A requirement that dogs be kept on a lead in shared areas, or that dogs behave in a way that does not disturb other guests, is a standard operational condition and does not constitute a restriction on shared area access under R3. Lead and behaviour requirements must be stated in the published policy. A provider may remove a dog from a shared area for behaviour reasons on a case by case basis without that action being treated as discretionary access, provided the underlying policy permits dogs in that area as a matter of course.
RDFRG-02 · Defined Term 25
Lead and Behaviour Requirements
Requiring dogs to be on a lead or to behave appropriately in shared areas is not a restriction on access under R3.
Definition
Requiring dogs to be on a lead or to behave appropriately in shared areas is not a restriction on access under R3.
Part of the Roch Dog Standard (RDFS-02) · Published by Roch Dog
Lead and Behaviour Requirements
Roch Interpretation
Requiring a dog to be on a lead in the bar is a condition of access, not a restriction on access. As long as the condition is in the published policy and applied consistently, it does not affect R3 compliance.
Examples
Compliant
A hotel requires all dogs to be on a lead in the lobby and restaurant, states this in its pet policy, and staff apply the rule to every guest with a dog.
Not compliant
A hotel uses an undefined 'behaviour standard' to turn away specific dogs from the lounge without any published criteria, making the rule effectively discretionary.
Published by Roch Dog
RDFRG-02 · Last updated 17 March 2026