Pet Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly pet-friendly society, the role of pet therapists has become more crucial than ever.

As we evolve our understanding of animal behavior and the profound impact of pet-human relationships, the demand for compassionate professionals who can effectively aid and foster these connections increases.

But what exactly does a pet therapist do?

Whether you are:

• An animal lover exploring career possibilities,
• A hiring manager delineating the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the ins and outs of pet therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable pet therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pet Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Pet Therapists, also known as Animal Assisted Therapists, use animals to help improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of individuals.

They play a pivotal role in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and private therapy practices.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the needs and condition of clients to develop appropriate therapy plans
• Assessing the behavior, temperament, and health of animals to be used in therapy
• Training animals to assist individuals with physical, mental, or emotional difficulties
• Coordinating with healthcare professionals to understand patient needs and therapeutic goals
• Leading therapy sessions in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clients’ homes
• Monitoring and documenting client progress and therapy outcomes
• Maintaining the animals’ health and wellbeing, including feeding, grooming, and exercising them
• Ensuring that all animal-assisted therapy sessions adhere to ethical standards and regulations
• Providing emotional support and encouragement to clients during therapy sessions

 

Pet Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and qualified Pet Therapist to join our team.

The role involves providing therapeutic services to pets in need of behavioral or physical rehabilitation.

Pet Therapist responsibilities include assessing the needs of each pet, developing individualized therapy programs, and regularly monitoring progress.

Familiarity with different therapy techniques and a deep love for animals is required for this role.

Ultimately, the role of the Pet Therapist is to improve the quality of life for pets through therapeutic care and treatment.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess and determine the therapeutic needs of each pet
• Design and implement individualized therapy programs
• Monitor and document the pet’s progress
• Advise pet owners on the ongoing care and training of their pets
• Work closely with veterinarians and other pet health professionals
• Stay updated with the latest therapy techniques and advancements in veterinary medicine
• Maintain a calm, therapeutic environment for pets
• Comply with all regulations and ethical guidelines in the field of pet therapy

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a pet therapist, animal behaviorist, or in a related field
• Strong understanding of animal behavior and therapy techniques
• Experience working with a variety of pets (dogs, cats, birds, etc.)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle pets with patience and kindness
• Physical stamina to work with active pets
• Degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, or a related field

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities
• Professional development assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pet Therapist
• Work Environment: Animal hospital or clinic. Some in-home visits may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Veterinary Services or Clinic Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• 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 in our team. 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 a Pet Therapist Do?

A Pet Therapist, also known as an Animal-Assisted Therapist, works in various settings such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, or private practices.

They use animals to help individuals recover or better cope with health problems, such as heart disease, mental health disorders, and trauma.

Their primary role is to facilitate sessions where a patient interacts with an animal under their supervision.

The activities can range from simply petting or feeding the animal, to more complex tasks like teaching the animal tricks or going for walks.

Pet Therapists observe the interaction between the patient and the animal and make notes on the progress, behaviors, and any therapeutic effects the sessions have.

They also ensure the animals are well cared for, including feeding, grooming, and regular veterinary check-ups, as well as ensuring the animals are suitable for therapy in terms of temperament and health.

A significant part of their job is to work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, to create and implement an effective treatment plan that supports the patient’s recovery or therapeutic needs.

Beyond these responsibilities, Pet Therapists also require the ability to handle animals and have a strong understanding of animal behavior and care.

They also need to have strong communication and empathy skills to facilitate a comfortable and beneficial environment for their patients.

 

Pet Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A pet therapist should have the skills and qualifications that align with this role, such as:

• Professional training or degree in animal behavior, veterinary medicine, or related fields.
• Profound knowledge about different pet species, their behavior, and physiology.
• Empathy and compassion for animals, essential for establishing a positive bond with the pet and understanding their needs.
• Patience and calm demeanor, as pet therapy requires working with animals who may be stressed or anxious.
• Ability to assess and interpret animal behavior and provide appropriate behavioral interventions.
• Good physical stamina and ability to handle animals of various sizes and temperaments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with pet owners, educate them about their pet’s progress, and provide necessary guidance about maintaining the pet’s health and well-being.
• Problem-solving skills to address diverse behavioral issues in pets and find effective solutions.
• Basic knowledge of first aid for animals and ability to recognize signs of health problems.
• Professional certification in animal therapy or related fields can be beneficial.

