Pet Therapy Aid Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare and wellness, the focus on Pet Therapy Aids has never been more significant.

As the understanding of mental health deepens, the demand for compassionate individuals who can effectively utilize animals to aid in therapy sessions grows increasingly louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pet Therapy Aid?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of pet therapy,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Pet Therapy Aid Duties and Responsibilities

Pet Therapy Aids are responsible for facilitating therapeutic interactions between animals and individuals in need of support.

They are well versed in animal behavior and therapeutic techniques and ensure the welfare of both the therapy animals and the individuals they serve.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist in coordinating and conducting pet therapy sessions
• Assist in the selection and training of therapy animals
• Ensure the welfare and safety of therapy animals
• Monitor and maintain the behavior, hygiene, and health of therapy animals
• Assist individuals during their interaction with therapy animals
• Observe and report on the progress of individuals in therapy
• Maintain a clean and safe environment for therapy sessions
• Ensure compliance with animal health and welfare regulations
• Coordinate with healthcare professionals to design effective therapy programs
• Handle scheduling and logistics for therapy sessions
• Document therapy sessions for future reference and progress tracking
• Provide information and support to individuals and their families about pet therapy

 

Pet Therapy Aid Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Pet Therapy Aid to assist in the delivery of our animal-assisted therapy programs.

The Pet Therapy Aid will be responsible for accompanying therapy animals during their visits, ensuring the well-being of the therapy animals, and providing assistance to the therapy program coordinator.

The ideal candidate is comfortable with animals and has a compassionate and understanding nature.

Experience in therapy, social work, veterinary, or a related field is beneficial but not required.

 

Responsibilities

• Accompany therapy animals during visits to various facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
• Ensure the well-being and safety of therapy animals during visits.
• Assist therapy animals and clients during sessions.
• Provide assistance to the therapy program coordinator as needed.
• Participate in training and orientation programs.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of therapy sessions.
• Communicate with facility staff, clients, and families about the therapy process.

 

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with animals preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to handle animals with patience and kindness.
• Comfortable working with diverse populations including the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
• Must pass a background check.
• Completion of a pet therapy training program is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Opportunity to work with animals and make a difference in people’s lives

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pet Therapy Aid
• Work Environment: This role will involve visiting various facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Therapy Program Coordinator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Part-time or 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 a Pet Therapy Aid Do?

Pet Therapy Aids typically work in healthcare facilities, nursing homes, schools, and rehabilitation centers.

They may also work as volunteers in various organizations or be employed by pet therapy agencies.

They work closely with certified therapy animals, usually dogs, to provide emotional support and companionship to individuals who are ill, elderly, or going through rehabilitation.

Pet Therapy Aids are responsible for ensuring the animals are calm, obedient, and well-behaved during sessions.

They may also be responsible for grooming and maintaining the health of the therapy animals.

The key part of their job is to facilitate interactions between the therapy animal and the person in need.

This could involve the person petting the animal, playing with it, or just simply talking to it.

Pet Therapy Aids observe these interactions and ensure the safety and comfort of both parties.

They also monitor the emotional responses and progress of the individuals to report back to the medical team or therapist.

In some cases, Pet Therapy Aids may also be responsible for training animals to become therapy pets, which involves teaching them specific behaviors and helping them get used to various environments and situations.

 

Pet Therapy Aid Qualifications and Skills

A skilled Pet Therapy Aid should possess a unique blend of skills and qualifications that include:

• Experience with and understanding of animal behavior, particularly in therapeutic settings.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients and facilitate positive interactions between clients and therapy animals.
• Communication skills to explain the benefits of pet therapy, address client concerns, and provide clear instructions for interacting with therapy animals.
• Patience and empathy to work with clients who may have physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly address any unexpected situations or behaviors from either the therapy animal or the client.
• Physical fitness to handle animals of various sizes and temperaments, as well as assist clients as needed during therapy sessions.
• Knowledge of safety protocols to ensure the well-being of both the therapy animal and the client.
• Organizational skills to manage appointment schedules, maintain client records, and ensure regular health checks for therapy animals.

