Get an ESA Letter in Washington State

Schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist in a few clicks
Your ESA letter is legally compliant with all state and federal law
100% money-back guarantee if your ESA letter is not approved or accepted

The Process

60 second survey

Answer a few questions about your mental health concerns.

Meet with a therapist

We'll connect you with a licensed mental health professional in your state.

Get your ESA letter

Receive your legally compliant ESA letter in 24 - 48 hours if approved. Get a full refund if you're not.

Get Started

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Get 100% of your money back if you’re not approved or your ESA letter is not accepted.

Fair Housing Protection

Live anywhere with your ESA—no pet rent or deposits.

Covers All Housing

Apartments, condos, or houses—your rights are secured.

Legally Valid

Fully licensed and state-recognized, meeting all federal guidelines.

Money Back Guarantee

Guaranteed acceptance, or your money back.

Choose your Location

Get your official ESA letter

Get an Emotional Support Animal in Washington

Feeling overwhelmed? Sometimes the best medicine has four legs and unconditional love. At YourServiceAnimal.com, we’re cutting through the red tape to connect you with licensed therapists who get it.

No awkward waiting rooms. No judgment. Just straightforward virtual sessions with mental health pros who understand the powerful bond between humans and animals. They’ll help determine if an Emotional Support Animal letter is right for your situation—unlocking housing rights and travel options that keep your companion by your side when it matters most.

Our therapists aren’t just checking boxes; they’re creating a space where your mental health needs are taken seriously. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just the crushing weight of everyday life, we’re here to discuss how an animal companion might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

get started

Qualifying for an ESA in Washington

Emotional Support Animals provide comfort to individuals living with mental health conditions. While many people benefit from animal companionship, ESA letters are specifically designed for those whose symptoms significantly impact daily functioning.

Anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder)
Depression and mood disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Phobias
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Insomnia and sleep disorders
Grief and adjustment disorders

get started

Our Assessment Process

When you connect with one of our licensed therapists, they conduct a comprehensive evaluation based on clinical guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 ) – the authoritative guide used by mental health professionals nationwide.

The assessment isn’t just about checking symptoms off a list. Our therapists evaluate:

How your symptoms affect your daily functioning
The severity and duration of your condition
Whether the presence of an animal demonstrably alleviates symptoms
If other treatments have been attempted and their effectiveness
Whether an ESA would be a beneficial component of your overall mental health care

This thorough approach ensures that ESA letters are provided to individuals who will genuinely benefit from animal support as part of their mental health treatment plan. The process typically involves a detailed conversation about your mental health history, current symptoms, and how an ESA could specifically help in your situation.

Our therapists are committed to ethical practice – they’ll only recommend an ESA if it’s clinically appropriate for your unique circumstances.

get started

ESA Laws

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is the primary federal law protecting ESA owners nationwide.

Landlords must provide “reasonable accommodations” for tenants with ESAs, even in no-pet housing
ESA owners are exempt from pet deposits and pet rent
Housing providers cannot deny housing based on breed, size, or species restrictions that would apply to pets
Housing providers cannot require training certificates or registration documentation
A legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional is the only documentation required

get started

Washington State-Specific Laws

Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60): This state law specifically prohibits discrimination based on disability in housing and includes protections for assistance animals, which encompass ESAs
Broader Disability Definition (RCW 49.60.040(7)), Washington defines disability as “the presence of a sensory, mental, or physical impairment” that is medically cognizable or diagnosable, exists as a record or history, or is perceived to exist. This definition is more inclusive than the federal standard
WSHRC Guidelines (RCW 49.60.120): The Washington State Human Rights Commission’s guidance document “Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals in Housing” specifically outlines that housing providers must accommodate emotional support animals when prescribed by a healthcare provider
Verification Requirements (WAC 162-38-100): Housing providers may request reliable documentation of disability when the disability or need for accommodation is not obvious, but cannot ask for specific diagnosis information

Washington State Legal Challenges

In a significant 2021 case, Longview WA landlords were required to pay $25,000 in a Justice Department settlement after refusing to waive a $1,000 pet deposit for a tenant whose mental health condition required an emotional support dog

get started

What Makes an ESA Letter Legal and Valid

Only licensed mental health professionals can legally write ESA letters. This includes therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed counselors, and clinical social workers who have a valid license to practice in Washington state.

Federal and Washington housing laws require that the person writing your letter isn’t just any healthcare provider – they must be a mental health professional who has actually gotten to know you and your specific situation. They need to understand enough about your mental health condition to confidently recommend an emotional support animal as part of your treatment.

If you’re getting an ESA evaluation online (through telehealth), Washington state law has specific requirements to ensure the process is legitimate:

Your evaluation must include a real-time video call with the therapist – questionnaires, texts, or phone calls alone aren’t enough.
The therapist must be licensed to practice in Washington state.
The therapist needs to conduct a proper assessment of your condition through meaningful interaction.

