Texas Service Animal &
Assistance Animal LawsLeyes de Animales de Servicio y
Asistencia en Texas

The Human-Animal Bond: A Foundation of HealingEl Vínculo Humano-Animal: Una Base de Sanación

The relationship between humans and animals stretches back over 15,000 years, when our ancestors first domesticated wolves that would eventually become the dogs we know today. This ancient partnership was built on mutual benefit: humans provided food and shelter, while dogs offered protection, hunting assistance, and companionship. What our ancestors understood intuitively, modern science has now confirmed with remarkable clarity—the presence of animals can profoundly affect human health, both physical and psychological.La relación entre humanos y animales se remonta a más de 15,000 años, cuando nuestros ancestros domesticaron por primera vez lobos que eventualmente se convertirían en los perros que conocemos hoy. Esta antigua asociación se construyó sobre beneficio mutuo: los humanos proporcionaban comida y refugio, mientras que los perros ofrecían protección, asistencia en la caza y compañía.

Research published in journals like Anthrozoös and the Journal of Psychiatric Research has demonstrated that interaction with animals can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and trigger the release of oxytocin—the same “bonding hormone” that strengthens connections between mothers and infants. For individuals living with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, or physical disabilities, these biological responses are not merely comforting—they can be transformative.La investigación publicada en revistas como Anthrozoös y el Journal of Psychiatric Research ha demostrado que la interacción con animales puede reducir los niveles de cortisol, bajar la presión arterial y desencadenar la liberación de oxitocina—la misma “hormona del vínculo” que fortalece las conexiones entre madres e infantes.

The formalization of animals as therapeutic partners began in earnest during World War I, when dogs were first used to assist soldiers blinded in combat. By the 1970s, organizations began training dogs to assist individuals with mobility impairments. Today, the role of animals in supporting human health has expanded dramatically, with federal and state laws recognizing their importance and protecting the rights of those who depend on them.La formalización de los animales como compañeros terapéuticos comenzó seriamente durante la Primera Guerra Mundial, cuando los perros fueron utilizados por primera vez para asistir a soldados cegados en combate. Para la década de 1970, las organizaciones comenzaron a entrenar perros para asistir a personas con discapacidades de movilidad.

Understanding Texas Law: Chapter 121Entendiendo la Ley de Texas: Capítulo 121

In Texas, the rights of individuals with disabilities who use animals for assistance are protected under Human Resources Code, Title 8, Chapter 121, titled “Participation in Social and Economic Activities.” This state law works alongside federal protections to ensure that Texans with disabilities can fully participate in public life with their assistance animals.En Texas, los derechos de las personas con discapacidades que usan animales para asistencia están protegidos bajo el Código de Recursos Humanos, Título 8, Capítulo 121, titulado “Participación en Actividades Sociales y Económicas.”

How Texas Defines “Assistance Animal” and “Service Animal”Cómo Texas Define “Animal de Asistencia” y “Animal de Servicio”

Texas law uses specific terminology that differs from the federal vernacular you may have encountered elsewhere. Under § 121.002, the state defines both “assistance animal” and “service animal” as:La ley de Texas utiliza terminología específica que difiere del lenguaje federal que puede haber encontrado en otros lugares. Bajo § 121.002, el estado define tanto “animal de asistencia” como “animal de servicio” como:

“A canine that is specially trained or equipped to help a person with a disability and that is used by a person with a disability.” “Un canino que está especialmente entrenado o equipado para ayudar a una persona con una discapacidad y que es utilizado por una persona con una discapacidad.” Texas Human Resources Code § 121.002(1)

This definition is notably specific to canines (dogs), which aligns with federal ADA regulations. The terms “assistance animal” and “service animal” are used interchangeably under Texas state law, though they carry different meanings under various federal statutes—a distinction we will explore below.Esta definición es notablemente específica para caninos (perros), lo cual se alinea con las regulaciones federales de ADA. Los términos “animal de asistencia” y “animal de servicio” se usan indistintamente bajo la ley estatal de Texas.

Federal Laws That Protect You in TexasLeyes Federales Que Lo Protegen en Texas

While Texas state law provides important protections, federal law establishes the baseline rights that apply in every state. Understanding how these laws interact is essential for anyone relying on an animal for disability-related assistance.Mientras que la ley estatal de Texas proporciona protecciones importantes, la ley federal establece los derechos básicos que aplican en cada estado.

The Two Questions RuleLa Regla de las Dos Preguntas

Both federal ADA guidelines and Texas state law limit what businesses and public facilities can ask you about your assistance animal. Under § 121.003(l), if your disability is not readily apparent, staff may only ask:Tanto las pautas federales de ADA como la ley estatal de Texas limitan lo que los negocios e instalaciones públicas pueden preguntarle sobre su animal de asistencia:

1. Is the service animal required because of a disability?¿Se requiere el animal de servicio debido a una discapacidad?
2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?¿Qué trabajo o tarea ha sido entrenado el animal para realizar?

