A lot has changed in the world of therapy dogs, and one significant change has been that many people now make their living from having a therapy dog.
They may work for a local animal shelter, or they may be certified therapists themselves. There is also a social media company called BarkPost that employs an army of unpaid volunteers to write about the aspects of pet ownership, such as having your dog or scouring social media for your next vacation destination.
The Purpose of Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs offer a unique and calming presence to those in need. Therapy dogs can relieve anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
In addition to providing therapeutic services, many therapy dog organizations offer pet adoption opportunities and revenue-sharing programs for their dogs’ caretakers.
There are a few things that you need to know if you want to become a paid professional therapy dog caregiver:
- You’ll need certification from a major organization representing therapy dog professionals.
- You’ll likely need experience working with or caring for dogs before becoming an effectively paid therapist or dog caregiver.
- You’ll need to be willing to work full-time, often seven days a week.
If these requirements sound like they would be difficult or even impossible to meet, don’t worry. There are plenty of other ways to get involved with therapy dogs and provide valuable services without working full-time as a caregiver.
You could volunteer your time with an organization that houses therapy dogs or become involved in fundraising efforts for the organization. You could also create an organization that provides shelter and care for homeless pets while their owners seek treatment or
Why Therapy Dogs are Important
Therapy dogs play an essential role in helping people with mental illnesses. Not only do they provide emotional support, but many also provide physical assistance such as facilitating mobility, providing social skills training, and assisting with communication. Because of their popularity and the positive impact on people’s lives, it’s not surprising that there are several ways to get paid to have a therapy dog.
One way to get paid to have a therapy dog is to work as a pet sitter. Pet sitting can be a great way to make some extra money and help a friend or family member simultaneously.
You will be caring for the dog while its owner is out of town, and you’ll likely also be doing some light housework and feeding the dog. You can find pet sitting jobs online or through local animal shelters.
Another way to get paid to have a therapy dog is to become a professional pet groomer. This is a lucrative career choice, as many pet owners love their animals enough to pay for professional grooming services.
Groomers typically charge between $25 and $50 per visit, plus fees for equipment such as blow dryers and nail clippers. You can
What Does a Good Therapy Dog Look Like?
There are many benefits to having a therapy dog, but the main one is that they provide comfort and support to people who are ill or in need of emotional support. So, what does a good therapy dog look like? Here are some of the key traits:
-They should be calm and patient.
-They should be friendly and outgoing.
-They should be well trained.
-They should have a lot of energy.
-They should be healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Is it Possible To Get Paid To Have A Therapy Dog?
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money and help out a good cause at the same time, there may be a therapy dog program for you. While it may seem like an easy option to take on a dog from a shelter or rescue organization and provide therapy services free of charge to those who need them, it’s not that simple.
Depending on the program and the dog’s specific requirements, you may be required to undergo training to be certified as a therapy dog. You’ll also likely need to find a handler or team responsible for caring for your canine companion while working. And finally, there’s the matter of being able to monetize your work.
While a few programs pay their volunteers reasonably well, most payment options are limited to donations or sponsorships. If you’re interested in getting involved in therapy dog work, it’s essential to research to find programs that fit your qualifications and meet your expectations.
Conclusion
Are you passionate about helping people and animals in need but don’t have the time to offer therapy full-time? Maybe you’re a veterinary technician who would love to be able to provide some much-needed support on the side.
If either of these situations sounds familiar, consider becoming a therapy dog partner! There are plenty of organizations out there that are looking for qualified partners, and therapy dogs can earn a considerable amount of money. So if you’re interested in making a difference while earning some extra cash, get started today by checking out some available programs!