These rules were created to protect people with genuine needs by preventing fake ESA letters and ensuring that recommendations for emotional support animals come from real therapeutic relationships.

get started

Types Of Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals can be almost any species that provides comfort and alleviates symptoms of emotional or psychological conditions. While dogs and cats are most common, many people find support from various animal companions:

Dogs (all breeds qualify)
Cats
Rabbits
Birds (parrots, cockatiels, canaries)
Small rodents (guinea pigs, hamsters, rats)
Miniature pigs
Ferrets
Fish/aquarium setups
Reptiles (bearded dragons, geckos)
Miniature horses
Chickens
Ducks

The key factor isn’t the species but rather the therapeutic benefit the animal provides to the individual with a disability. When it’s gone to court, the court generally upholds this part of the law. Even in the case of emotional support chickens and an emotional support emu.

get started

How an Emotional Support Animal Can Help

Research has consistently shown that emotional support animals provide significant benefits for individuals with mental health conditions:

Reduced Anxiety: Physical contact with animals releases oxytocin and lowers cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety
Alleviating Depression: The companionship and unconditional love from an ESA can help combat feelings of isolation and improve mood
Establishing Routine: Caring for an animal creates structure and purpose, essential for managing various mental health conditions
Increased Physical Activity: Even minimal animal care often involves movement, which has proven mental health benefits
Decreased Loneliness: ESAs provide social support and companionship that can reduce feelings of isolation
Sense of Security: Many people report feeling safer and more secure with an animal companion present
Crisis Prevention: ESAs can provide grounding during emotional escalations, potentially preventing mental health crises
Housing Security: Legal ESA status ensures you can keep your support animal in housing that would otherwise prohibit pets

Beyond these clinical benefits, ESAs provide a special bond that many find transformative in their mental health journey.

get started

Is an ESA Right for You?

Everyone’s mental health needs are unique, and an ESA might not be the right solution for everyone. The best way to determine if an ESA could benefit your specific situation is to consult with a licensed mental health professional who can properly evaluate your circumstances.

Our quick questionnaire helps determine if you might benefit from an ESA and whether meeting with one of our licensed therapists would be appropriate for your situation. There’s no obligation, and your answers remain completely confidential.

The assessment is designed by mental health professionals to identify if your symptoms and circumstances align with conditions that typically benefit from emotional support animals.

Your mental health matters. Take the first step today.

get started

ESA Letter FAQs for Washington

Can a landlord deny an emotional support animal in Washington state?

Under Washington state ESA laws, most landlords cannot deny a legitimate ESA except in specific situations, such as proven threats to property or other tenants. Having an emotional support animal letter in Washington State ensures you meet the state’s requirements, reducing the likelihood of housing discrimination.

Can I have an emotional support raccoon in Washington?

Some individuals do keep unconventional animals for emotional support, but the guidelines can be stricter for other species. Always consult Washington laws on emotional support animals, as they may restrict certain wildlife and require specific documentation to ensure your ESA’s legitimacy.

How to get an emotional support animal in Washington State?

Obtaining an ESA often begins with a licensed mental health professional determining your eligibility. Once you meet the criteria under Washington State law on emotional support animals, you’ll receive official documentation that ensures your housing protections. Your quickest solution is using Your Service Animal licensed therapists.

Who can write an ESA letter in Washington state?

Typically, only a licensed mental health professional familiar with ESA laws in Washington state can issue the necessary documentation. With a valid Washington state ESA letter, you’ll have proof of your animal’s role in supporting your mental or emotional health.

How to register an emotional support animal?

While official registration isn’t legally mandated, many owners of an ESA in Washington state use voluntary registries for convenience. Before enrolling, make sure to review state emotional support animal laws to understand any documentation requirements and protect your housing rights.

Do ESA letters expire?

Most mental health practitioners suggest renewing letters annually to confirm continued need, though there’s no universal expiration date. If your emotional support animal certification in Washington State is outdated, contact Your Service Animal and get a new one within days.

Do landlords have to accept emotional support animals in Washington?

In most cases, yes. Under Washington ESA laws, landlords must accommodate emotional support animals with a valid letter. Presenting an letter helps verify your ESA’s status, preventing discrimination and potentially waiving pet fees or breed restrictions.

Can a landlord deny an emotional support animal?

Whether it’s a canine or an emotional support cat in Washington, ensuring proper documentation can protect your right to keep your ESA.

How to make your dog an emotional support dog?

You’ll need a legitimate recommendation from a licensed professional to confirm your dog’s role as an emotional support dog. By complying with ESA Washington state laws, you ensure that your companion receives the rights and protections afforded to ESAs.

When can a landlord legally reject an ESA in Washington?

Landlords can refuse an ESA if the animal poses a direct threat, significantly disrupts the property, or if you fail to provide valid documentation. In Washington state, an ESA animal owner is responsible for demonstrating the need and managing any potential issues to retain housing rights.

How to get an ESA letter in Washington State?

To get a valid letter, consult a licensed counselor or therapist who can assess your emotional needs. Once they confirm eligibility, you’ll receive documentation that ensures housing accommodations and protection from discrimination.

Can landlords deny ESA in Washington state?

Under emotional support animal laws in washington state, landlords cannot deny ESAs without justifiable grounds such as safety risks or severe property damage. Providing a washington state emotional support animal letter helps confirm your ESA’s legitimacy, reducing the likelihood of a denial.

Does anxiety qualify for an emotional support animal?

Yes. Conditions like anxiety often qualify individuals for an ESA. Many people choose an emotional support dog to help alleviate symptoms, reduce stress, and provide comforting companionship.

What is the best emotional support animal for anxiety?

The ideal ESA depends on your lifestyle and preferences, but many find dogs and cats highly supportive of anxiety relief. Regardless of the animal chosen, having an emotional support animal letter ensures legal recognition of your companion and helps secure housing accommodations.

Get Your ESA Letter Started Today

100% compliant, 100% money-back guarantee.

Get Started