Are Pets Allowed?
If you are planning on taking your family pet along on your next RV trip, you will need to find out if that option is feasible. As you plan your trip, think about whether having your pet along will fit with what you want to do. Be fair to your pet; don't just bring him along to save the cost of boarding. Perhaps he would be better off being boarded.
As you plan your trip and start looking at RV campgrounds, be sure to check the listing for their policy on pets. Depending on the campground directory you are using, you may get very detailed information or may just see “Pets Not Allowed” or “Pet Restrictions.”
“Pets Not Allowed” is a very straightforward statement. If you want to bring your pet along on your travels, you will need to find another place to stay. Don't plan on trying to sneak a pet into a campground that does not permit them. Pets are very difficult to hide. If you are found out, you will probably be asked to leave (as that is the RV park owner's prerogative), usually without a refund (as is the park owner's right). Trying to beat the system can be expensive.
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Some RV resorts and campgrounds are able to provide “pet-sitting” services (for an additional fee) for the pets of registered guests. Ask when you make reservations if they have this type of service available, or if they have names of local pet sitters who could come to the campground to sit on those days when you will be away from the RV for extended periods.
If your RV campground directory listing says “Pet Restrictions,” you may also find a definition of the restrictions in the listing or you may have to contact the campground directly to have those restrictions defined. Some of the more common restrictions (or combination of restrictions) you may come across include:
Only dogs allowed
Only cats or dogs allowed
Only one pet per RV allowed
Only dogs under a certain weight are allowed (20 pounds is a common limit)
Pets allowed but cannot be left alone in RVs if the owner is not in the park
All pets must be on a leash (this includes cats)
In addition, wild or exotic pets are almost never allowed in RV campgrounds. Your pot-bellied pig may be a great pet, but she will not be a welcome guest in most RV parks. Depending on the city, country, state, or provincial restrictions, exotic pets may not be allowed in the areas you are visiting. Find someone to watch your pet ferret; don't insist on bringing him along.
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If your travel plans include spending some time at attractions such as big amusement parks, find out if they have pet parks or boarding for park guests with pets. Your pet would probably enjoy some human contact while you are enjoying the park, rather then being left locked up all day in the RV.
You may also need to pay an extra charge for the privilege of having your pet with you or you may have to leave a hefty “damage” deposit. An extra charge may make sense for those traveling with dogs to account for the cleanup chores some rude visitors may leave, but if the pet you travel with is a cat that never leaves the trailer you might want to protest this charge. If a deposit is required, make sure it is refundable and who decides on damage.