 

Pet Therapy Aid Experience Requirements

Pet Therapy Aids are usually required to have previous experience in a role working with animals, such as a Veterinary Assistant, Dog Trainer, or Animal Shelter Volunteer.

Having a year or two of experience in these roles can help to provide a strong foundational understanding of animal behavior.

In addition to working with animals, experience in a healthcare or therapeutic environment can be beneficial.

This could include roles such as a Caregiver, Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Counselor.

Through these experiences, Pet Therapy Aids can gain the necessary people skills and understanding of therapeutic techniques.

Volunteering as a pet therapy aid for local organizations is also a viable method of gaining relevant experience.

Some organizations provide training for volunteers, offering a valuable opportunity to learn and practice pet therapy techniques.

For those looking at advanced roles within Pet Therapy, a greater level of experience is needed.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have developed specialized skills, such as dealing with animals that have been through trauma or working with specific patient groups.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field may have gained enough knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles or to train new Pet Therapy Aids.

They might also be involved in the development of pet therapy programs and policies within healthcare or therapeutic institutions.

 

Pet Therapy Aid Education and Training Requirements

Pet Therapy Aids usually have a high school diploma or equivalent education.

They also need formal training in animal behavior or a related field.

They should have good knowledge of animal health and possess practical skills in handling different types of animals, as the job involves working closely with pets.

Having a certification as a professional pet handler or a similar certification can be beneficial.

These certification programs teach potential Pet Therapy Aids about animal behavior, training techniques, safety procedures, and therapeutic benefits for patients.

Some roles may require Pet Therapy Aids to have additional training in health care or social work, as they often work in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, or schools.

Beyond formal education, Pet Therapy Aids should have a strong love for animals, patience, and excellent interpersonal skills, as they will be interacting with both animals and people regularly.

Although not mandatory, a degree or coursework in psychology, therapy, social work, or a related field could provide a competitive edge.

This could indicate a deeper understanding of the therapeutic process and the role animals play in it.

Continuing education and professional development opportunities, such as workshops or conferences about pet therapy, can also be beneficial for keeping up with the latest practices and research in the field.

 

Pet Therapy Aid Salary Expectations

A Pet Therapy Aid can expect to earn an average salary of around $30,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, certifications, location, and the specific responsibilities within the role.

 

Pet Therapy Aid Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pet Therapy Aid need?

Pet Therapy Aids should have strong interpersonal skills as they will be working with both animals and people, including those who might be in stressful or emotional situations.

They should have a good understanding of animal behavior and be able to handle pets effectively and gently.

Patience, empathy, and a calm demeanor are also essential.

 

Do Pet Therapy Aids require any specific qualifications?

While a degree isn’t typically necessary, many Pet Therapy Aids have a background in psychology, social work, or a related field.

Certification in pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy can also be beneficial.

Additionally, experience working with animals, such as volunteer work at animal shelters, can be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in a Pet Therapy Aid resume?

When reviewing a Pet Therapy Aid resume, look for experience in working with both people and animals.

Any certifications in pet therapy or animal handling should be highlighted.

Voluntary or paid work in care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or therapy centers should also be noted as these demonstrate relevant experience.

 

What qualities make a good Pet Therapy Aid?

A good Pet Therapy Aid is caring, patient, and has a genuine love for animals.

They should be empathetic, understanding the emotional needs of patients, and able to use their knowledge of animal behavior to provide comfort and therapeutic benefits.

They must be sensitive to the needs of both the patient and the animal, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for therapy.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Pet Therapy Aid?

Hiring a Pet Therapy Aid can be challenging as it requires finding someone who not only has the necessary skills and experience but also has the emotional intelligence and sensitivity to work with vulnerable people and animals.

However, with a well-structured hiring process, it is possible to find candidates who are well-suited for this rewarding role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Pet Therapy Aid.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about playing with pets.

It’s about fostering healing, companionship, and joy, one pet interaction at a time.

With our handy Pet Therapy Aid job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take that leap.

But why halt your journey there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precision-crafted listings or perfecting your resume to stand out.

Bear in mind:

Every interaction with a pet is a step towards a healthier, happier world.

Let’s create that world. Together.