animals, demand for animal assisted therapy is likely to increase.
This field can offer opportunities in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.
Recent research in the effectiveness of animal assisted therapy also points towards a positive trend in job growth in this area.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Embarking on a journey to become an animal assisted therapist is indeed a considerable task, but it’s undeniably fulfilling.
Equipped with the right qualifications, empathy, and tenacity, you’re well on your way to making a profound difference in people’s lives through the therapeutic power of animals.
Remember, the journey may be demanding, but the potential to change lives is boundless. Your therapeutic interventions could pave the way for breakthroughs in mental health treatment and holistic healing.
So, take that first step. Immerse yourself in the knowledge. Connect with professionals in the field. And most importantly, never stop honing your therapeutic skills.
Because the world is waiting for the healing touch you can provide.
And if you’re looking for personalized guidance on launching or advancing your career in animal assisted therapy, check out our AI Career Path Advisor.
This free tool is tailored to provide customized advice and resources to help you effectively navigate your career path.
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