An accommodation that permits dogs overnight as published policy, with consistent rules, in room welfare provisions, and access to at least one shared indoor area.
Definition
An accommodation that permits dogs overnight as published policy, with consistent rules, in room welfare provisions, and access to at least one shared indoor area.
Part of the Roch Dog Standard (RDFS-02) · Published by Roch Dog
Defined TermRDFRG-02 · Definition 1
Dog Friendly
An accommodation provider is dog friendly when dogs are permitted to stay overnight in guest rooms as a matter of published policy, when dog rules are clear and consistently applied, when basic in room amenities are provided including real food and water bowls of appropriate size, and when dogs can accompany guests into at least one indoor shared guest area where legally permitted.
The term means predictable access, transparent rules, and non discretionary treatment. Temporary allowances, informal permissions, and discretionary exceptions do not count.
Roch Interpretation
The test is whether a guest can predict with confidence that their dog will be accepted, have the right kit in the room, and can sit with them in at least one indoor space. If any of those three things depend on luck, timing, or asking the right person, the property is not dog friendly under this standard.
Examples
Compliant
A 120 room hotel in Edinburgh lists its dog policy on a dedicated Pet Policy page, provides ceramic bowls in every dog allocated room, and permits dogs in the ground floor lounge.
Not compliant
A boutique hotel in Bath informally accepts dogs when the manager is on shift and has space, but has no written policy, no bowls in the room, and does not permit dogs in any shared area.