Pet Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world increasingly recognizing the therapeutic benefits of animals, the role of pet therapy assistants has become more crucial than ever.

As the field of pet therapy advances, the demand for compassionate and skilled individuals to facilitate and enhance our interactions with therapeutic animals increases.

But let’s dig a bit deeper: What’s really expected from a pet therapy assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of pet therapy,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pet therapy assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pet Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Pet Therapy Assistants work closely with Pet Therapists to provide therapy and care to patients using animals.

The role includes caring for therapy animals, facilitating therapeutic sessions, and maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the therapy environment.

The duties and responsibilities of a Pet Therapy Assistant include:

• Assist in preparing therapy sessions for patients
• Ensure the well-being and health of therapy animals
• Facilitate interaction between patients and therapy animals under supervision
• Monitor behavior of animals and patients during therapy sessions
• Assist in maintaining patient records and progress reports
• Follow all safety and health regulations to protect patients and animals
• Provide basic care to therapy animals, including feeding and grooming
• Maintain cleanliness of therapy area before and after each session
• Participate in team meetings and training sessions

 

Pet Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Pet Therapy Assistant to join our team.

The ideal candidate will assist in providing therapeutic interactions between our therapy animals and patients to promote improvement in their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning.

The Pet Therapy Assistant should have a love for animals, understand the importance of animal-human bonding and have excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with medical professionals, patients and their families.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the coordination and scheduling of pet therapy visits.
• Ensure therapy pets are clean, well-groomed and in good health before each session.
• Observe patient-animal interactions and document patient progress.
• Follow all safety procedures and protocols to ensure the wellbeing of patients and animals.
• Assist in training and orientation of therapy animals.
• Communicate with medical professionals, patients, and families about the benefits and process of pet therapy.
• Maintain records of therapy sessions and patient progress.
• Provide comfort and support to patients during therapy sessions.

 

Qualifications

• Experience working with animals, preferably in a therapy context.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to handle animals patiently and confidently.
• Knowledge of animal behavior and basic animal health care.
• Training or certification in pet therapy is a plus.
• High School diploma or equivalent. Degree in psychology, social work, or related field is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Exposure to working with animals in a therapeutic setting

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pet Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: This role requires work in a variety of medical settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Interactions with animals are a large part of the job, so comfort with animals is a must.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pet Therapy Coordinator or Manager.
• 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: 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 Assistant Do?

Pet Therapy Assistants work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and rehabilitation centers, where they assist in providing therapeutic interaction with animals to patients or individuals with special needs.

They work closely with a certified pet therapy specialist or handler, and their primary role is to ensure the safety and well-being of both the therapy animal and the individual receiving therapy.

Their tasks may include preparing the therapy animal for visits, maintaining the animal’s hygiene, and ensuring the animal is calm and comfortable around people.

Pet Therapy Assistants also play a significant role in observing the individual’s interactions with the animal and providing feedback to the therapy specialist.

In some cases, they may be responsible for providing basic training to animals to ensure they behave appropriately during therapy sessions.

The Pet Therapy Assistant also handles the administrative side of the job, like scheduling appointments, maintaining therapy logs, and documenting the progress of individuals participating in the therapy.

They work with the goal of facilitating the emotional and physical healing process, and their role is vital in helping individuals cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness, and other emotional challenges.

 

Pet Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A competent Pet Therapy Assistant should possess the necessary skills and qualifications that align with the job’s requirements, which include:

• Good knowledge and understanding of animal behavior and care, allowing for safe and effective therapy sessions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with a variety of individuals, including patients, healthcare providers, and pet owners.
• Effective communication skills to convey essential information about the therapy to patients, family members, and healthcare providers, and to understand and follow specific guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to handle and control pets, particularly in stressful or unfamiliar environments, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both the pet and the patient.
• Patience and empathy to work with patients who may be in emotional or physical distress.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly and effectively address issues that may arise during therapy sessions.
• Physical stamina to handle pets of various sizes and to potentially stand or walk for extended periods.
• Proven experience in a pet-related field or therapy role would be advantageous.

