Arlington, TX asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Texas

Q: Can you be evicted for having four support animals in Arlington Texas?

1 Lawyer Answer
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
Answered
  • Frisco, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: No, as long as you meet with following requirements:

Your licensed healthcare professional must determine that you have a need for more than one emotional support animal to alleviate symptoms of your mental illness.

Your ESA letter must specifically reference each support animal.

All the animals must be able to reasonably live in your home — humanely and safely — consistent with local ordinances. The City of Arlington Code currently prohibits more than three cats and more than three dogs in a residence. That sets the outer limit.

A dwelling like an apartment that is smaller may not be able to humanely and safely accommodate so many animals. Dog breeds in particular vary in size and their need for exercise space. Three small dogs might be able to humanely and safely live in a 3-BR apartment that may only be able to humanely and safely accommodate two medium-sized dogs or one large dog.

A good rule of thumb that is sometimes used is one small dog or cat per bedroom of an apartment. But this is just a rule of thumb which should not be applied rigidly. This sounds like what may be happening in your situation. But the size and layout of a dwelling, the availability of outdoor space like a dog run, etc combined with the breed of dogs ultimately determines how many any given dwelling can safely and humanely accommodate.

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