The accommodation must state whether a damage deposit (as defined in RDFRG-02) applies to dog stays in the published policy required under R1. Any charge described as a deposit that is non refundable is a dog fee, not a deposit, and must be disclosed under R4. This cannot be left blank.
RDFS-02 · Certification Requirement R5
Deposit Disclosure
The accommodation must state in the published policy whether a damage deposit applies to dog stays. This cannot be left blank.
Standard Requirement
The accommodation must state in the published policy whether a damage deposit applies to dog stays. This cannot be left blank.
RDFS-02 R5 · Pass/fail. Fail this requirement and the outcome is Not Certified.
R5. Deposit Disclosure
Assessed via
Q31: Damage deposit for dog stay?
Roch Interpretation
The policy must give a yes or no answer on whether a deposit applies. Leaving it out is not a neutral position. It is a gap in the published policy and it fails R5.
Examples
Compliant
A hotel's pet policy states 'no damage deposit is required for dog stays', clearly resolving the question before the guest books.
Not compliant
A hotel's published dog policy covers the fee and access rules but makes no mention of whether a deposit is required; guests discover a £200 hold is placed on their card at check in.
Published by Roch Dog
RDFS-02 · Last updated 17 March 2026