RVing with two service dogs at RV parks

While state law may require a service dog in training to be admitted under state ADA Laws, it is not required under federal law. Service dogs cannot be restricted from any place they do not place an unreasonable burden. They would obviously be allowed in an RV park and the related facilities, with the exception of a food prep or similar area. The ADA is very clear about what can be a service animal. It is restricted to dogs and miniature horses. My uneducated guess is the miniature horse got in as a kind of Amish powered Wheelchair. The ADA animal must be under control at all times and must not create a nuisance. If those rules are not followed, the facility may require the animal to be removed (they cannot require the person needing the service animal to leave due to actions of the service animal).
The parrot story and the fact that the OP is having a hard time just re-enforces my opinion that a nationally recognized passport type license should be required to allow a person to have service animal access. It would be beneficial to both the businesses (no need to question or ponder whether or not said service animal is actually what the person says it is) and the disabled person would not have a large segment of people thinking they are just abusing the system so fluffy can accompany them to the mall. A physician or other authorized health professional could approve the license request and the license could be issued by the government with a photo of the animal once the training facility released it to the person needing assistance. The argument against such a system is a privacy argument, but I see no difference between telling a business your dog is a service dog and showing a license stating the same facts.

5 months seems young. Interesting, what is the dog being trained to do?
I agree it may be easier to pay the fee or move on. Could call local ADA office for help.

Your own statement is the best one. You are going to get lots of personal opinions here, but nothing with any legal standing. If you are that determined to stay there, you will probably have to hire a lawyer to force the issue. Assuming it could even be forced. And then where does that put you with management, and possibly other residents.

My opinion? Just move on. Find a place where are welcome. Life will be so much better.

mynetdude wrote:
...
Here's the issue: I am going to be staying at Gig Harbor RV Park and they won't make en exemption for both dogs, only one however by law they can't do that ....
Does anybody have any ideas/recos?

Why go where you're obviously not wanted. Spend your money elsewhere and have less of a headache, imho.

You may be in the right, legally, but is it really worth it to push the matter? Or do you have bigger/better things to do than have a "teachable moment" with a RV park staff that's just going to resent being schooled.

To darsben:
A parrot service animal? Wow - was it wearing a little red vest?

mynetdude wrote:

darsben wrote:
Pay the fee or go elsewhere is my suggestion.
You want to enjoy your travels or educate idiots?
I do not think you can do both.

I understand your situation but it is so easy to claim service animal that people are abusing the term. It is similar to people who use handicap stickers but do not really need them or are someone elses

yeah... there are those that do legitimately do need them.

Unfortunately this isn't going to be the last time I have to stay there :( this is just a preliminary visit before I move; next visit will be looking for a place to live after that there won't be any need to use their park ever again.

I will relate my one service animal story;
I was in Walmart near Fort Drum in NY and I heard a commotion. A young man was entering the store with a Parrot on his shoulder. Yes a Parrot. The greeter stopped him. He got irate claimed it was his service animal. He was allowed into the store with the bird.

kalynzoo wrote:
I think that you will have a difficult time convincing an official, either governmental or corporate, that a 5 month old puppy qualifies as a service dog in training. JMHO

There's no specific requirement; as a matter of fact Washington state law actually prohibits places of public access from barring a dog in training from accessing facilities as long as the basic rules are followed and that is:

1. Dog is in control 2. Dog isn't a nuisance (barking, urinating/deficating).

There are no age requirements MANY service dogs enter training as early as 6 months; she is ahead of schedule because I've started training her from day one. She has been to several places as an in training dog without issues (and my signature is old, time to update it)

darsben wrote:
Pay the fee or go elsewhere is my suggestion.
You want to enjoy your travels or educate idiots?
I do not think you can do both.

I understand your situation but it is so easy to claim service animal that people are abusing the term. It is similar to people who use handicap stickers but do not really need them or are someone elses

yeah... there are those that do legitimately do need them.

Unfortunately this isn't going to be the last time I have to stay there :( this is just a preliminary visit before I move; next visit will be looking for a place to live after that there won't be any need to use their park ever again.

Pay the fee or go elsewhere is my suggestion.
You want to enjoy your travels or educate idiots?
I do not think you can do both.

I understand your situation but it is so easy to claim service animal that people are abusing the term. It is similar to people who use handicap stickers but do not really need them or are someone elses

I think that you will have a difficult time convincing an official, either governmental or corporate, that a 5 month old puppy qualifies as a service dog in training. JMHO