RDFRG-02 · Roch Dog Reference Guide

Definitions

Every term used in the Dog Friendly Standard, defined precisely.

The Roch Dog Standard uses precise language. Every term that carries a specific meaning in certification is defined here, in one place, so that hotels, assessors, and guests are all working from the same vocabulary.

When a defined term appears in the Dog Friendly Standard (RDFS-02) or the Certification and Assessment Framework (RDCAF-02), it means exactly what this reference guide says it means and nothing else. No interpretation, no local variation, no discretion.

There are 29 defined terms covering everything from what counts as a shared indoor guest area to how seasonal policies affect certification. Browse the full index below.

A

Assessment Period

The 12 month period during which a certification remains valid from the date of issue.

Accommodation Provider

Any business offering short term paid overnight lodging to the public in private or semi private guest rooms.

Assistance and Service Dogs

This standard covers companion dogs only. Legal rights of assistance dogs and service animals exist outside its scope.

B

Breed Specific Legislation

Laws that prohibit or restrict specific dog breeds. Breed exclusions arising from these laws are treated as legal prohibitions, not size restrictions.

C

Certification Scope

Certification applies to an accommodation as a whole, not to individual rooms, floors, or room categories.

Certification Status

One of three states: Certified, Not Certified, or Not Assessed, reflecting a provider's standing under this standard.

Conditional Access

Shared indoor access subject to published, consistently applied conditions such as designated times or areas still satisfies R3.

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

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.

Dog Friendly Certification

Formal recognition that an accommodation meets the Dog Friendly Standard (RDFS-02) minimum requirements at a specific point in time.

Any non refundable charge applied as a condition of bringing a dog, however described, including pet fees, cleaning fees, or supplements.

A refundable amount held as security against dog damage, returned in full where no damage occurs.

Dog Friendly Activity

A structured or guided experience offered by or through the accommodation where dogs participate alongside their owners on the property.

Dog Friendly Event

A scheduled, time bound occasion hosted at the accommodation where dogs participate alongside their owners. Online events do not qualify.

E

Enclosed Outdoor and Semi Outdoor Spaces

Only a fully enclosed, permanent, year round indoor space qualifies under R3. Seasonal terraces and retractable structures do not.

F

An ordinary household companion dog benchmarked at approximately 20 to 35 kg and up to 60 cm at the shoulder.

L

Legal Prohibition

A restriction on shared indoor dog access arising from law, food hygiene legislation, or licensing conditions in the operating jurisdiction.

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.

M

Multi Property Certification

Certification is issued per individual property. Each must be independently assessed regardless of brand or chain affiliation.

N

Non Discretionary

A rule applied consistently to all guests without individual judgement, exception, or ad hoc staff decision making.

O

Operational Practice

What a guest actually encounters when staying with a dog, as distinct from what marketing or promotional material states.

P

Published Policy

A formally stated dog policy made publicly available before booking, accessible without asking, representing normal operating conditions.

Pass / Fail Assessment

An assessment model where an accommodation either meets or does not meet all requirements. No partial passes. No gradations.

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.

Policy Consistency After Booking

Guests who book under a published policy are entitled to those terms for the full duration of that booking.

R

Real Food and Water Bowl

A stable, non disposable bowl of minimum 18 cm internal diameter, pre staged in the room before arrival.

S

Shared Indoor Guest Area

Any enclosed interior space within an accommodation used by multiple guests, such as a lounge, bar, restaurant, or cafe.

Size and Weight Restriction

Any stated limit on the physical size or weight of dogs permitted to stay, such as a 5 kg or 10 kg weight cap.

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