Q: How much does an ESA letter cost?

A legitimate ESA letter costs between $149-$199 for the initial evaluation with a licensed therapist. CertaPet's ESA letters start at $149 with a 100% money-back guarantee if not approved. Beware of services offering "free" or instant letters that look very inexpensive: these are scams. Real ESA letters require a consultation with a state-licensed mental health professional, which has a cost associated with the therapist's time and expertise. Annual renewals start at $99

Q: How do I get an ESA letter with CertaPet?

Getting your ESA letter with CertaPet is simple and takes 4 steps: 1. Take Free 5-Minute ScreeningComplete our eligibility questionnaire to see if you qualify for an ESA 2. Complete AssessmentProvide your information 3. Speak with Licensed TherapistA state-licensed mental health professional will contact you within 2 business days to schedule a phone or video consultation 4. Receive Your ESA LetterIf approved, download your digital letter immediately. Hard copies are sent via USPS priority mail (2-3 business days) Total timeline: 2-5 business days from start to finish If not approved by the therapist, you receive a full refund - 100% money-back guarantee. Note: Canadian residents can also apply for ESA housing consultations.

Q: How long does it take to get an ESA letter?

With CertaPet: Therapist contacts you: Within 2 business days Digital letter if approved: Immediately after consultation Hard copy delivery: 2-3 business days via USPS priority mail Total timeline: 2-5 business days from application to letter in hand.

Q: Can I get an ESA letter online?

Yes, you can get a legitimate ESA letter online through HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms like CertaPet. You'll have a real consultation with a state-licensed therapist via phone or video call. Online ESA letters are just as valid as in-person evaluations, as long as they're issued by a licensed mental health professional after a proper assessment. ⚠️ Warning: "Free" online ESA letters or instant approvals with no evaluation are scams and will be rejected by landlords.

Q: Can I get an ESA letter if I don't have a pet yet?

Yes. CertaPet offers an option for people who don't have their pet yet. Select "I don't have my pet yet" during registration for an additional $20. You'll receive an initial recommendation letter. Once you adopt or purchase your pet, update the details and complete a shorter assessment to receive a second letter with your pet's specific information. This is common for people who need housing approval before adopting an ESA.

Q: Are CertaPet ESA letters legitimate?

Yes, CertaPet ESA letters are 100% legitimate and legally valid. Each letter is issued by a state-licensed mental health professional after a real evaluation, an instant approval never takes place. CertaPet credentials: ✓ BBB Gold Star accredited ✓ Veteran-owned since 2015 ✓ Licensed therapists in all 50 states ✓ 278,000+ pet parents helped ✓ 99.7% housing acceptance rate ✓ HIPAA-compliant platform Our letters meet all Fair Housing Act requirements.

Q: Who writes ESA letters at CertaPet?

CertaPet's ESA letters are written by state-licensed mental health professionals, including: Licensed therapists (LMFT, LCSW, LPC) Psychologists (PhD, PsyD) Psychiatrists (MD, DO) Clinical social workers Every therapist is selected and trained by Prairie Conlon, LPC, NCC—CertaPet's Clinical Director and the world's leading expert on Emotional Support Animals. Each therapist is licensed in the state where you live and qualified to assess ESA eligibility.

Q: What is CertaPet's refund policy?

CertaPet offers a 100% money-back guarantee if not approved.

Q: Can CertaPet help with landlord issues?

Yes. CertaPet provides comprehensive landlord support: Educational materials explaining Fair Housing Act rights Direct therapist verification available Housing accommodation request letter templates Customer support team to answer landlord questions Resources for filing HUD complaints if needed Our therapists are trained and equipped to handle any ESA dispute with landlords or housing complexes, ensuring your housing rights are upheld. 99.7% of landlords accept CertaPet letters.

Q: What's the difference between an ESA letter and a PSD letter?

An ESA (Emotional Support Animal) letter and a PSD (Psychiatric Service Dog) letter provide different legal protections based on the type of animal and training involved. ESA Letter (Emotional Support Animal) What it covers: Housing rights ONLY under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) Allows you to live with your animal in no-pet housing Protects against pet deposits, pet rent, and breed/size restrictions Requirements: No specialized training required Animal provides comfort through companionship alone Can be any domesticated animal (dog, cat, rabbit, etc.) PSD Letter (Psychiatric Service Dog) What it covers: Housing rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) Air travel at no cost under the Air Carrier Access Act Full public access to restaurants, stores, hotels, and all public spaces under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements: Must be a dog (or miniature horse in rare cases) Must be individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a psychiatric disability Tasks must directly assist with the handler's disability (e.g., interrupting panic attacks, reminding to take medication, providing deep pressure therapy during anxiety episodes)

Question 1

Can I keep my ESA in a no-pet building in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the Fair Housing Act and Washington Law Against Discrimination, with valid documentation from a Washington-licensed mental health professional, you can request reasonable accommodation to keep your ESA even in housing with "no pets" policies.

Question 2

Can my landlord charge me pet rent or a deposit for my ESA?

Accepted Answer

No. Pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits must be waived for assistance animals including ESAs. However, you're still responsible for actual damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Question 3

Are there breed or weight limits for ESAs in Washington housing?

Accepted Answer

No. Under the Fair Housing Act, breed and weight limits that apply to pets generally must be waived for ESAs. Decisions must be based on the individual animal's behavior, not stereotypes.

Question 4

Can I fly with my ESA?

Accepted Answer

Not for free. After 2021 Air Carrier Access Act revisions, most airlines treat ESAs as regular pets subject to pet fees and carrier restrictions. Your ESA will need to travel in an airline-approved carrier under the seat.

Question 5

Can I bring my ESA to restaurants and stores in Washington?

Accepted Answer

No. Washington state law and the ADA treat ESAs the same as pets—public accommodations aren't required to admit them. Only trained service animals have public access rights. Misrepresenting your ESA as a service animal can result in a civil infraction up to $500 under RCW 49.60.214.

Question 6

Does my Washington ESA need training?

Accepted Answer

No specific task training is required for an ESA, unlike a service animal. However, your ESA must be well-behaved, under your control, housebroken, and not pose threats or cause significant disturbances.

Question 7

Do I need to register my ESA in Washington?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no official Washington ESA registry. "ESA registration" websites have no legal value. The only documentation you need is a valid ESA letter from a Washington-licensed mental health professional.

Question 8

What penalties exist for misrepresenting a service animal in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Under RCW 49.60.214 (enacted in 2018), misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is a civil infraction punishable by a fine of up to $500. This law applies when you knowingly misrepresent an animal to gain rights or privileges under state or federal law.

Question 9

Can I have more than one ESA in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if multiple animals are necessary for your disability-related needs. You'll need documentation from a Washington-licensed provider explaining the need for each animal. Landlords can consider whether multiple ESAs would create undue burden or pose safety concerns.

Question 10

Are ESAs allowed in Washington workplaces?

Accepted Answer

Not by default. Washington law doesn't require employers to accommodate ESAs. You can request an accommodation, but your employer can legally deny it.

Question 11

How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint in Washington?

Accepted Answer

You have 1 year from the date of alleged discrimination to file with either HUD or the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

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Specialty

Curriculum

Washington ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

South Dakota ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

Ohio ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

North Carolina ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

New Mexico ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

New Hampshire ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)