 

Pet Therapist Experience Requirements

Candidates interested in becoming a Pet Therapist typically require a degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, psychology, or a related field.

This is often followed by specific training and certification in animal-assisted therapy.

Most Pet Therapists gain experience through internships or volunteer work with animals in settings such as shelters, kennels, or veterinary clinics.

This practical experience allows them to understand animal behavior, build rapport with different species, and gain insights into different therapeutic techniques.

Experience can also be gained through positions such as Veterinary Technician, Animal Caretaker, or Animal Behaviorist, which provide opportunities to work closely with animals and observe their behaviors and responses.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of animal behavior and therapy methods.

They are expected to handle complex cases, and may also be involved in training new therapists.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically considered experts in their field.

They may be ready to take on leadership roles, supervise therapy sessions, and contribute to research in the field of animal-assisted therapy.

 

Pet Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Pet Therapists, also known as Animal-Assisted Therapists, typically have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, animal behavior, or another related field.

A strong background in understanding animal behavior and human psychology is essential.

Experience with animals, particularly in a professional setting such as a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, can be advantageous.

Certain positions may require a master’s degree in animal-assisted therapy, counseling, or a related discipline.

This is especially true for roles that involve more complex therapeutic interventions or work in specialized settings, such as hospitals or mental health centers.

Many pet therapists pursue certification through organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

This certification can provide evidence of a pet therapist’s professional competence and commitment to best practices in the field.

In addition, obtaining a work license may be necessary, depending on the state’s regulations.

The licensing criteria generally involve completing a specific amount of supervised clinical experience and passing an examination.

Continuing education is important in this field, as new research and techniques often emerge.

Many pet therapists, therefore, choose to attend advanced workshops, seminars, and courses to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date.

 

Pet Therapist Salary Expectations

A Pet Therapist, also known as an Animal-Assisted Therapist, earns an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary based on factors such as the therapist’s experience, the location of the practice, and the specific requirements of the role.

This profession often requires certification and training in the field of animal therapy.

 

Pet Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pet Therapist need?

Pet Therapists should have excellent communication skills for interacting with pet owners and understanding their concerns.

They should also possess strong observational skills to determine a pet’s behavior and emotional state.

Compassion, patience and a genuine love for animals is crucial for this role.

Knowledge about animal behavior, training techniques, and therapeutic methods is also required.

 

Do Pet Therapists need any specific qualifications?

A degree in veterinary science, animal behavior, psychology or a related field is often beneficial.

However, becoming a Pet Therapist often requires certification from a recognized animal therapy organization.

Experience working with animals, either in a veterinary or behavioral setting, is also highly valued.

 

What should you look for in a Pet Therapist resume?

A Pet Therapist’s resume should highlight their education and certification in animal therapy or a related field.

Prior experience working with animals, especially in a therapeutic context, should be clearly outlined.

Also, look for skills such as patience, empathy, and excellent communication, which are critical for this role.

 

What qualities make a good Pet Therapist?

A good Pet Therapist is patient, compassionate and empathetic towards both pets and their owners.

They should have a deep understanding of animal behavior and be able to use various therapeutic techniques to help animals cope with stress, anxiety or physical ailments.

Strong communication skills are necessary to effectively convey treatment plans and progress to pet owners.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Pet Therapist?

The challenge in hiring a Pet Therapist is finding a candidate with the right balance of professional qualifications and personal attributes.

It’s important to find someone who not only has the right education and experience, but also a genuine love for animals and a deep understanding of their physical and emotional needs.

Offering competitive salary and benefits can attract the right candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve dug into the heart of what it truly means to be a pet therapist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about playing with animals.

It’s about enhancing their lives, one therapy session at a time.

With our trusted pet therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all ready to take a leap.

But why halt here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your subsequent step to creating meticulously detailed listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a step towards a better life for these pets.

Let’s create that better world. Together.