The Dog-Friendly Standard (RDFS-01) defines what “dog-friendly” means when used by hotels and similar accommodation providers. It establishes a clear minimum baseline standard focused on predictable access, transparent rules, and basic canine welfare in accommodation settings.
Under this standard, “dog-friendly” describes an accommodation provider that permits dogs to stay overnight in guest bedrooms as a matter of published policy, applies dog-related rules clearly and consistently, provides basic in-room conditions necessary for a dog’s safety and welfare, permits dogs to accompany guests in at least one indoor shared guest area where lawful, and does not exclude normal family dogs through blanket size or weight restrictions.
To meet the Dog-Friendly Standard (RDFS-01), an accommodation provider must satisfy all minimum requirements defined by the standard as a whole. These requirements establish a clear, non-discretionary baseline for claiming dog-friendly status and are assessed on a strict pass or fail basis, rather than as a graded or qualitative measure. Failure to meet any single requirement means the accommodation does not meet the standard under this definition.
A claim of being dog-friendly is disqualified where dogs are permitted only by exception or prior request rather than as a matter of published policy, where size or weight limits reasonably exclude typical family dogs without clear justification, where dogs are restricted solely to guest bedrooms or outdoor areas, or where no clear and current dog policy is publicly available. Claims are also disqualified where basic in-room welfare provisions are not provided, where marketing statements contradict published or observed practice, or where dog-related rules are applied inconsistently.
Certification under the Dog Friendly Standard RDFS-01 indicates that an accommodation provider meets the minimum requirements to describe itself as dog-friendly at the time of assessment. Certification confirms conformance with a baseline definitional standard only and does not imply quality tier, luxury level, suitability for all dogs, or endorsement beyond the scope of access and policy clarity defined by this standard. It should be understood as a statement of policy compliance, not a guarantee of experience or individual outcomes in all circumstances.
This standard applies to hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and similar accommodation providers offering short-term paid lodging to the public where dogs are permitted to stay overnight. It does not apply to private residences, peer-to-peer home sharing, campsites, restaurants, or other non-accommodation services.
Application of this standard is governed by the Certification and Assessment Framework (RDCAF-01).