They cannot ask about the nature of your disability, request medical documentation, require the animal to demonstrate its task, or demand any certification, registration, or identification for the animal. These protections exist because, under both state and federal law, no official certification or registration is required for a service animal or assistance animal.No pueden preguntar sobre la naturaleza de su discapacidad, solicitar documentación médica, requerir que el animal demuestre su tarea, o exigir cualquier certificación, registro o identificación para el animal.

Your Housing Rights in TexasSus Derechos de Vivienda en Texas

Housing is where many individuals with disabilities encounter the most questions—and unfortunately, the most discrimination. In Texas, your housing rights are protected by both the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and state laws enforced by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Civil Rights Division.La vivienda es donde muchas personas con discapacidades encuentran la mayoría de las preguntas—y desafortunadamente, la mayor discriminación.

However, if your disability is not obvious and the need for the animal is not apparent, a housing provider may request reliable documentation from a licensed healthcare professional confirming that you have a disability and that the animal provides disability-related assistance. This is where proper documentation becomes essential.Sin embargo, si su discapacidad no es obvia y la necesidad del animal no es aparente, un proveedor de vivienda puede solicitar documentación confiable de un profesional de salud licenciado.

Fraud Penalties in Texas: A Serious MatterPenalidades por Fraude en Texas: Un Asunto Serio

Texas takes the misrepresentation of animals as trained assistance animals seriously. Under § 121.006, it is a criminal offense to intentionally or knowingly represent that an animal is an assistance animal or service animal when it has not been specially trained to help a person with a disability.Texas toma en serio la representación falsa de animales como animales de asistencia entrenados. Bajo § 121.006, es un delito criminal representar intencional o conscientemente que un animal es un animal de asistencia o servicio cuando no ha sido especialmente entrenado.

Why Proper Documentation MattersPor Qué la Documentación Adecuada Importa

While neither Texas law nor federal law requires any official “certification” or “registration” for an assistance animal, proper documentation from a licensed healthcare professional can make a significant difference in your daily life. Here’s why:Aunque ni la ley de Texas ni la ley federal requieren ninguna “certificación” o “registro” oficial para un animal de asistencia, la documentación adecuada de un profesional de salud licenciado puede hacer una diferencia significativa en su vida diaria.

For housing: When you request a reasonable accommodation from a landlord, they are legally permitted to ask for verification of your disability and disability-related need for the animal if these are not obvious. A letter from a licensed mental health professional—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor—provides the reliable documentation that housing providers are entitled to request under HUD guidelines. Without it, your request may be denied or delayed.Para vivienda: Cuando solicita una acomodación razonable de un propietario, están legalmente autorizados a pedir verificación de su discapacidad y necesidad relacionada con la discapacidad si estas no son obvias.

For peace of mind: While public places cannot demand documentation, having a professional evaluation on record gives you confidence in your rights. If a situation escalates—whether with a landlord, employer, or business—you have clear evidence that your need is genuine and has been professionally assessed.Para tranquilidad: Aunque los lugares públicos no pueden exigir documentación, tener una evaluación profesional registrada le da confianza en sus derechos.

For air travel: Since the 2021 Department of Transportation rule change, only trained psychiatric service dogs are permitted to fly in the cabin at no additional charge. Airlines may require you to complete DOT forms attesting to your dog’s training, health, and behavior. Having professional documentation of your need supports your credibility and protects your rights.Para viajes aéreos: Desde el cambio de regla del Departamento de Transporte de 2021, solo los perros de servicio psiquiátrico entrenados pueden volar en la cabina sin cargo adicional.

How We Can HelpCómo Podemos Ayudar

At US Service Pet, we connect individuals in Texas with licensed mental health professionals who can conduct legitimate clinical evaluations. Our network includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and other qualified providers who are licensed to practice in Texas and understand both federal and state requirements.En US Service Pet, conectamos a personas en Texas con profesionales de salud mental licenciados que pueden realizar evaluaciones clínicas legítimas.

Our process is simple and designed to respect your time while ensuring clinical integrity:Nuestro proceso es simple y diseñado para respetar su tiempo mientras asegura integridad clínica:

1. Free anonymous screening: Complete a brief, confidential questionnaire to determine if you may qualify for an assistance animal under federal and Texas guidelines.Evaluación anónima gratuita: Complete un breve cuestionario confidencial para determinar si puede calificar para un animal de asistencia.
2. Clinical review: A licensed provider reviews your information and, if appropriate, conducts a telehealth evaluation to assess your needs.Revisión clínica: Un proveedor licenciado revisa su información y, si es apropiado, realiza una evaluación de telesalud.
3. Same-day documentation: If you qualify, you receive professional documentation on the same day—letters that housing providers, employers, and others recognize as legitimate clinical verification.Documentación el mismo día: Si califica, recibe documentación profesional el mismo día.

We have helped over 50,000 families nationwide since 2016, and we are proud to serve the people of Texas. Whether you live in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, or any other part of the Lone Star State, our licensed providers are ready to help you understand your rights and obtain the documentation you need.Hemos ayudado a más de 50,000 familias en todo el país desde 2016, y estamos orgullosos de servir a la gente de Texas.