 

Pet Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

Pet Therapy Assistants typically gain experience through volunteer work with animals or relevant coursework in animal behavior, animal care, or psychology.

This hands-on experience, possibly in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or pet therapy organization, is invaluable for understanding animal behavior and establishing comfort in handling animals.

For entry-level roles, employers may look for a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in working with animals, which can be obtained through internships or part-time roles in animal care or pet therapy.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have often honed their skills in animal handling, understanding animal behavior, and interacting with therapy clients.

They may have gained this experience in roles such as Animal Caretaker, Veterinary Assistant, or a similar position in a pet therapy setting.

Those with over 5 years of experience typically have a strong background in pet therapy techniques and may have some supervisory or management experience.

They are likely prepared for more advanced roles in the field, such as coordinating pet therapy programs or leading teams of Pet Therapy Assistants.

Additionally, any experience working in healthcare or therapeutic environments can be beneficial as it adds to the understanding of therapy procedures and patient interactions.

 

Pet Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Pet Therapy Assistants typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

They need to have a solid understanding of animal behavior, usually through experience in animal care roles such as veterinary assistant, animal shelter worker, or similar positions.

Though not always required, certification programs in pet therapy can provide essential skills and knowledge in this field.

These programs often cover areas such as animal behavior, animal-assisted therapy techniques, safety procedures, and the role of pets in human psychology and well-being.

In addition, a pet therapy assistant needs to have skills in handling a variety of animals.

Some organizations may require Pet Therapy Assistants to have their pets certified as therapy animals through a recognized therapy animal organization.

Volunteering at local shelters, vet clinics, or other animal care facilities is also a good way to gain experience and enhance your credentials as a pet therapy assistant.

Additional training and certifications in counseling or psychology can also be beneficial, as it can provide a better understanding of the therapeutic needs of the clients.

Moreover, possessing a strong passion for animals, patience, empathy, and excellent communication skills are essential qualities needed for this role.

 

Pet Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

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

This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, certifications, the location of the job, and the specific organization that employs them.

 

Pet Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pet Therapy Assistant need?

A Pet Therapy Assistant needs strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with both pets and their owners.

They should also have a good understanding of animal behavior and be able to handle pets comfortably and safely.

Patience, empathy, and a genuine love for animals are also crucial.

Besides, they need to have basic knowledge about various therapeutic procedures and the ability to follow instructions given by the therapist.

 

Do Pet Therapy Assistants need any specific qualifications or certifications?

While a formal degree may not be required, having a diploma or certification in animal care, veterinary studies, or a related field can be beneficial.

Some organizations might require assistants to complete specific pet therapy training programs and obtain a certificate.

Hands-on experience in animal care or therapy is usually highly valued.

 

What should you look for in a Pet Therapy Assistant’s resume?

In a Pet Therapy Assistant’s resume, look for experience in animal care, therapy, or related fields.

Any certifications related to animal therapy or veterinary studies are a plus.

Volunteering experience with animals, especially in a therapeutic or medical setting, can also be a valuable asset.

The ability to work in a team and good interpersonal skills are also important.

 

What qualities make a good Pet Therapy Assistant?

A good Pet Therapy Assistant is compassionate and patient, with a genuine love for animals.

They should also have good observational skills to notice any changes in a pet’s behavior or health.

They should be able to work well under stress, as some therapy sessions can be emotionally challenging.

Being reliable and having good problem-solving skills are also important qualities.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Pet Therapy Assistant?

Hiring a Pet Therapy Assistant can be challenging due to the specific set of skills and qualities needed for the role.

It’s essential to find someone who not only loves animals but also understands their behavior and can work well with them in a therapeutic setting.

Hiring can be made easier by focusing on candidates with relevant experience and/or certifications in animal therapy.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the truth behind what it truly entails to be a pet therapy assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about playing with animals.

It’s about creating a therapeutic experience, one interaction at a time.

With our go-to pet therapy assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each interaction with a pet is part of a bigger therapeutic journey.

Let’s create that experience. Together.