A formally stated rule or set of conditions about the acceptance of dogs, made publicly available by the accommodation provider before the point of booking. A published policy must be expressed clearly, accessible without having to ask, and represent the provider's normal operating conditions. Verbal assurances and informal practice do not qualify.
RDFRG-02 · Defined Term 4
Published Policy
A formally stated dog policy made publicly available before booking, accessible without asking, representing normal operating conditions.
Definition
A formally stated dog policy made publicly available before booking, accessible without asking, representing normal operating conditions.
Part of the Roch Dog Standard (RDFS-02) · Published by Roch Dog
Published Policy
Roch Interpretation
If a guest has to send an email or call the hotel to find out what the dog rules are, it is not a published policy. It needs to be on the website, readable without friction, before the booking starts.
Examples
Compliant
A hotel's Pet Policy page is linked in the footer of its website, states all dog rules including the nightly fee and access conditions, and is accessible without requiring a login.
Not compliant
A hotel's dog rules are emailed to guests only after they contact the reservations team to ask about bringing a dog.
Published by Roch Dog
RDFRG-02 · Last updated 17 March 2026