Federal Way ESA and Psychiatric Service Dog Letters
Federal Way began as a commuter town between Seattle and Tacoma and is now the southern end of the Link light rail. If your animal helps you live with a mental health condition, a free screening shows whether a Washington-licensed clinician can support you.
The south end of the 1 Line
How Federal Way Residents Get Started
Services for Federal Way Households
ESA housing letter
For rentals and HOAs with pet bans, limits or charges.
Several animals
A multi-pet letter covers up to three dogs or cats.
PSD letter
For a dog trained to perform psychiatric tasks.
Optional extras
A certificate or ID card is available in the bundles.
Federal Way Plans and Prices
Five plans in one list, each price read live from our checkout.
Federal Way Pet License Helper
Answer three questions to see which license applies, whether it is free and where to get it.
Your result
- Answer the questions and select Check My License.
A City Named for a Highway
The name comes from a 1929 school district that took its name from U.S. Route 99, the federal highway between Seattle and Tacoma. After three failed votes, residents incorporated the city in 1990.
1929
School district named
1990
City incorporated
101,030
Residents in 2020
Dash Point and the City's Parks
Dash Point State Park
The only developed waterfront park in the city, with trails and a campground. State park pet rules apply.
Steel Lake Park
A lakefront park with picnic areas and a boat launch.
Celebration Park
Sports fields, wooded trails and the Fourth of July fireworks.
West Hylebos Wetlands Park
Wetland trails and the Barker Cabin of 1883, the city's oldest known building.
Gardens, Pools and a Quiet Evening
Pacific Bonsai Museum
On the former Weyerhaeuser campus, next to the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden. Check each garden's animal policy before visiting.
King County Aquatic Center
An Olympic-size pool used for the 1990 Goodwill Games.
Service dog or ESA?
Trained service dogs can go where visitors go. An ESA follows the pet rules of each venue.
Areas we serve
All of Federal Way, from the City Center and the transit center to Steel Lake, Dash Point and the neighborhoods along Pacific Highway South, plus nearby South King County communities.
Why a Washington License Matters in Federal Way
Verifiable
A manager can confirm a Washington credential on the state's public lookup.
Housing protection
Washington law against discrimination covers support animals in rentals.
Exempt from pet charges
An assistance animal is exempt from pet deposits, pet fees and pet rent.
Federal Way Questions
- When does a dog or cat need a Federal Way license?
- Are licenses free for seniors or people with disabilities?
- I live just outside city limits. Which license do I need?
- Can I take the Link light rail with my emotional support dog?
- Do I need a local therapist?
- How much does it cost to find out if I qualify?
When does a dog or cat need a Federal Way license?
The city requires a license for every cat and dog over five months old, and a current rabies vaccination is part of licensing. Licensing is handled at the Federal Way Police Department or online.
Back to questionsAre licenses free for seniors or people with disabilities?
Yes. Federal Way offers free licenses to residents over 65 or with a disability, once they register with the city. After registering, a free license does not need to be renewed.
Back to questionsI live just outside city limits. Which license do I need?
Addresses outside Federal Way use Regional Animal Services of King County, which licenses dogs and cats from eight weeks old.
Back to questionsCan I take the Link light rail with my emotional support dog?
Sound Transit carries service animals, and other animals only in a carrying container. Its board voted in 2025 to open service to leashed dogs, so check the current rules before you ride.
Back to questionsDo I need a local therapist?
No. Our Washington-licensed clinicians evaluate you online, with a telehealth visit when clinically indicated.
Back to questionsHow much does it cost to find out if I qualify?
Nothing. The screening is free, and you pay only after approval when you choose a plan.
Back to questionsBetween Seattle and Tacoma
General information for Federal Way residents as of September 2026, not legal advice. Licensing is run by the Federal Way Police Department and, outside the city, Regional Animal Services of King County; transit rules are set by each operator. All can change. Screening does not guarantee a letter. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Start Your Federal Way Screening From Home
Find out for free whether a Washington-licensed clinician can support your emotional support animal or service dog.
