What do a dog, a Capuchin monkey, a pot-bellied pig, a cat, a rabbit, a miniature horse, birds, and snakes have in common? If you guessed that they could all be service animals, you would be correct.  Some pull wheelchairs, while others detect seizures. A dog may alert a hearing-impaired person to the doorbell, or the telephone. Cats and ferrets help people with PTSD. There are animals who aid people with depression, anxiety, and other invisible disabilities.  Another thing they have in common is they can tour with you in your travel trailer, and accompany you at your stops along the way.

What the law requires

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires businesses, including campground owners, to allow service animals to escort their human being. It is unlawful for a business to assess a fee, or to charge a special deposit for helper animals.  If the owner of a business asks you if the animal is a pet, and what he does, you must answer. You do not however, have to present any certificates or proof.

What you must do

You must have your animal under control at all times. Supervise your animal’s interactions with other people, and discourage people from feeding, playing, or petting a service animal that is working. Any damage incurred by your animal must be compensated for. If your dog’s behavior is aggressive, or if he engages in unwarranted barking, snarling, or growling, the campground owner can ask you to leave. With attention and care, your service animal can make your travel trailer trip pleasurable and profitable.