Last Updated on April 20, 2023 by Jess
Many people expect to be able to bring their four-legged friends along on their RV adventures.
However, this is not always as easy as it sounds. Some RV parks make it easier than others for dog owners to stay in their parks. Can RV owners with an aggressive breed of dog stay in RV parks?
Today we look at the experiences of RV owners with aggressive breed dogs. We also provide some tips for responsible dog ownership to reduce the likelihood of problems.
Let’s get started!
A camper looking to take his RV on a full-time road trip posted a question about racial restrictions in RV parks. The user quickly found that this is a hot topic in the RV community.
Some people have a passion for their pets, while others fear certain breeds. It doesn’t matter if they’ve had a traumatic experience before or not – the fear and anxiety they experience is real.
Most of the responses to the post came from other pet owners who shared their experiences traveling with their dogs. Unfortunately, the responses indicated that many RV parks have breed restrictions.
However, they also offered hope that it is possible to travel around the country and find dog-friendly parks.
Why do mobile home parks have breed restrictions for dogs?
Many mobile home parks have breed restrictions because they are ultimately responsible for what happens in their parks.
This could result in the campground being held financially responsible for damages and injuries. A massive lawsuit would likely have a very detrimental effect on the campground’s finances.
Some RV parks have little control over which breeds are welcome at their facilities.
Insurance companies typically do everything they can to eliminate potential risks, including requiring breed restrictions.
These providers often require companies to comply with certain rules and regulations. Failure to do so could result in claims being denied or contracts being terminated. These parks must follow the provider’s rules to avoid paying higher premiums.
What breeds of dogs are prohibited in mobile home parks?
Unfortunately, we do not have a comprehensive list of dog breeds that are prohibited in mobile home parks.
Each site may set its own restrictions and guidelines. Although there is no standard list, some breeds are banned more often than others.
The most common dog breeds banned from RV parks include pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, and wolf mixes.
However, a mobile home park may classify other dog breeds as aggressive and add them to the list.
Are there race restrictions in all RV parks?
It is important to know that while many RV parks have breed restrictions, not all do. Check the policies of each RV park before making a reservation.
You can also call and ask about the policies over the phone so you don’t have any surprises when you check in.
If you arrive and find that your dog is in violation of a breed restriction, you may be fined. Depending on the fine print, you may forfeit a deposit or the entire reservation fee.
Even if the park gives you a full refund, you may have to look for new accommodations.
How to travel with an “aggressive breed” dog
If you are the owner of a dog that is classified as an aggressive breed, there are some things you can do to make your travels easier.
Can this help you avoid any potential conflict with people who aren’t big fans of certain breeds? Unfortunately, no.
But these tips will help you be a responsible pet owner who won’t give them any reason 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 in advance
One of the most important things you can do is call ahead. If an RV park or campground has race restrictions, you don’t want to waste your time.
First, ask if there are any breed restrictions. If so, ask what breeds are on the list, not if your particular dog is on the list.
It is advisable to call before you get too far along with the booking process. You should not wait until you have paid a deposit or reserved a space to find out about park restrictions. You could lose your deposit or any monies paid to the park.
Tell the truth
One of the worst things you can do as a dog owner is lie about your dog’s breed in order to stay in a mobile home park. This is not only incredibly dangerous for you, but also for your pet.
If something happens, you could be in serious legal trouble. Depending on the situation, you could have to surrender your pet.
Honesty is always the best policy. If you have trouble finding a place to camp, talk to the RV park or campground.
Inquire if they can accommodate you for a short period of time or in an area away from other campers. They may make an exception or have connections with another RV park owner who can do something for you.
If you treat them disrespectfully or they think you are being dishonest, they probably won’t be very understanding. So do yourself a favor and tell the truth from the start.
Clean up after them
If you find an RV park or campground that allows dogs, always clean up after them.
We have seen many irresponsible pet owners who do not clean up their pets’ messes. In some parks it has gotten so bad that they are cracking down on this behavior.
We’ve heard of parks requiring their guests to register their pets’ DNA to identify the owners of pet waste left in the park. While not all parks go this far, many expel pets and their owners from the campground if they leave messes.
Keep them quiet
Not only do people not want to step in your pet’s mess, they don’t want them barking all the time.
Most campers understand that dogs will occasionally bark when they see a squirrel or are excited. However, incessant barking can be incredibly annoying and upsetting.
You need to do everything in your power to make sure your dog doesn’t spoil the fun for others at the park or campsite. If your dog starts barking, do your best to calm him down quickly.
You may need to remove your pet from the campsite or bring him indoors until he calms down.
Please note: Make your furry friend comfortable on your trip with one of these camping tents that your pet will really love
Don’t let them off the leash
Most areas have strict rules about leashing dogs, especially in public. Letting your dog run free may be excusable if you are staying overnight without neighbors.
However, it is never okay to let your dog run off-leash in a mobile home park or campground.
Many RV parks and campgrounds do not tolerate this type of behavior. If you are caught with your dog off-leash, you should not expect the campground operator or park manager to be friendly.
Being a responsible dog owner
It is important for owners of “aggressive breed” dogs to be as responsible as possible. Do not give anyone an excuse to believe the false stereotypes that many people believe about certain dog breeds.
Also, try to understand that some people are uncomfortable around large or aggressive dogs.
Approach others to avoid alarming or frightening other campers in the RV park.
The only way to find middle ground on this heated topic is for both sides to accommodate each other. So do your part to meet others in the middle and be as responsible a dog owner as possible.