Pet Therapy Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the burgeoning world of animal-assisted therapies, the role of a Pet Therapy Coordinator is increasingly vital.

As our understanding of the emotional and therapeutic benefits of animal interactions grows, so does the need for dedicated professionals who can effectively manage and coordinate these unique programs.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of pet therapy coordination,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Pet Therapy Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Pet Therapy Coordinators oversee the operation of pet therapy programs in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

They coordinate between therapy animals, their owners, and the individuals who will be receiving the therapy.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and selecting suitable animals for therapy work
• Coordinating schedules for therapy sessions between animals, their owners, and recipients
• Training and preparing animals and their owners for therapy sessions
• Maintaining the health and safety standards for therapy animals
• Ensuring the comfort and safety of therapy recipients during sessions
• Monitoring and documenting the progress and effectiveness of therapy sessions
• Providing information and education about pet therapy to staff, volunteers, and the public
• Handling any issues or problems that may arise during therapy sessions
• Maintaining records of animal health checks and vaccinations
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to develop therapeutic goals for patients

 

Pet Therapy Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Pet Therapy Coordinator to manage our therapeutic pet program.

The Pet Therapy Coordinator’s responsibilities include implementing therapy pet programs, coordinating training for therapy pets, and working with healthcare professionals to facilitate pet therapy sessions.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of animal behavior and a passion for enhancing the well-being of others through animal-assisted therapy.

Ultimately, the role of the Pet Therapy Coordinator is to manage and maintain a safe, effective, and compassionate pet therapy program.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage pet therapy programs
• Work with healthcare professionals to facilitate pet therapy sessions
• Train and evaluate therapy pets for suitability in the program
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures for the therapy pet program
• Ensure the well-being of therapy pets
• Conduct therapy sessions and monitor their effects on patients
• Manage volunteers and staff involved in the pet therapy program
• Organize workshops and informational sessions about pet therapy
• Monitor program effectiveness and suggest improvements as needed

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with animals, preferably in a therapeutic setting
• Experience in a healthcare or therapeutic field is a plus
• Strong understanding of animal behavior and care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle and control pets of various sizes and temperaments
• Certification in Pet Therapy or related field is preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent; degree in animal science, psychology, social work, or related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pet Therapy Coordinator
• Work Environment: Mostly indoors in a healthcare setting, with some outdoor work for pet training and care. Some travel may be required for off-site therapy sessions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Therapeutic Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $50,000 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 Coordinator Do?

Pet Therapy Coordinators typically work for healthcare facilities, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations that offer animal-assisted therapy.

They can also work independently, coordinating pet therapy services for various clients.

They are responsible for planning and implementing pet therapy programs.

This includes selecting appropriate animals, training them, and ensuring they meet all health and safety standards.

They work closely with other healthcare or educational professionals to tailor therapy sessions to the individual needs of patients or students.

This may involve determining the most beneficial type of animal interaction, arranging for regular visits, and assessing the effectiveness of the therapy.

Pet Therapy Coordinators also handle the logistical aspects of the therapy programs.

They schedule sessions, manage volunteers, and maintain records of the animals’ health and therapy participation.

Moreover, they are often tasked with educating staff, volunteers, and clients about the benefits and risks of pet therapy.

This can involve giving presentations, creating informational materials, or conducting workshops.

To ensure the wellbeing of the therapy animals, Pet Therapy Coordinators monitor their health and behavior closely.

They also ensure the animals get regular breaks and are not exposed to stressful or harmful situations.

Ultimately, their goal is to facilitate meaningful and beneficial interactions between people and animals, contributing to the improvement of the clients’ physical, emotional, or cognitive condition.

 

Pet Therapy Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A Pet Therapy Coordinator should possess skills and qualifications that enable them to effectively coordinate therapy sessions and manage therapy animals, such as:

• Knowledge of animal behavior and care to ensure the therapy pets are safe, healthy, and well-behaved in various environments.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteers, staff, clients, and the community.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills to manage different therapy programs, schedules, and tasks efficiently.
• Experience in therapeutic or healthcare settings to understand the needs of clients and develop appropriate therapy programs.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise between clients, pet owners, and healthcare providers, and to ensure everyone understands the therapy process and the roles of the therapy animals.
• Problem-solving abilities to address and resolve any issues or challenges that may arise during therapy sessions.
• Empathy and compassion to create a supportive and therapeutic environment for clients.
• Aptitude for coordinating volunteer efforts and managing a diverse team of individuals and animals.

