EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL (ESA)

You will need to agree to maintain animal care standards and principles significantly above average.

Making the choice to bond with an animal in such a healing manner is a very serious matter.

IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENT ON ANIMAL ABUSE OR NEGLECT - STATE OF OHIO: 
I am pleased to annouce that as of April, 14, 2​021 the Ohio Mental Health Licensing Board has ruled a mandatory reporting of any animal abuse or neglect in the event mental health therapists are presented with such information. This mandate is of the same level of strength as that for human adults, including children, elderly, etc.

"Einstein"

FAILURE TO COMPLY TO EVERY SINGLE ITEM IN THE LIST BELOW
WILL IMMEDIATELY INVALIDATE ANY ESA LISCENSE ISSUED BY MMHCS

• You are responsible to ensure your animal is of NO danger to other people, other animals or property.
• You are responsible your animal does not make noises that may disturb others (excessive barking, whining, etc.)
• If the animal is a dog, you will need to provide proof of Canine Good Citizen certification prior to applying for ESA.
• You are responsible to maintain your animal clean and well groomed. 
• Your animal MUST also be cleaned and groomed prior to leaving your home.  
• You are responsible to ensure your animal must live and sleep indoors especially during the night, excessive heat or excessive cold. (This permission will be invalid immediately if you pet lives outdoors or in sub-standard conditions or in any way abused.)
• You agree to treat your pet with compassion and love.  Evidence of any form of abuse public or private directed toward your animal will invalidate this ESA Liscense in addition to measures taken to protect the animal from you - including possible legal consequences.

To facilitate certification you will need to discuss your request with your therapist during session and provide the following information:

• Write down the reasons why you want your pet to be certified as ESA.  Specifically, what are the issues you are having and how is the presense of your animal assisting your healing. Submit thi​s with your request.
• Provide one frontal and one lateral image of the animal.  These .jpg images must be clear and such that a person who does not know your pet may easily identify it.
• Provide Name, Age, Gender and Breed.
• (if dog), provide Canine Good Citizen certification.

At this time MMHCS only certifies ESA for established clients.
Please contact us if you have any questions.