South · Texas
ESA letter & service dog laws in Texas.
ESA and service-dog rules in Texas are governed by different federal statutes and apply in different contexts. Use the page that matches your situation.
Educational content, not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult a Texas-licensed attorney.
For housing accommodations
ESA letter laws in Texas
Texas follows the federal Fair Housing Act for emotional support animals — Texas does not have an ESA-specific state statute on top of the federal floor. Local ordinances and the Texas Fair Housing Act (Tex. Prop. Code § 301) parallel federal coverage but do not add ESA-specific requirements. The state's notable service-animal law (§ 121.006) applies to public access by service dogs, not ESA housing claims.
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For public access
Service dog laws in Texas
Texas combines the federal ADA with state-level service-animal protections under Tex. Hum. Res. Code § 121.003 (public-access rights) and a misrepresentation penalty under § 121.006. Misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $300 fine and 30 hours of community service for an organization that serves people with disabilities.
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Which one applies to me?
- ESA letter — for housing accommodations under the federal Fair Housing Act. Allows an emotional support animal in a "no pets" rental. No public-access rights.
- Service dog — for public access under the federal ADA. The dog must be individually trained to perform a task tied to a disability. Can include psychiatric service dogs (PSDs).