Washington ESA laws
Washington hasn't passed a law written only for emotional support animals. The Washington Law Against Discrimination, at RCW 49.60.222, treats a refusal to make reasonable accommodations in housing rules, policies, practices or services as discrimination, and an ESA request falls under that duty along with the federal Fair Housing Act. The state Human Rights Commission investigates housing complaints.
- RCW 49.60.222 also names the use of a trained dog guide or service animal as a protected basis in real estate transactions.
- Complaints to the Washington State Human Rights Commission must be filed within 12 months of the alleged harm, or the agency can't accept them.
- The accommodation duty doesn't cover certain owner-rented single-family houses or buildings of four or fewer units where the owner lives on site.
Source: RCW 49.60.222
Your Washington ESA letter, step by step
Book a time
Pick a phone or video slot online and answer a short questionnaire about how you are feeling and the animal you live with in Washington.
Talk with a licensed clinician
A licensed clinician spends about 5–10 minutes with you and decides whether an emotional support animal is part of your care.
Get your signed letter
If the clinician approves, your letter is emailed to you as a PDF with their license details. If not, you are not charged.
Share it with your housing provider
Send the letter with a short reasonable accommodation request. Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
Washington ESA letter cost
| Letter | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ESA letter | Up to 2 animals | $129 |
| ESA letter | 3 or more animals | $199 |
Booking is free and you're charged only if your letter is approved.
What an ESA letter covers
Rentals and other housing
A letter supports a reasonable accommodation request, so a housing provider considers an exception to no-pet rules or pet fees for your animal.
Not flights or stores
Airlines treat emotional support animals as pets, and stores or restaurants do not have to admit them. Only trained service dogs have those rights.
Any common species
Dogs and cats are most common, but the letter is about your need for the animal, not its breed or training.
Reasonable limits apply
A provider can still refuse an animal that poses a direct threat or causes serious damage.
What to do if a landlord in Washington denies your ESA
Ask the housing provider to put the refusal and its reason in writing. You can then contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission or file a complaint with HUD. Many renters settle the issue at this stage simply by asking for a written decision.
Have a dog trained to do specific tasks for a psychiatric condition? See the Washington psychiatric service dog letter.