Cat Parent
"I would give my experience 10000/5 stars! I have already recommended your company to another friend. It was a straightforward no gimmicks service, and the doctor was genuinely concerned.
My new rescue cat Marston really appreciates that he is able to live with me now!
Dog Parent
"I would definitely say a 5/5 star rating! It was the best service I have ever received. They were quick, and knew what was needed for the time being!"
Cat Parent
"They are five stars all the way! The site helped set me up with a professional therapist, who is licensed in my state. It was very easy to setup calls or opportunities to communicate with them that worked for both of us.
Most of all they allowed me to keep my cats Mew and Espurr. “
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How to Get an ESA Letter in Washington State Online
If you’re a Washington state resident living with mental health challenges, the easiest way to get an emotional support animal (ESA) letter online is to meet with a state-licensed mental health practitioner. Pettable can connect you with the right licensed mental health professional (LMHP) familiar with both federal and Washington-specific ESA laws and schedule your telehealth appointment.
ESA Laws In Washington State
Like many other states Washington State has mostly adopted federal regulations with respect to emotional support Animals.
Next we'll review each aspect of Washington State law that has to do with emotional support animals and help you get a sense of your rights as well as the benefits you can expect with having an emotional support animal in Washington State.
Emotional Support Animals in Washington State
In the Evergreen State, an emotional support animal (ESA) is any domesticated animal that helps its owner through their mental and emotional health struggles. Unlike a service dog, an ESA isn’t trained to perform any tasks specific to their owner’s disorder, but they provide support in the form of companionship or affection. However, an ESA isn’t limited to just dogs; cats, birds, hamsters, ferrets, lizards, and snakes can all qualify as long as they are domesticated and don’t pose a threat to you, others, or property.
ESA Certification and Registration Scams in Washington State
While there are many trustworthy ESA letter providers, there are some companies that try to exploit unclear standards around assistance animals to defraud disabled individuals seeking out a legitimate ESA letter. If you see offers for ESA “registration” or “certification,” you have likely encountered a scam. There’s no state or national ESA registry nor a need for an official state-issued certificate for your assistance animal. Only a legitimate ESA letter — signed by a state-licensed mental health professional — is needed to support you when you apply for housing.
Washington State's Fair Housing & Employment Act
Unfortunately there is no law in Washington State that says you can take an emotional support animal to work with you. Unlike other states ESAs are not a protected class when it comes to bringing your furry friend to your workplace.
That said, many organizations are understanding of the need for an emotional support animal. As a result, we encourage you to connect with your HR team to see if they can make a reasonable accommodation for your ESA in Washington State.
How Do You Qualify for an Emotional Support Animal in Washington State?
To qualify for an ESA in Washington state, you must be diagnosed with a mental health disorder by a health professional such as a therapist, psychiatrist, counselor, or general practitioner. This can be done in person or online, but the professional must be licensed to practice in the Evergreen State. Qualifying conditions include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
The best way to find out if you qualify is through a telehealth marketplace like Pettable, which can connect you to professionals in your state with experience conducting mental health evaluations for support animals.
Benefits of an Emotional Support Animal for Washington State Residents
They Provide a Healthy Routine
When you have an ESA, you have to take care of it daily, which establishes a routine that can distract from mental health challenges and improve your overall well-being. Whether you’re walking the dog or feeding your snake, your responsibility for the animal can improve your ability to care for yourself.
They Support Your Mental Health
An ESA can support your mental health in a myriad of ways. For example, walking a dog daily encourages exercise and eases stress, while the company of an assistance animal can limit loneliness. Your ESA can also respond to changes in your mood, coming to your aid before you can harm yourself or others.
ESAs are Exempt from Pet Fees, Rent, and Deposits
One of the biggest benefits of owning an ESA is the money you save compared to regular pet owners. Not only can you have your assistance animal in your rental home despite any “no pet” policies, but you are also exempt from pet rent, fees, or deposits. It’s your ESA’s way of chipping in on the rent!
How to Get a Psychiatric Service Dog in Washington State
If you are curious about how to get a psychiatric service dog in Washington State, check out our online PSD training program. Meeting the standards of all 50 states, our online service dog training program will teach you everything you need to know about how to train your very own psychiatric service dog. To find out if it's right for you, take our short assessment so we can determine your needs and offer you the perfect package of services for your specific needs.
Why Pettable Is The Best Online ESA Provider?
Pettable is the best provider because we're committed to making sure the process works for you. That means working with the best and most experienced mental health professionals in the ESA letter space, as well as providing a guarantee that your letter will work for you. We back all of this up with outstanding customer support, a renowned legal team, and a commitment to making sure you have an incredible experience.
We broke down the different services offered by every ESA service. And we looked for unbiased reviews from 3rd party sites.
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