Top 5 Things to Know Before Getting an ESA Letter in WA

Top 5 Things to Know Before Getting an ESA Letter in WA

If you're living in Washington State and considering the benefits of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), it’s important to understand the legal and practical details before diving in. Whether you're navigating housing restrictions or planning to travel with your animal companion, being informed can save you time, money, and unnecessary frustration.

At PetCerts.com, while we focus on psychiatric service dog (PSD) documentation for housing and travel, many of the same questions come up from individuals exploring ESA options. Here are the top 5 things you need to know before pursuing an ESA letter in WA.

1. Not All Mental Health Professionals Can Issue Legitimate ESA Letters

In Washington, an ESA letter must come from a licensed mental health professional who is authorized to practice in the state. That means your letter should be signed by someone with an active license number and a clear understanding of how emotional support animals can benefit those with qualifying mental health conditions. Be wary of websites offering instant approvals or vague emotional support verifications—many of these won’t hold up under scrutiny.

2. Housing Protections Are Limited—but Still Exist

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals with emotional support animals may be entitled to reasonable accommodations in no-pet housing. However, landlords in Washington—and especially in cities like Seattle—are increasingly strict about what they accept as valid documentation. It’s critical to ensure that your letter clearly states your need and complies with HUD standards.

➡️ At PetCerts.com, we specialize in housing accommodation letters for psychiatric service dogs, which offer even broader protections under both FHA and ADA guidelines.

3. Airlines Have Changed the Rules

A few years ago, airlines were required to accommodate ESAs. That’s no longer the case. As of 2021, most major U.S. carriers no longer recognize emotional support animals as service animals. This means you’ll need to either pay pet fees or, if you qualify, pursue a psychiatric service dog designation.

If you plan to fly with your animal and need peace of mind during the process, it may be time to explore whether your animal meets the criteria for a psychiatric service dog, which is where our travel documentation comes in.

4. You May Be Asked for Proof—So It Better Be Solid

Whether you’re dealing with a landlord, HOA, or property management company in Washington, don’t be surprised if they ask for supporting documentation. Some may even ask for proof of your animal’s behavior or a note specifying how your animal helps with your condition. If your letter is vague, generic, or poorly worded, you risk having your request denied.

We’ve seen this happen far too often—which is why our clients trust PetCerts.com for professionally prepared PSD letters that check all the right boxes.

5. Know the Difference: ESA vs. PSD

This is the big one. Emotional support animals provide comfort just by being there. Psychiatric service dogs, on the other hand, are trained to perform specific tasks related to mental health conditions. That difference is what gives PSDs broader protections in public spaces, housing, and air travel.

💡 Many of our clients come to us after realizing their ESA doesn’t qualify for travel or certain housing protections—but their trained psychiatric service dog does.

 

Before requesting any kind of letter in Washington State, make sure you understand your rights, your animal’s role, and the current legal landscape. What worked a few years ago might not fly today—especially in housing and air travel.

If you’re ready to take the next step and need reliable documentation for a psychiatric service dog—whether for a lease agreement or your next flight—PetCerts.com is here to help. Our team ensures your letters meet federal and state-level standards so you can focus on what matters most: living fully with your animal by your side.