This document sets out the Certification and Assessment Framework through which the Dog Friendly Standard (RDFS-01) is applied in practice. It describes the procedural basis on which accommodation providers are assessed and certified against the standard. This framework is operational in nature and does not redefine, extend, or supplement the meaning of “dog-friendly” as defined in Dog Friendly Standard.
Accommodation providers may apply for assessment by submitting a completed dog friendly accommodation survey together with any required supporting information. Submission of an application constitutes a declaration by the applicant that the information provided is accurate, complete, and representative of the property’s current policies and operations at the time of submission. Submission of an application does not confer certification status for the purposes of assessment.
Assessments are conducted on the basis of information provided by the accommodation provider, including responses to the structured accommodation survey, together with publicly available information such as published property policies, terms, and conditions. The assessment process does not routinely include on-site inspections, does not involve verification of individual guest experiences, and is conducted solely for the purposes of certification assessment.
Where inconsistencies, ambiguities, or conflicts are identified between submitted information and publicly available materials, clarification may be requested as part of the assessment process in order to resolve discrepancies. Where unresolved, a determination will be made as part of the assessment as to whether certification may be amended, suspended, or withdrawn in accordance with the certification framework. Material misrepresentation may result in withdrawal of certification.
Assessments are conducted on a PASS or FAIL basis only, by reference to the requirements set out in the dog friendly standard (RDFS-01). Certification reflects a point-in-time assessment of the accommodation’s stated policies and practices as they apply at the time of assessment, based on information provided by the operator and materials reviewed as part of the assessment. Where conflicts arise, documented operational policy takes precedence over marketing claims.
Certified properties may be subject to periodic review as part of the ongoing application of the certification framework, including where material changes to policies or operations are identified. Accommodation providers are expected to notify the certification body of material changes that may affect certification status, including changes to published policies or operational terms. Reassessment may be undertaken where conditions change and continued certification requires confirmation.
Certification may be withdrawn where a property no longer meets the requirements of the Dog-Friendly Standard, fails to resolve identified issues, or is found to have provided misleading or inaccurate information. Where certification is withdrawn, the accommodation provider may request a review by submitting updated or clarifying information for consideration as part of the assessment process. There is no entitlement to certification under the certification framework.
Use of the certification mark is permitted only while a property remains certified and in good standing under the certification framework, as determined by the most recent assessment. The mark must not be used in a misleading manner or applied to properties, rooms, or services not covered by the assessment or outside the scope of certification. Where certification is withdrawn or suspended, removal of the certification mark from all materials is required.
The Dog-Friendly Standard defines the meaning of “dog-friendly” for the purposes of certification. This framework sets out how that definition is applied through assessment and certification procedures, including the processes by which determinations are made under the framework and recorded as part of the assessment outcome. Reference and guidance materials, where published, are non-normative, are provided for contextual information, and do not form part of this framework.
This framework applies the requirements set out in the Dog Friendly Standard (RDFS-01).