The accommodation must state whether a damage deposit (as defined in RDFRG-02) applies to dog stays in the published 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
Any damage deposit for dog stays must be disclosed in the published policy, with the amount stated where one applies. Zero is a valid answer. This cannot be left blank.
Standard Requirement
Any damage deposit for dog stays must be disclosed in the published policy, with the amount stated where one applies. Zero is a valid answer. This cannot be left blank.
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 published 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 published 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