The accommodation must state whether a damage deposit (as defined in RDFRG-02) applies to dog stays in the dog policy required under R1, and where a deposit applies, the deposit amount must be stated. Zero is a valid answer. Any charge described as a deposit that is non refundable is a dog fee, not a deposit, and must be disclosed under R4. This cannot be left blank.
RDFS-02 · Certification Requirement R5
Deposit Transparency
The dog policy must state whether a damage deposit applies to dog stays and, where one does, the amount, so guests know the full cost before booking.
Standard Requirement
The dog policy must state whether a damage deposit applies to dog stays and, where one does, the amount, so guests know the full cost before booking.
RDFS-02 R5 · Pass/fail. Fail this requirement and the outcome is Not Certified.
R5. Deposit Transparency
Roch Interpretation
The policy must give a clear answer on whether a deposit applies, and state the amount where it does. Leaving it out is not a neutral position; it is a gap in the dog policy and it fails R5. 'A deposit may be required' with no figure attached does not satisfy it either.
Examples
Compliant
A hotel's pet policy states 'a refundable damage deposit of £150 is pre authorised on arrival and released within 48 hours of checkout if no damage is found.'
Not compliant
A hotel's dog policy covers the fee and access rules but makes no mention of whether a deposit is required; guests discover a £200 hold is placed on their card at check in.
Published by Roch Dog
RDFS-02 · Last updated 2026-05-18