ESA Letter in Texas

How a PetCerts ESA letter works in Texas

1. Answer a short online questionnaire

   You tell us about your situation, your housing and the animal you live with. The questions are the starting point for a clinical evaluation; they are not a test you pass or fail on your own.

2. A licensed clinician evaluates you

   A licensed mental health professional in our network reviews your answers and completes an evaluation. Depending on your state and your situation, that can include a live telehealth conversation and, where state rules require it, an established client relationship before any letter is written.

3. The clinician decides

   The clinician decides independently whether you have a disability-related need for an emotional support animal. If they determine you qualify, they write and sign your letter. If they determine you don't qualify, no letter is issued. If your licensed clinician determines you don't qualify, you get a full refund, including tax. Refunds are automatic to your original payment method within 5–10 business days of the clinician's decision.

4. You receive your letter

   Your signed letter is delivered to your PetCerts account as a PDF you can download, print or send to your housing provider.

What your letter includes

Every PetCerts ESA housing letter is written and signed by the clinician who evaluated you. It shows the clinician's name, license number and licensing state, so a housing provider can see who wrote it and confirm the license with the state board.

Each letter also carries a letter code. A status lookup on National Animal Database with that code and your last name is the only check anyone can run, and you control who gets the code.

Price: $95 + tax

The ESA housing letter is $95 + tax and covers one year. A psychiatric service dog (PSD) housing letter is $159 + tax. The price is the same in Texas as everywhere else we serve, and you see the total, including tax, before you pay. Each additional pet in the same order is 50% off.

If your licensed clinician determines you don't qualify, you get a full refund, including tax. Refunds are automatic to your original payment method within 5–10 business days of the clinician's decision.

See the full price breakdown · Refund Policy

Clinicians in our network licensed in Texas

• Dr. Andrea Slaughter, Licensed Psychologist · Texas License #36031
• Evelyn Jackson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) · Texas License #51390

You can confirm any license with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council license lookup. Your letter names the clinician who evaluated you and their license details. See the clinicians in our network.

ESA letter or PSD letter?

An emotional support animal provides comfort and support simply by being with you; it does not need special training. A psychiatric service dog is individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a psychiatric disability. If your dog is trained to do work for you, a PSD letter may fit your situation better. Learn about PSD letters.

Sharing your letter with a Texas housing provider

Ask your property manager or landlord how they handle accommodation requests; many have a form or a preferred email address. Send your request and a copy of your letter in writing so you have a record, and keep the original PDF in your PetCerts account. Write down the date you sent it and who received it, and keep copies of any replies.

If you choose to share your letter code and last name, the housing provider can run a status lookup on National Animal Database to confirm the letter is current.

Texas ESA questions

Is an ESA letter legal in Texas?

A letter from a licensed clinician supports a request for a reasonable accommodation; it does not guarantee any particular outcome.

Do ESAs have ADA public access rights in Houston?

No. Only task-trained Psychiatric Service Dogs have ADA public access protections in Texas businesses and retail spaces.

How long is my Texas ESA letter valid?

Federal law doesn't set an expiration date. Many housing providers ask for a letter dated within the last 12 months, and some states set their own renewal rules (Arkansas requires a yearly re-evaluation for emotional support dogs).

Can a landlord charge pet rent for an ESA in Austin?

Rules on pet fees and deposits differ by state and by property.

Related pages

ESA letters · PSD letters · Pricing · FAQ

Neighboring states: ESA letter in New Mexico · ESA letter in Oklahoma · ESA letter in Arkansas · ESA letter in Louisiana

Common questions from Texas renters

Do I need to see a clinician in person?

PetCerts evaluations are done online. Some states set their own requirements for the clinician relationship; your clinician follows the rules that apply where you live and will tell you if anything more is needed before a letter can be written.

How long is the letter valid?

Your purchase covers one year. Many housing providers ask for documentation that is reasonably current, so plan to renew when your year is up.

Does my landlord have to accept my letter?

A letter supports a request for a reasonable accommodation; it does not guarantee any particular outcome. Rules on fees and documentation differ by state and by property. If you have a dispute with a housing provider, talk to a licensed attorney in your state or a local fair-housing organization.

Can I add a second animal?

Yes. You can add another animal to your order; each additional pet in the same order is 50% off, and you see the total before you pay.

Who do I contact with questions?

Email help@petcerts.com or call 833-462-2786.