In order to qualify, you must be 18 or older, live within an easy (1 hour) drive of Lorain County, Ohio (zip 44074) and fit the criteria under the Americans with Disabilities Act as severely limited in your ability to function due to your mental illness.
Why Does Where I Live Matter?
If you are a veteran, please go to the assistance dogs international link below for the list of service dog organizations that provide them to veterans so you can access VA premises with your dog. http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/
If you are under 18 years old, please go to the link below for service dog organizations that specialize in training dogs for children and work with triad teams. http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/
If an individual does meet the qualifications above, it is recommended that he or she consult with their mental health professional to discuss whether they would benefit from having a PSD, and whether they are capable of providing proper care for the dog. The mental health professional should assist in making this assessment and decide whether they support the choice to seek a service dog. This decision must take into account the client's mental condition, their ability to care for the dog, and must coordinate with other forms of mental health treatment.
It is also important that the individual recognizes that they will need to cover the costs of caring for the dog once training is over (ex: feeding, veterinary care, equipment replacement) and must demonstrate the financial capacity to do that.
If you meet this criteria and are interested in being placed with a Psychiatric Service Dog, you must complete our intake form before contacting Healing Companions.
Again, it is important that you live within an easy (1 hour or less) drive of Lorain County, Ohio, NO EXCEPTIONS to apply for our program. If you apply and receive a Psychiatric Service Dog you will be required to attend a weekly training for 18-24 Months.
Please Note: There is a $55.00 non-refundable processing fee for your application. If you are able to answer the following questions in the affirmative, you'll be taken to PayPal to submit payment. You will then be sent a login to access the full application.
