What Do You Need to Get an ESA Letter in Washington State?

To get an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter in Washington State, you must be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) who can confirm that you have a qualifying mental or emotional health condition, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. The process typically includes completing an intake form and undergoing a mental health assessment, either in person or via telehealth.

Once approved, the LMHP will issue an ESA letter that complies with the Fair Housing Act (FHA), allowing you to live with your ESA in no-pet housing without paying pet fees. RealESALetter.com simplifies this process by connecting you with licensed professionals and providing legitimate, FHA-compliant ESA letters quickly and securely.

What This Article Covers

Eligibility criteria for getting an ESA letter in Washington
Step-by-step guide to the application process
Where to get a legitimate ESA letter
Laws protecting ESA owners in Washington
Differences between ESAs, service animals, and therapy animals
A comparison of ESA letter providers (RealESALetter, Pettable, CertaPet, ESADoctors)
FAQs about ESAs in Washington

Who Can Qualify for an ESA Letter in Washington?

To qualify for an ESA letter in Washington State, you must have a mental or emotional disability that significantly impacts your daily life. Conditions commonly approved for ESAs include:

Generalized anxiety disorder
Depression
Panic disorders
PTSD
Bipolar disorder
Social anxiety
Phobias
Autism spectrum disorders

These conditions must be diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional (such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, or licensed counselor). The professional must determine that the presence of an emotional support animal helps alleviate at least one symptom of your condition. You don’t need to disclose the specific diagnosis to your landlord—just the recommendation from your LMHP via the ESA letter.

How Do You Get an ESA Letter in Washington?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to get a legitimate ESA letter in Washington:

Choose a Licensed Provider or Mental Health Professional: Look for a trusted telehealth service like RealESALetter or consult a local LMHP.

Complete a Mental Health Assessment: You’ll fill out an intake form and possibly attend a video consultation.

Get Evaluated for ESA Eligibility: The LMHP will assess whether your mental health qualifies under the Fair Housing Act.

Receive Your ESA Letter: If approved, you’ll get a signed ESA letter with the LMHP’s licensing information, contact details, and date of issue.

Use the Letter for Housing Accommodations: Submit the letter to your landlord or housing authority to request reasonable accommodation.

Avoid websites that offer “instant approval” or don’t connect you with an actual licensed therapist—they may issue invalid letters that don’t meet legal standards.

What Should a Legitimate ESA Letter Include?

To be legally valid in Washington State under federal law, your ESA letter must include:

The name and license number of the LMHP
Date the letter was issued
Confirmation that you have a mental health disability
A clear recommendation for an ESA as part of your treatment plan
The LMHP’s contact information and signature

The letter should be printed on official letterhead and must be less than a year old to remain valid, as per ESA qualification criteria.

What Rights Do ESA Owners Have in Washington?

ESA owners in Washington are protected primarily under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Here’s what that means:

Housing Providers Must Accommodate ESAs: Landlords cannot deny housing or charge pet fees for ESAs—even in "no pets" properties.

No Pet Deposits or Fees: As long as you provide a valid ESA letter, landlords cannot impose extra charges.

No Breed or Size Restrictions: Unlike pets, ESAs are not subject to breed or weight limitations.

Landlord Verification is Allowed: However, they can only verify the letter’s authenticity, not your diagnosis.

It’s important to note that ESA rights do not extend to public spaces or airplanes. Only service animals have public access rights.

Are ESAs the Same as Service Animals?

No. Emotional support animals are not the same as service animals. The key differences are:

Service Animals are trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability (e.g., guiding the blind, alerting to seizures) and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Emotional Support Animals offer comfort through their presence but are not required to perform specific tasks. They are only covered under the FHA for housing rights.

Where Should You Get Your ESA Letter From?

Real ESA Letter

RealESALetter is a highly trusted and legally compliant ESA letter provider serving clients in Washington and across the U.S. The platform connects you with licensed mental health professionals for a legitimate evaluation via telehealth. It offers:

Same-day letter delivery (once approved)
LMHPs licensed in your state
Legally valid letters for housing
Strong customer support and HIPAA-compliant process

RealESALetter stands out because of its commitment to legitimacy, fast turnaround times, and excellent customer service. It’s ideal for Washington residents looking for a trustworthy, law-compliant ESA letter provider.

Other ESA Letter Providers

Pettable – Offers telehealth evaluations and has a strong user interface. However, some users find the pricing on the higher side.

CertaPet – One of the oldest players in the ESA space, but reviews are mixed regarding customer service response time.

ESADoctors – Offers legitimate ESA letters but has a limited refund policy and slower letter delivery compared to RealESALetter.

While all of these platforms are legitimate, RealESALetter remains the preferred option for Washington residents due to its streamlined service, same-day approval (when applicable), and strong customer satisfaction.

FAQs About ESA Letters in Washington State

Q: Can any doctor write an ESA letter in Washington?

No, not every doctor can issue a legally valid ESA letter in Washington. According to the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and state regulations, only a licensed mental health professional (LMHP)—such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), therapist, or counselor—who is licensed to practice in Washington State can write an ESA letter. General practitioners or family doctors typically do not provide ESA letters unless they also hold appropriate mental health credentials. It is essential that the letter includes the provider’s license number, type of license, the date it was issued, and their professional recommendation stating that the presence of an emotional support animal is beneficial for your mental health.

Q: Do ESA letters expire in Washington?

Yes, ESA letters in Washington—and across the United States—are generally valid for 12 months from the date they are issued. After this period, the letter must be renewed with a fresh evaluation from a licensed mental health professional. Landlords often require an up-to-date ESA letter when renewing lease agreements or verifying ongoing accommodation needs. Keeping your ESA letter current is crucial for maintaining your legal protection under the Fair Housing Act, especially if you're living in housing that typically restricts pets.

Q: Can I get an ESA letter online in Washington?

Yes, you can legally obtain an ESA letter online in Washington, provided the evaluation is conducted by a mental health professional licensed in the state. Platforms like RealESALetter offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth services that connect you with licensed clinicians for virtual assessments. The process typically involves filling out a mental health questionnaire, followed by a live or asynchronous evaluation. Once approved, you receive a valid ESA letter that you can use to request housing accommodations. Always ensure the provider is legitimate, as some online platforms offer fake or unverifiable letters that landlords may reject.

Q: Can my landlord deny my ESA in Washington?

Generally, no, your landlord cannot legally deny your ESA if you provide a valid ESA letter written by a licensed mental health professional. Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers in Washington are required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with emotional support animals, even in buildings with strict “no-pet” policies. However, there are a few exceptions. A landlord may deny an ESA request if the animal poses a direct threat to the safety or health of others, causes significant property damage, or if the request places an undue financial or administrative burden on the housing provider. That said, such denials are rare and must be clearly justified.

Q: Are ESAs allowed in restaurants or stores in Washington?

No, emotional support animals are not granted public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means ESAs do not have the legal right to enter restaurants, retail stores, hotels, or other public establishments in Washington State or anywhere in the U.S. Only service animals, which are specially trained to perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability (such as guiding the visually impaired or alerting someone with epilepsy), are allowed in these public spaces. While some businesses may allow ESAs as a courtesy, it is not a legal requirement, and access can be denied at the business owner’s discretion.

Conclusion

Getting an ESA letter in Washington State involves a proper mental health evaluation by a licensed professional and receiving a document that meets federal housing guidelines. RealESALetter.com provides one of the most efficient and trustworthy services for securing your ESA letter, offering peace of mind and legal compliance. Whether you're managing anxiety, PTSD, or another mental health condition, having an ESA can significantly improve your quality of life—just make sure you get your letter the right way.