Prescription: Pets

What We Do

Since 2000 Rx: Pets has been bringing the healing power of pets to communities in Northern California, specifically in, Redding, Red Bluff, Eureka and Fortuna.

Our volunteer Pet Partner® teams are trained for animal assisted activities (AAA), animal assisted therapy (AAT) and Reading Education Assistance Dogs, R.E.A.D.® . Our experienced volunteers visit facilities such as local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, women’s shelters, schools and libraries. Rx: Pets also provides meaningful education to the public about the healing power of animals. Though most of the animals in Rx: Pets are dogs and cats, there have also been rabbits, a rat, a chicken and a miniature horse who have been involved in the organization.

Healing Power of Pets

The benefits of incorporating animals to promote health and healing are fast becoming widely known. A study conducted at UCLA Medical Center and published by the American Heart Association showed that visits by volunteer-dog teams has a measurable positive effect on the variables that characterize heart failure, such as cardiac and neurological functioning as well as psychological mood enhancement. Animals are a marvelous health tonic. If we include them in our lives, we shall live longer and certainly more rewarding lives.

How Can I Help?

Become an Rx: Pets Team! Rx: Pets regularly conducts the Delta Society ® Pet Partner Workshops and the Delta Society ® Skill and Aptitude Evaluations. Additionally, Rx: Pets offers coaching sessions for the animal-handler teams, a mentor for each new visiting team, an annual volunteer recognition celebration and volunteer growth through continuing education and pet training. You can also volunteer as a team leader, board member, public educator, fund-raiser or any other area of expertise of your choosing.

Rx: Pets volunteers accept no compensation for their services. Rx: Pets funds our organization through donations and fund-raising events. Please consider making a valuable contribution in the form of a donation. With your help Rx: Pets will be able to expand our community efforts. Rx: Pets has a very real role in helping members of our society live their lives in an inclusive fashion. We reach out to others, to educate our communities, while also helping stem the ever-rising tide of human loneliness and social disconnectedness.

Rx: Pets, PO Box 491501, Redding, CA 96049