Definition
A scheduled, time bound occasion hosted at the accommodation where dogs participate alongside their owners. Online events do not qualify.
Part of the Roch Dog Standard (RDFS-02) · Published by Roch Dog
A scheduled, time bound occasion hosted by or at the accommodation that is designed to include dogs alongside their owners as part of the event experience. This includes events such as dog costume parties, breed meetups, dog themed afternoon teas, seasonal dog markets, charity fundraising events involving dogs, and dog birthday celebrations.
A dog friendly event must be a distinct occasion with a stated date, time, and format. Regular services that happen to permit dogs, such as a restaurant that allows dogs at breakfast every day, are operational policies, not events.
Dogs must be physically present at the accommodation for the event to count. Online events, virtual meetups, and social media campaigns do not qualify regardless of how they are described.
Roch Interpretation
An event has a date and a format and dogs are there in person. A costume party at Halloween where dogs show up in outfits counts. Regular dog friendly service is not an event. Social media campaigns with no physical gathering do not count.
Examples
Compliant
A hotel hosts an annual dog Halloween costume party in its grounds with a set date, a programme, and bookable tickets.
Not compliant
A hotel promotes a 'Dog Lovers Week' on its social media channels with daily posts and giveaways but holds no physical event at the property where dogs are present.