The accommodation must have a written dog policy and make it available to every prospective guest before they book. It may be published on the provider's own website or booking platform listing, or supplied in writing on request. The policy must set out the provider's dog rules, access conditions, restrictions, and any fees or deposits, and must be consistent with any dog related claims the provider makes on third party platforms. A policy that exists only verbally, is explained at check in, or cannot be produced when a guest asks does not satisfy this requirement.
RDFS-02 · Certification Requirement R1
Dog Policy Available Before Booking
The hotel must have a written dog policy and make it available to every guest before booking, published on its own website or booking platform listing or supplied in writing on request, and consistent with any dog related claims it makes on third party platforms.
Standard Requirement
The hotel must have a written dog policy and make it available to every guest before booking, published on its own website or booking platform listing or supplied in writing on request, and consistent with any dog related claims it makes on third party platforms.
RDFS-02 R1 · Pass/fail. Fail this requirement and the outcome is Not Certified.
R1. Dog Policy Available Before Booking
Roch Interpretation
The policy must be written and a guest must be able to get it before they book, whether the hotel publishes it on its own site or booking listing or sends it in writing when asked. A verbal assurance, a policy explained only at check in, or one the hotel cannot produce when a guest asks does not meet R1.
Examples
Compliant
A hotel sets out its full dog policy, including the nightly fee and access conditions, on its website, and also sends it in writing to any guest who asks before booking.
Not compliant
A hotel has no written dog policy; staff explain the rules verbally at check in and cannot produce anything in writing when a guest asks before booking.
Published by Roch Dog
RDFS-02 · Last updated 2026-05-18