 

Pet Therapy Coordinator Experience Requirements

An individual aspiring to be a Pet Therapy Coordinator often needs a combination of formal education and practical experience.

Many coordinators come from backgrounds in psychology, social work, nursing, or veterinary science, and should ideally have a strong understanding of both human and animal behavior.

Experience with pets, especially dogs and cats, is highly valuable for this role.

A Pet Therapy Coordinator often has several years of experience working in roles such as a Veterinary Technician, Animal Shelter Worker, or Dog Trainer.

In addition to this, having spent a significant amount of time in therapeutic settings can be incredibly beneficial.

This could be in roles such as a Therapist, Counselor, or even as a Volunteer in a hospital or nursing home.

Experience in coordinating or managing programs is also beneficial as the role often involves planning and organizing therapy sessions.

For those with more than 5 years of experience in related fields, they may have gathered substantial knowledge and skills to manage a team or even lead a pet therapy program.

Candidates seeking to become Pet Therapy Coordinators should also have certifications or training in pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy.

This experience can be gained through professional organizations that offer such training programs.

Lastly, strong interpersonal skills, compassion, patience, and a genuine love for animals are qualities that are often honed through years of experience and are indispensable for a Pet Therapy Coordinator.

 

Pet Therapy Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

A Pet Therapy Coordinator typically requires a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Animal Sciences, Psychology, Social Work or a related field.

They need to have a strong understanding of animal behavior and needs, as well as the therapeutic benefits animals can provide to humans.

Experience working with animals, particularly in a therapeutic setting, is highly beneficial.

Some roles may require a Pet Therapy Coordinator to have certain qualifications or certifications related to animal training or therapy.

These might include a Pet Partners Handler Training, or a certification from an organization like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

Knowledge of the specific health and safety regulations regarding animals in therapeutic settings is also crucial.

This may require specific training or certifications depending on the local or state regulations.

While not always required, some Pet Therapy Coordinators may choose to pursue a master’s degree in fields like Animal-Assisted Therapy or Counseling to further their understanding of the therapeutic process and increase their career opportunities.

A Pet Therapy Coordinator should also demonstrate empathy, patience, excellent communication skills, and a genuine love for animals.

 

Pet Therapy Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Pet Therapy Coordinator can expect to earn an average salary of $40,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on experience, level of certification in animal therapy, location, and the size and type of the employing organization.

 

Pet Therapy Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pet Therapy Coordinator need?

A Pet Therapy Coordinator needs strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients, health care professionals, and pet handlers.

They should have a good understanding of animal behavior and therapy techniques.

Organizational and administrative skills are also critical for managing therapy schedules and coordinating with different departments within a healthcare facility.

 

Do Pet Therapy Coordinators need a specific degree?

Pet Therapy Coordinators don’t necessarily need a specific degree, but a background in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or a related field is beneficial.

Additional training in Animal-Assisted Therapy or a similar program can also be an asset.

Certification with a recognized therapy animal organization can further enhance their credentials.

 

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

When looking at a Pet Therapy Coordinator resume, check for experience working with animals and in therapeutic or healthcare settings.

Look for credentials or training relating to animal-assisted therapy.

It’s also beneficial if the candidate has experience coordinating programs or schedules, and working with diverse populations.

 

What qualities make a good Pet Therapy Coordinator?

A good Pet Therapy Coordinator should be compassionate, patient, and have a genuine affinity for animals and people.

They must be organized, responsible, and able to handle unexpected situations professionally.

The ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals, including patients, staff, and pet handlers, is also crucial.

 

What is the role of a Pet Therapy Coordinator in a healthcare setting?

In a healthcare setting, a Pet Therapy Coordinator is responsible for developing and managing the pet therapy program.

This includes coordinating visits of therapy animals, ensuring the safety and comfort of the patients, and liaising with healthcare professionals to determine the therapeutic needs of patients.

They also provide guidelines for pet handlers and monitor the effectiveness of the therapy program.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the truth about the role of a Pet Therapy Coordinator.

Surprised?

It’s not just about playing fetch.

It’s about shaping health and happiness, one pet-assisted therapy session at a time.

With our ready-to-use Pet Therapy Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to make your next career move.

But why limit yourself?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting perfect job listings or honing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a step towards a healthier, happier life.

Let’s cultivate that joy. Together.