How To Register An Emotional Support Animal In Washington State

The person with the disability must request the animal as a reasonable accommodation for the disability and must be able to show that the animal is necessary.

How to register an emotional support animal in washington state. Northwest justice project the state legislature has found that misrepresentations of pets therapy animals or emotional support animals as service animals has made it harder for people with disabilities to get acceptance of their properly trained and essential service animals. The state of washington follows federal rules and regulations surrounding emotional support animals. We understand how important our dogs are for emotional support and service. To qualify for an emotional support animal in washington you will need an esa letter from a licensed mental health professional licensed in washington. This is due to the fact that the animal s company alone acts as an alleviating factor in aiding the owner deal with emotional impairments including depression and anxiety.

Under washington s law against discrimination and the federal americans with disabilities act ada people with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by their service animals in restaurants hotels stores theaters and other places that are open to. Rcw 49 60 040 defines a dog guide as a dog that is trained for the purpose of guiding blind persons or. For service animals washington s law against discrimination mirrors the protections of the americans with disabilities act which covers the rights of service animals for those with disabilities. There should be no pet fee for the service animal. Washington state service animal laws this is a guide to the laws regarding the use and access rights of service animals in washington state.

Rules concerning the training of emotional support animals in washington state. Emotional support animals and comfort animals are included in the hud definition and are therefore allowed into a person s dwelling. Keep reading to learn more. Washington laws on service dogs and emotional support animals by lisa guerin j d. You may find a therapist in person or you can work with an lmhp online through esa doctors.

We understand how important our dogs are for emotional support and service. Service animal definition the following are definitions described in rcw 49 60 040. These animals help us cope with mental illnesses. At usa service dog registration we have helped thousands of families register their service animals and emotional support animals. Change in washington law about service animals starting january 1 2019 authored by.

Emotional support animals are not required by the fha to be trained.