Austin, Texas is known for its vibrant culture, live music, and outdoor charm. Whether you're enjoying life in South Congress, attending classes at UT Austin, or raising a family in East Austin, an emotional support animal (ESA) can offer meaningful support. Amidst fast-paced growth and a competitive housing market, ESAs provide comfort, connection, and legal protection to those navigating mental health challenges.
Pettable offers ESA letters that are fully compliant with Texas law, written by licensed mental health professionals. Our process is quick, fully online, and designed to give you the peace of mind you need to live confidently with your emotional support animal.
Our ESA letters meet all federal and state requirements, ensuring your rights are upheld under the Fair Housing Act. With Pettable, it only takes a few steps to get started:
Our ESA letters meet all federal and state requirements, ensuring your rights are upheld under the Fair Housing Act.
Austin’s hustle and buzz can feel energizing, but also overwhelming. Whether you're dealing with daily anxiety, life transitions, or housing instability, an ESA can offer grounding companionship.
Key benefits include:
- Mental health relief for those experiencing depression, PTSD, or chronic stress
- Comfort for young professionals, college students, or parents navigating emotional difficulties
- Consistent companionship for older adults and retirees
- Legal protections to keep your pet in housing with no-pet policies
- A reason to explore outdoor spaces and establish calming routines
ESA Laws in Texas That Apply to Austin Residents
In Austin and throughout Texas, ESA rights are covered by the Fair Housing Act:
- Landlords must accommodate tenants with a valid ESA letter
- No pet deposits or breed restrictions can be enforced
- ESA letters must be issued by a licensed Texas clinician
- ESAs are not granted public access rights like service animals
At Pettable we go the extra mile to ensure our services are fully compliant with Federal and local laws in Houston. We do this by working with Texas licensed mental health professionals and keeping a close eye on regulations to ensure your ESA letter is 100% legitimate and compliant. Learn more about how we stay compliant with Texas ESA laws.
ESAs are especially helpful for:
- College students at UT Austin and nearby campuses experiencing stress, burnout, or anxiety
- Young professionals working in tech or the startup scene needing daily emotional grounding
- Families supporting children with learning or emotional disorders
- Renters facing high pet fees or no-pet lease terms
- Individuals with PTSD, social anxiety, or depression
While ESAs don’t have public access rights, Austin has a wealth of welcoming spaces for pet lovers:
- Zilker Metropolitan Park – Expansive green space ideal for walks with leashed ESAs
- Red Bud Isle – Off-leash dog park and swimming spot
- Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park – Shaded trails and open areas
- Yard Bar – Bar/dog park hybrid with outdoor seating
- Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden – Dog-friendly beer garden on Rainey Street
- Perla’s – South Congress seafood spot with patio seating for pets
- The LINE Austin – Downtown location with pet-friendly amenities
- Hotel San José – Trendy boutique stay that welcomes pets
- Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt – Pet fees waived; all sizes welcome
Always verify pet policies before visiting.
Understanding the distinction is key:
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
- Offer emotional support for mental health
- No training required
- Protected under housing laws only
Service Animals
- Trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities
- Allowed in public places under ADA
Falsely claiming a pet as a service animal in Texas is a misdemeanor with legal consequences.