An animal therapist is a trained professional who partners with animals to help people address various mental, physical, and emotional health challenges. This career involves designing and facilitating interactions between clients and animals to achieve specific therapeutic goals. The work is centered on the unique human-animal bond, leveraging it as a tool for healing and personal growth.
What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a specialized, goal-oriented treatment process delivered by a licensed health or human service professional. In AAT, the therapist intentionally includes an animal as part of a client’s treatment plan to work toward specific improvements in their physical, social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. This structured approach is documented and evaluated to track progress.
AAT should be distinguished from Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA). AAA involves more casual “meet and greet” sessions where volunteers might bring animals to places like hospitals or nursing homes for comfort and recreation. These activities are not designed to meet specific treatment goals and do not require the involvement of a licensed therapist.
Educational Pathways to Become an Animal Therapist
Becoming an animal therapist does not involve earning a degree in “animal therapy.” Instead, the journey begins by becoming a qualified and licensed therapist for people. This path requires a commitment to education, starting with a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology, social work, or human services.
The primary route involves completing a master’s degree in a mental health field. Aspiring therapists pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling, or a master’s degree in Psychology. Another established path is through a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (MOT).
Upon completing a master’s degree, graduates must obtain state licensure to practice. This process involves passing a state-recognized exam and completing a required number of supervised clinical hours, which can take two or more years. Only after becoming a licensed professional, such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), can one incorporate AAT into their practice.
Gaining Specialized Training and Certification
After securing a license in a human health field, the next step is to acquire specialized, post-graduate training in AAT. Professionals then seek established certificate programs to gain the necessary skills for this practice.
Credible programs, such as those offered by the Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado or university-based initiatives like the University of Denver’s Institute for Human-Animal Connection, provide comprehensive education.
Coursework in these programs covers a range of topics, including the theoretical foundations of the human-animal bond, animal ethics, and animal welfare. The curriculum also focuses on practical applications, such as selecting appropriate animals, conducting risk assessments, and designing effective AAT interventions for various client populations.
Essential Skills for Success
Success in animal-assisted therapy requires personal attributes that extend beyond academic credentials. Human-centric skills are fundamental, and a therapist must possess empathy, patience, and excellent observational abilities to interpret both human and animal behavior. Effective communication is also needed to build rapport with clients and explain treatment plans.
Professionals also need well-developed animal-centric skills. A calm, assertive demeanor is important for managing animals and creating a safe environment. Therapists must have a solid understanding of animal behavior, body language, and stress signals to ensure the well-being of their animal partners. Proficient animal handling techniques are also necessary to guide the animal during sessions.
The Role of the Therapy Animal
The animal in AAT is a carefully selected and trained participant in the therapeutic process, not just a pet. A potential therapy animal must have a naturally calm, gentle, and predictable temperament. They need to be non-reactive to sudden noises, unfamiliar people, or clumsy handling, which can be common in therapeutic settings.
Before an animal can be incorporated into a practice, it undergoes rigorous temperament testing to assess its suitability. Following this assessment, the animal receives specific training to prepare it for different environments and interactions. This training focuses on skills for safe therapeutic work, going beyond basic obedience.
The therapist holds full responsibility for the animal’s welfare. This includes recognizing and responding to signs of stress or fatigue in the animal to prevent burnout. Protecting the animal’s physical and emotional health is an ethical demand of AAT, ensuring the partnership remains sustainable.
Career Opportunities and Work Environments
A qualified animal therapist can work in a variety of settings. Many work in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. In these environments, they help patients with physical recovery, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.
Schools are another common workplace, where therapists and their animal partners can assist students with behavioral challenges, social skill development, and anxiety. Therapists may also work in mental health clinics or establish their own private practice, offering specialized AAT services to individuals, families, or groups.