A requirement that dogs enter or exit the property through a specific entrance, use a designated lift, or follow a particular route through the building is an operational procedure and does not constitute a restriction on shared area access under R3, provided the routing does not prevent the dog from accessing a qualifying shared indoor guest area during the stay. Routing requirements must be stated in the published policy or communicated at the time of booking.
RDFRG-02 · Defined Term 27
Check In and Access Routing
Routing dogs through a specific entrance or lift does not restrict shared indoor access under R3, provided access is not prevented.
Definition
Routing dogs through a specific entrance or lift does not restrict shared indoor access under R3, provided access is not prevented.
Part of the Roch Dog Standard (RDFS-02) · Published by Roch Dog
Check In and Access Routing
Roch Interpretation
Being told to use the side entrance and the service lift is fine, as long as there is still a qualifying indoor area at the end of the route. The routing is not the problem; being sent somewhere that does not lead to shared guest access is.
Examples
Compliant
A hotel requires dog guests to enter via the garden gate and use the rear lift, as stated in the booking confirmation, but all guests can reach the residents' lounge from either route.
Not compliant
A hotel routes dog guests through a service corridor to a separate waiting area adjacent to the car park that does not connect to any shared indoor guest area.
Published by Roch Dog
RDFRG-02 · Last updated 17 March 2026