Does Washington allow emotional support animals?
Comfort or emotional support animals are not considered service animals under Washington State law because they are not specifically trained.
Can a landlord deny an emotional support animal in Washington state?
“That means a landlord is not permitted to charge fees or deposits in connection with an ESA, even though fees and deposits might be charged for normal pets.” Sydney Nelson, founder of the Washington State Service Dog Association, said there are resources available to better educate landlords on these policies.
How do you get an emotional support animal in Washington state?
To qualify for an Emotional Support Animal in Washington, you will need an ESA letter from a Licensed Mental Health Professional licensed in Washington. It is highly recommended that you choose a provider that is familiar with ESA regulations.
Do emotional support animals have to be registered?
The job of an emotional support animal is simply to be present for their owner’s wellbeing. There are very few rules governing emotional support animals, and there is no official registry, so it’s hard to establish how many there are.
Is ESA a federal law?
Whether they’re dogs, cats, birds, or other animals, emotional support animals are referenced in two federal laws: the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). These two laws relate to an individual’s right to have their emotional support animal with them where they live and when they travel.
How do you get an emotional support animal?
Steps to getting an emotional support animal
- Determine if you would benefit from an ESA’s support.
- Connect with a licensed mental health professional in our network.
- Choose the type of animal to adopt, if you currently do not have a pet.
- Train your ESA to be a good citizen.
- Properly use your ESA letter.
Are emotional support animals allowed in Washington State?
Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Washington State Law. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered service animals either.
What is the law on service animals in Washington State?
If it is not apparent what your service animal does, the establishment may ask you only whether it is a service animal, and what tasks it performs for you. Washington law states that signal dogs (those that assist deaf or hard of hearing people) must wear an identifying orange collar.
Is a therapy animal considered a service animal?
Some states may have laws defining a therapy animal, but they are not considered a service animal or an emotional support animal and are not protected by the federal laws that allow the use of a service animal.
What is Washington state’s law against discrimination?
Washington’s Law Against Discrimination defines service animals as animals that have been trained to assist or accommodate people with physical, sensory, or mental disabilities.