The conditions, rules, and treatment that a guest actually encounters when staying with a dog, as distinct from what is stated in marketing, promotional material, or third party listings. Where a conflict exists between what a provider advertises and what a guest experiences, operational practice is treated as the true position for the purposes of assessment under this standard.
RDFRG-02 · Defined Term 16
Operational Practice
What a guest actually encounters when staying with a dog, as distinct from what marketing or promotional material states.
Definition
What a guest actually encounters when staying with a dog, as distinct from what marketing or promotional material states.
Part of the Roch Dog Standard (RDFS-02) · Published by Roch Dog
Operational Practice
Roch Interpretation
If the website says dogs are welcome in the lounge but staff redirect every dog guest away from the lounge at check in, the operational practice is that dogs are not allowed in the lounge. That is what gets assessed.
Examples
Compliant
A hotel states dogs are permitted in its morning room and staff consistently direct guests with dogs there on arrival, matching what the published policy says.
Not compliant
A hotel markets itself as dog friendly on its homepage and Booking.com listing but at check in guests are told dogs must remain in the room at all times.
Published by Roch Dog
RDFRG-02 · Last updated 17 March 2026