RDFRG-02 · Roch Dog Reference Guide
Defined Terms
All 29 terms used in the Dog Friendly Standard, each defined precisely and linked to the requirements they support.
A
Definition 11
Assessment Period
The 12 month period during which a certification remains valid from the date of issue.
Definition 12
Accommodation Provider
Any business offering short term paid overnight lodging to the public in private or semi private guest rooms.
Definition 19
Assistance and Service Dogs
This standard covers companion dogs only. Legal rights of assistance dogs and service animals exist outside its scope.
C
Definition 15
Certification Scope
Certification applies to an accommodation as a whole, not to individual rooms, floors, or room categories.
Definition 17
Certification Status
One of three states: Certified, Not Certified, or Not Assessed, reflecting a provider's standing under this standard.
Definition 22
Conditional Access
Shared indoor access subject to published, consistently applied conditions such as designated times or areas still satisfies R3.
Definition 27
Check In and Access Routing
Routing dogs through a specific entrance or lift does not restrict shared indoor access under R3, provided access is not prevented.
D
Definition 1
Dog Friendly
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 8
Dog Friendly Certification
Formal recognition that an accommodation meets the Dog Friendly Standard (RDFS-02) minimum requirements at a specific point in time.
Definition 13
Dog Fee
Any non refundable charge applied as a condition of bringing a dog, however described, including pet fees, cleaning fees, or supplements.
Definition 14
Damage Deposit
A refundable amount held as security against dog damage, returned in full where no damage occurs.
Definition 28
Dog Friendly Activity
A structured or guided experience offered by or through the accommodation where dogs participate alongside their owners on the property.
Definition 29
Dog Friendly Event
A scheduled, time bound occasion hosted at the accommodation where dogs participate alongside their owners. Online events do not qualify.
L
Definition 10
Legal Prohibition
A restriction on shared indoor dog access arising from law, food hygiene legislation, or licensing conditions in the operating jurisdiction.
Definition 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.
P
Definition 4
Published Policy
A formally stated dog policy made publicly available before booking, accessible without asking, representing normal operating conditions.
Definition 9
Pass / Fail Assessment
An assessment model where an accommodation either meets or does not meet all requirements. No partial passes. No gradations.
Definition 23
Property Wide Dog Capacity
A limit on the total number of dogs permitted on the property at any one time, distinct from the per room limit.
Definition 24
Policy Consistency After Booking
Guests who book under a published policy are entitled to those terms for the full duration of that booking.
S
Definition 3
Shared Indoor Guest Area
Any enclosed interior space within an accommodation used by multiple guests, such as a lounge, bar, restaurant, or cafe.
Definition 7
Size and Weight Restriction
Any stated limit on the size or weight of dogs permitted, including breed exclusions functioning as size proxies.
Definition 21
Seasonal and Temporary Policies
A dog policy must represent normal year round conditions. Seasonal restrictions must be disclosed and tied to the certified period only.
Published by Roch Dog
RDFRG-02 · 29 definitions · Last updated 17 March 2026