Yes, you can have an emotional support animal (ESA) in an RV park if you live there long term. Under the Fair Housing Act, RV parks considered long-term residences must make reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals, even if they have a “no pets” policy. However, short-term campgrounds are not covered under this protection, allowing them to enforce their pet policies.

Read on to find out how to get ESA rights in an RV park so you can live in peace with your support dog, cat, bird, rodent, or other pet. 

ESA Rights in RV Parks

RV parks must allow emotional support animals, provided you submit an ESA letter to management. The FHA overrides any pet policy, including restrictions on size, weight, or breed. In addition, the RV park cannot charge you extra for your ESA, although you remain responsible for any damage caused by your animal.

Keep in mind that your state’s ESA laws will also affect your rights. For example, if you want to get an emotional support animal in California, there is a 30-day waiting period to get an ESA letter, so you will want to seek help as soon as possible. 

A recent case highlights that HUD will take action against RV parks that do not accommodate assistance animals. In 2024, HUD charged the managers and owners of an RV Park with discrimination under the FHA for evicting a tenant because her assistance dog exceeded the park’s pet weight limit. 

Despite the tenant providing documentation for the necessity of the dog, the RV park terminated her tenancy, violating the FHA’s requirement for reasonable accommodations for assistance animals. HUD requested that the park establish a non-discriminatory assistance animal policy, showing that HUD will take action against RV Parks that fail to fulfill their Fair Housing duties.

How to Secure Your ESA in an RV Park

To have your emotional support animal allowed in an RV park, follow these steps:

  1. Get a Valid ESA Letter
    Secure a letter from a licensed therapist, social worker, or doctor explaining the need for your ESA for emotional support or mental health reasons.
  2. Communicate with RV Park Management
    Contact management early, especially if the park has strict pet rules. Submit your ESA letter to establish your right to keep the animal.
  3. Follow Basic Community Rules
    You are still required to control your ESA and ensure it does not cause disruptions. If the ESA becomes a nuisance or causes damage, the park may take action, such as requesting repairs or behavior corrections.

The Fair Housing Act generally applies to long-term residential housing. For short-term RV park stays, like at campgrounds, the park’s pet policies apply, and they may deny your ESA if it does not meet their requirements. It’s best to confirm policies before booking.

FAQ about Emotional Support Animals in RV Parks

1. Do all RV parks have to allow emotional support animals?

No. Only long-term RV parks are required to allow emotional support animals under the FHA. Short-term campgrounds can deny ESAs based on their pet policies.

2. What documentation is needed for an emotional support animal in an RV park?

You’ll need an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional explaining your need for the animal.

3. Can RV parks charge fees for emotional support animals?

No, RV parks cannot charge extra for ESAs, but owners are responsible for any damage caused by the animal.

4. What if my emotional support animal is denied because of size or breed?

The FHA requires that housing providers, including RV parks, make reasonable accommodations regardless of size or breed. A denial may be grounds for legal action, such as in this case where an RV park tenant was evicted over the size of her assistance dog.

5. Can my ESA go into all areas of the RV park?

Emotional support animals are generally allowed in common areas, unless their presence would create a safety or health issue for other tenants. 

Work with a licensed professional in the state of your RV park to get a legit ESA letter

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