ESA letters for Texas college students

How campus ESA approval works

The pattern is similar across the Texas schools we checked. The student registers with the disability office, submits documentation, and that office decides. Once approved, housing or residence life registers the animal and collects records like vaccinations, spay or neuter status and city licensing.

Most of these schools point to the FHA as their legal footing. UTSA describes an ESA as an FHA accommodation, UT Dallas says ESAs are protected under the FHA only, and Texas State's policy cites both the ADA and the FHA.

Disability offices at Texas schools

• UT Austin: Disability and Access (D&A) must approve an ESA before it moves into university housing.
• University of Houston: the Justin Dart Jr. Student Accessibility Center; requests go through your Access Coordinator, and the animal needs City of Houston licensing.
• UTSA: Student Disability Services, which offers an optional ESA form and uses a documentation review committee.
• Texas State University: Disability Services, under policy SS/PPS 07.12, with an ESA Information form.
• TCU: Student Access & Accommodation, with a 30 to 60 day review and annual renewal.
• UT Dallas: the AccessAbility Resource Center; the animal needs a microchip under City of Richardson rules.
• UT Arlington: the Student Access & Resource Center, which requires its ESA Verification Form.
• SMU: Disability Accommodation and Success Strategies, which asks for housing requests by June 1.
• Rice University: the Student Disability Resource Center.

Campus forms and your letter

Several schools want their own form filled out by your provider. Texas State asks for it from "a qualified professional with an established therapeutic relationship." UTA and UTD have their own forms too. Download the form first and bring it to your evaluation so the clinician can complete it along with your letter.

A college letter from us costs $129, and there's no charge unless the clinician writes one. Each letter names the clinician's license category, number and licensing state. Because some schools ask about the treatment relationship, check your school's form before you book and tell us what it requires.

Timing your request

1. Start early in the springFor fall move-in, begin in spring. TCU says reviews take 30 to 60 days, and SMU asks for housing disability requests by June 1.
2. Register with the disability officeOpen a file with the office before you send documents, so your paperwork has somewhere to land.
3. Submit documentationSend your letter and any school form. Answer follow-up questions quickly; review clocks often pause while they wait on you.
4. Finish housing paperworkAfter approval, complete residence life's registration and records. Don't bring the animal to campus before this is done.
5. Calendar the renewalMany approvals last one academic year. Set a reminder to renew well before the next housing cycle.

Rules once your ESA is approved

ESAs are a housing accommodation only. UT Austin, UH and Texas State all keep them out of classrooms, dining halls and other campus buildings. Plan for care during long class days, and expect roommate agreements and conduct rules to apply.

Off campus, a private apartment near campus follows the regular Texas renting rules, including HUD's 2026 case-by-case approach to untrained ESAs.

When things feel heavy

A pet can support ongoing care, yet it's no substitute for urgent help. If you're thinking about hurting yourself or feel unsafe, call or text 988; in an emergency call 911. Your campus counseling center is another good place to reach out.