Service Animals

Trained service animals as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) are always welcome at the Alamo and are permitted to enter the Alamo grounds, Church, and other historic buildings with their handlers.

The Alamo welcomes millions of visitors each year, including many who attempt to bring non-trained pets into the historic site. Therefore, Alamo Rangers or staff will ask all visitors to verify that their animal is a trained ADA service animal before entering the site.

Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability. ADA also includes dogs which have been specifically trained to calm a person who has PTSD.

A service animal may be excluded from the site if the animal's behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. In the event that a service animal's presence within certain areas of the historic site is demonstrated to cause a disruption or undue stress and anxiety, or present the potential for injury or illness, we reserve the right to designate such sensitive areas as off-limits.

An animal that provides only comfort or emotional support to a person (sometimes referred to as an emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animal) does not qualify as a service animal under the ADA.

If you have any further questions about service animals at the Alamo please contact us.

More information about the Texas Disability Law is available from the Office of the Texas Governor

Check the Texas Statutes to read the legal definition of a service animal in Texas.

U.S. Department of Justice: (800) 514-0383