Pet Prescription Team

The program is an 8-week group class held inside actual healthcare and assisted care facilities. Training includes hands-on exposure to hospital equipment, visitation policies, safe handling techniques, and confidence-building exercises. Classes are held weekly in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. After completing the course and passing evaluations, dogs are certified, insured, and assigned to visitation sites with ongoing support from a team leader. The program requires prerequisite obedience skills and socialization before enrollment.

Pricing Summary

The 8-week training class costs $175.00. Upon successful completion, there is an additional $85.00 fee for certification, first-year membership, and a therapy vest. No other pricing packages or discounts are mentioned.

Policies

No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated. Classes may extend beyond 8 weeks based on team progress. Certification requires passing all evaluations.

The Pet Prescription Team is a nonprofit organization founded in 2003 by Krystal Emery that offers therapy dog training classes to help dog owners certify their pets as therapy animals. Their training program is held in real healthcare and assisted care facilities, providing hands-on experience in actual environments like hospitals, jails, schools, and hospice centers. The 8-week course teaches owners and dogs how to navigate hospital equipment, follow facility protocols, and interact safely with patients, with a focus on calm, friendly, and obedient behavior. Upon completion, dogs are certified, insured, and assigned to visitation sites based on the handler’s location and preferences, with ongoing mentorship from certified team leaders. The organization emphasizes compassionate, professional training and supports volunteers through monthly meetings and a private forum. They do not offer general obedience, behavior modification, or pet services beyond therapy dog certification.

Their unique advantage is the immersive, facility-based training model that prepares dogs and handlers for real-world therapy scenarios, unlike classroom-only programs. They also provide a therapy vest, first-year membership, and insurance upon certification. The team serves over 100,000 visitations annually across Southern California and partners with major institutions including Los Angeles County Jails, Disneyland, and Ronald McDonald House.

The program is designed for dogs that are naturally calm, affectionate, and well-socialized, with prerequisites including basic obedience commands and good grooming habits. They do not train service dogs, working dogs, or competition dogs—only therapy dogs for emotional support and comfort in institutional settings.

Accomplishments

Over 100,000 documented therapy visitations since 2003. Partnered with Ronald McDonald House, Los Angeles County Jails, Disneyland, United States Attorney General offices, and Children’s Advocacy Centers. Founded the Faith Dog Project, There’s No Place Like Home Project, and Ontario Airport Comfort Dog Program. Certified by 501c3 nonprofit status (EIN: 37-1596134).

How to Get Started!

Prospective volunteers must first ensure their dog has mastered basic obedience and socialization. They can then request information via the online form to learn about class schedules, locations, and enrollment. After submitting the form, they will be contacted with details to register for the 8-week training class.