Service Animals in WA State

The Washington State legislature has passed a bill that would change the definition of what qualifies as a service animal in the state if the governor signs it into law. Sponsors of the bill say it would put the state more in line with federal law on what animals are allowed in restaurants and grocery stores. The restaurant industry is pushing the legislation, saying it will prevent people from claiming everything from ferrets to monkeys as service animals. As it stands now, state law defines a service animal as any animal trained to aid a disabled person.