Any non refundable charge applied to a guest's booking as a condition of bringing a dog, however described. This includes charges labelled as pet fees, cleaning fees, surcharges, supplements, or package additions where the charge is triggered by the presence of a dog. A dog fee is distinct from a damage deposit. Where a charge is non refundable, it is a fee. The fee amount and structure, whether per stay, per night, or per dog, must be stated in the published policy.
RDFRG-02 · Defined Term 13
Dog Fee
Any non refundable charge applied as a condition of bringing a dog, however described, including pet fees, cleaning fees, or supplements.
Definition
Any non refundable charge applied as a condition of bringing a dog, however described, including pet fees, cleaning fees, or supplements.
Part of the Roch Dog Standard (RDFS-02) · Published by Roch Dog
Dog Fee
Roch Interpretation
Calling it a cleaning fee does not change what it is. If the charge appears because a dog is in the booking and does not come back if there is no damage, it is a dog fee and needs to be in the published policy before the guest books.
Examples
Compliant
A hotel's pet policy page states 'a non refundable cleaning fee of £30 per stay applies to all dog bookings', visible to the guest before the booking process begins.
Not compliant
A hotel adds a £25 'room preparation charge' to dog bookings in the final confirmation email, with no mention of the charge anywhere on its website or in its published policy.
Published by Roch Dog
RDFRG-02 · Last updated 17 March 2026