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Many people expect to bring their four-legged friends along during their RVing adventures.
However, this isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Some RV parks make it easier than others for dog owners to stay in their parks. So can RVers with an aggressive breed of dog stay in RV parks?
Today, we’re diving into the experiences of RVers with dogs labeled as aggressive breeds. We’ll even share some tips on responsible dog ownership to reduce the chances of any issues.
Let’s get started!
One RVer looking to travel full-time in their RV posted a question about breed restrictions in RV parks. The user quickly discovered that this is a hot-button topic in the RV community.
Some people feel passionate about their pets, but others genuinely fear certain breeds. Whether they had a prior traumatic experience or not is irrelevant — the fear and anxiety they experience are real.
Most responses to the post came from fellow pet owners sharing their experiences traveling with their dogs. Unfortunately, the responses indicated that many RV parks do have breed restrictions.
However, they also provided hope that it’s possible to travel the country and find dog-friendly parks.
Why Do RV Parks Have Breed Restrictions for Dogs?
Many RV parks have breed restrictions because they are ultimately responsible for what occurs in their parks.
This could result in the campground facing financial responsibility for damages and injuries. A massive lawsuit would likely be very detrimental to a campground’s finances.
Some RV parks have little say in what breeds are welcome in their parks.
Insurance companies typically do whatever they can to eliminate potential risks, including requiring breed restrictions.
These providers often require businesses to follow certain rules and regulations. If not, claims could get denied or their policies canceled. These parks must follow the provider’s rules to avoid paying increased premiums.
What Dog Breeds Are Banned from RV Parks?
Unfortunately, we don’t have a comprehensive list of dog breeds banned from RV parks.
Each location can create its own restrictions and policies. However, while there may not be a standard list, some breeds get banned more than others.
Some of the most common dog breeds banned from RV parks include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and wolf mixes.
However, an RV park may consider other dog breeds as aggressive and add them to the list.
Do All RV Parks Have Breed Restrictions?
It’s important to know that while many RV parks have breed restrictions, not all do. You must check the campground policies at every RV park before making reservations.
You can also call and speak with them on the phone to inquire about their policy, so you don’t have any surprises when checking in.
If you arrive and discover your dog violates a breed restriction, you could face a fine. Depending on the fine print, you may forfeit a deposit or your entire reservation fee.
Even if the park gives you a full refund, you may still have to scramble to find a place to stay.
How to Travel with an “Aggressive Breed” Dog
If you’re a pet owner of a dog labeled as an aggressive breed, you can do a few things to make your travels easier.
Will this help you avoid every potential heated conflict with people that aren’t big fans of certain breeds? Unfortunately, not.
However, these tips will help you to be a responsible pet owner that doesn’t give them any excuse to complain.
Pro Tip: If you haven’t camped with your dog yet, take a look at our Insider Tips for a successful Camping trip with Dogs!
Call Ahead
One of the most important things you can do is to call ahead. If an RV park or campground does have breed restrictions, you don’t want to waste your time.
Start by asking if they have any breed restrictions. If they do, follow up by asking what breeds the list includes instead of if your specific dog is on it.
It’s wise to call before you get too far along in the booking process. You don’t want to wait until after you’ve paid a deposit or reserved a site to check the park’s restrictions. You could be out your deposit or any funds paid to the park.
Tell the Truth
One of the worst things you can do as a dog owner is to lie about its breed so you can stay in an RV park. This is not only incredibly dangerous for you but also for your pet.
If something were to happen, you could get in serious legal trouble. Depending on the situation, you could have to surrender your pet.
Honesty is always the best policy. If you’re having trouble finding a spot to camp, talk to the RV park or campground.
See if they’ll let you stay for a short period or in a section away from other campers. They may make an exception or have connections with a fellow RV park owner that can make something work.
If you treat them disrespectfully or they think you’re being dishonest, they likely won’t offer much sympathy. So do yourself a favor and tell the truth from the start.
Clean Up After Them
If you can find an RV park or campground that allows dogs, always clean up after them.
We’ve seen many irresponsible pet owners who do not clean up after their pets. It’s become so bad in some parks that they’re cracking down on the behavior.
We’ve heard of parks requiring guests to register their pet’s DNA to help identify the owners of any messes found around the park. While not all parks may take it this far, many will eject pets and their owners from the campground for leaving messes.
Keep Them Quiet
Not only do people not want to step in your pet’s mess, but they also don’t want to hear them constantly barking.
Most campers understand that dogs occasionally bark when they see a squirrel or get excited. However, incessant barking can become incredibly annoying and aggravating.
You must do all you can to ensure your dog isn’t ruining the experience for others in the park or campground. If your dog starts barking, do your best to quiet them quickly.
You may need to remove your pet from the campsite or take them inside until they calm down.
Keep in Mind: Keep your furry friend comfortable on your getaway with one of these Camping Tents Your Pet Will Actually Love
Don’t Let Them off Leash
Most areas have strict rules for keeping dogs on a leash, especially in public. Letting your dog run free may be excusable when boondocking with no neighbors.
However, letting your dog off its leash in an RV park or campground is never okay.
Many RV parks and campgrounds will have a zero-tolerance policy for this kind of behavior. If you get caught with your dog off-leash, don’t expect a camp host or park manager to be kind.
Be a Responsible Dog Owner
It’s important for “aggressive breed” dog owners to be as responsible as possible. Don’t give anyone an excuse to buy into the false stereotypes many people believe about particular breeds of dogs.
In addition, try to understand that some people feel uncomfortable around large or aggressive dogs.
Go out of your way to accommodate others to avoid causing anxiety or fear among fellow campers in the RV park.
The only way to find the middle ground in this heated topic is for both sides to accommodate each other. So do your part to meet others in the middle and be the most responsible dog owner possible.
