When it comes to partnering with therapy animals, there’s no one-size-fits-all model.
Some handlers volunteer their time, sharing their pets to bring comfort and connection within their communities. Others are professionals like therapists, educators, or healthcare providers, who bring therapy animals into their work to support clients and students.
Then there are those who operate in between these two worlds: animal-assisted intervention (AAI) paraprofessionals.
These professionals bring specialized expertise in the human-animal bond, ensuring therapy animal interactions are structured, safe, and effective. They play an essential role in expanding access to animal-assisted interventions across schools, healthcare facilities, and community programs.
Defining the Paraprofessional Role
An AAI paraprofessional is a trained therapy animal handler who works with other professionals, usually as a consultant or on a contract basis, to add to their services.
Rather than being employees of the host organization, these handlers serve as independent providers who bring their therapy animal expertise into established programs or clinical environments.
For example, a school might hire a paraprofessional handler to visit several times a month during testing weeks or reading programs. A child advocacy center may invite a paraprofessional to support clients during sensitive interviews. In both cases, the paraprofessional acts as a bridge, partnering with licensed professionals while advocating for the animal’s well-being.
The core of the paraprofessional’s role is dual advocacy: make sure the therapy animal work is ethical and effective for clients and make sure the therapy animal’s welfare is a priority.
Key Considerations When Hiring an AAI Paraprofessional
If your organization is considering working with an AAI paraprofessional, these steps will ensure success for everyone, especially the animal.
1. Verify Their Qualifications
Not all therapy animal teams are the same. Look for handlers who have:
- Current registration or certification with a reputable therapy animal organization, like Pet Partners
- Education or coursework in AAI
- Evidence of objective, standardized evaluation that’s renewed at least every two years
2. Confirm Appropriate Insurance
Any handler getting paid for their time must have professional liability insurance that explicitly covers paid AAI work. Insurance from volunteer-based therapy animal programs does not cover paid services. AAAIP members have access to professional insurance coverage designed specifically for this field, meaning both the handler and the organization are protected.
3. Offer an Orientation
The paraprofessional and their animal may be new to your environment. Before they begin direct work with clients, schedule a thorough orientation that includes:
- An overview of your services and goals
- Introductions to key staff and daily routines
- Safety and confidentiality protocols
Allow time for conversation and for the handler to ask questions about their tole. This collaborative onboarding builds trust and prepares the handler to make sure their sessions are aligned with your goals.
4. Plan for Collaborative Sessions
AAI is most effective when both professionals and paraprofessionals work together. Discuss what types of interactions the animal enjoys most and design sessions around their strengths.
You and the handler should practice co-directing interactions, since both of you will have unique expertise: you in your professional domain, and the handler in reading and responding to the animal. Establish clear communication cues and agree on how to handle transitions or moments when the animal needs a break. The handler should always have the authority to pause or end an interaction to protect the animal’s welfare.
For Handlers: Building Your Paraprofessional Path
If you’re already a registered therapy animal handler, becoming a paraprofessional can expand both your reach and your impact.
Start by networking within your community. Schools, hospitals, counseling centers, and social service agencies often welcome new ways to support clients. Many professionals may not yet understand the distinctions between therapy animals, service animals, and emotional support animals, so education is key.
Create a polished informational packet that includes:
- A clear description of your what your therapy animal team does
- Examples of how your team can support their services
- Your credentials and certifications
- Proof of professional liability insurance
- Your availability and consultation rates
Approach these conversations as collaborations, not sales pitches. Organizations are more likely to partner with handlers who emphasize shared goals, mutual respect, and a commitment to animal welfare.
Why Paraprofessionals Matter
AAI paraprofessionals play an essential role in raising the standard of practice in AAI. They bring structure, accountability, and specialized skills to environments that may not have in-house AAI expertise.
As the field evolves, growing research continues to validate the benefits of therapy animals. From improving emotional regulation and motivation, to fostering empathy and connection, the evidence is clearer than ever that therapy animals can improve outcomes. By applying evidence-based practices and ongoing education, paraprofessionals help ensure that these interventions are both humane and effective.
Taking the Next Step
Whether you’re an organization hoping to enrich your services or a handler looking to grow professionally, understanding the paraprofessional role is key to doing this work well.
The AAAIP online courses provide the foundation you need to build or strengthen your AAI program. From understanding the fundamentals of animal welfare and behavior, to designing safe, ethical, goal-oriented interventions. These courses help create the structure to later bring in paraprofessionals or partner effectively with trained handlers.
Each course is designed by subject matter experts and aligned with the competencies that define professional-level practice in AAI.
Begin building your foundation today and set your program up for success.
Explore AAAIP courses and take the next step towards safe, effective AAI.