Explore a rewarding career in animal-assisted occupational therapy

If you’re a dog parent who deeply appreciates the bond between people and animals, you might have considered using your connection with your pup to pursue a fulfilling career. One exciting field is animal-assisted occupational therapy, a therapeutic approach centered on the powerful healing properties of the human-animal relationship.

Animal-assisted occupational therapy practitioners use their expertise and their dogs’ unique talents to help people overcome mental, physical, and emotional challenges.

This career seamlessly combines a love of dogs with a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Let’s explore how you can transition from being a dedicated dog parent to becoming a skilled animal-assisted occupational therapy professional.

Tap your experience as a dog parent

A pet handler helps patients interact with trained, well-behaved pets in animal-assisted occupational therapy.

These interactions typically occur in nursing homes, schools, hospitals, dental offices, and chemical dependency and psychological treatment centers.

The benefits of animal-assisted therapy include physical, mental, and cognitive health, as the presence of animals can calm clients and elevate their moods.

Experience as a dog owner is invaluable when you decide to become an animal-assisted occupational therapist.

After all, you already deeply understand canine communication and behavior, and you know the profound impact they can have on our well-being.

Begin by considering how your dog has brought joy to your life and those around you. Where and when have you witnessed the therapeutic benefits of the human-animal bond with your pup?

What personality traits does your dog have that could be beneficial in an animal-assisted occupational therapy setting?

Keeping a record of your observations and insights can determine whether an animal-assisted occupational therapy career is right for you and your therapy dog.

Additionally, it’s essential to have a professional canine behaviorist assess your dog’s trainability and temperament.

Animal-assisted occupational therapy working dogs must be exceptionally calm, well-behaved, and eager to interact with people from all walks of life.

Start by registering your dog for classes to earn its Canine Good Citizen Test.

Obtain the necessary certifications

In addition to your experience as a dog parent, you’ll need to obtain the necessary degrees and certifications to become an animal-assisted occupational therapist.

The first step is to obtain a degree in occupational therapy, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, or a related healthcare subject.

Several colleges and universities offer specific coursework or specialized programs in animal-assisted therapy.

Next, you and your dog must complete a certified therapy dog team program.

These classes focus on behavioral assessments, obedience training, and workshops that teach you and your dog how to safely and effectively interact with clients in therapeutic settings.

Once you have earned your team certification, you will be well on your way to demonstrating your readiness to be an animal-assisted occupational therapist.

After completing the team certification, it is necessary to complete a formal and animal-specific animal-assisted occupational therapy program.

Accredited institutions offer these programs, and candidates learn the practical and theoretical knowledge to develop and incorporate their dog’s skills into occupational therapy interventions.

Program coursework typically includes classes on ethical considerations, animal-assisted therapy techniques, and evidence-based best practices.

Consider joining professional organizations, such as the International Association of Animal Behavior Coalition, the Animal Assisted Intervention International, and the American Counseling Association, for industry connections and mentoring.

As an animal-assisted occupational therapist, you should also obtain liability insurance coverage to protect yourself, your dog, and your clients.

Changing careers, earning degrees, and achieving certifications can impact an individual’s finances.

However, you can still follow your dreams and become an animal-assisted occupational therapist by offsetting your financial concerns.

By consulting a financial advisor, reviewing your income streams, and avoiding excess debt, you can find ways to fulfill your dream of helping other people live healthier, happier lives.

Build your skillset

Aside from certifications, you must also develop a strong occupational therapy practitioner skill set.

The skills you must hone include the following:

• Assessing client needs
• Designing personalized therapy plans
• Effectively communicating the benefits of the human-animal bond

Attending professional development seminars, workshops, conferences, and shadowing opportunities are ideal ways to learn from veteran animal-assisted occupational therapy professionals.

Staying updated on best practices and research is essential in a field where understanding animal-assisted therapeutic interventions evolves.

An animal-assisted occupational therapist also needs observational and interpersonal skills, meaning you need to be able to read both canine and human body language.

Adjusting your approach to meet each client’s needs will foster trust and comfort, encouraging the bond between dog and patient.

Find your niche

Animal-assisted occupational therapy offers many niches, from working in healthcare settings to rehabilitation facilities to education and community-based programs.

You can explore these options to determine the type of care you are most comfortable with and interested in.

For example, if you have experience in childhood development, you might choose to work as an animal-assisted occupational therapist who supports pediatric clients with developmental disabilities.

If, however, you are interested in mental health, you could focus on providing canine-assisted interventions to improve the well-being of people struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma.

Carving out your role within the animal-assisted occupational therapy industry will allow you to significantly impact your clients’ lives and experience greater personal fulfillment.

Embark on your new journey

A career as an animal-assisted occupational therapist as a dog parent is a meaningful and rewarding path.

The journey is as much about your transformation as it is about the positivity you and your pup will bring to others.

Celebrate the successes, embrace the challenges, and above all, always focus on the health of your human and canine partners.

With passion and dedication, and with your dog at your side, you can make a lasting difference in the lives of the people you serve.

Miles Oliver is a proud dog lover and an outdoor enthusiast. He often writes on his patio with a hot cup of tea and his 4-year-old border collie mix by his feet. When Miles is not working as an independent freelance writer, he is most likely mountain biking and roaming the great outdoors with his four-legged companion.