National Dog Access Register
The searchable register of participating businesses and their current Dog Access Status.
About Dog Access Mark
Clear dog access information for everyone
Dog Access Mark is the independent standards body responsible for the UK National Dog Access Scheme.
Why we exist
Dog access should not be a guessing game
People should be able to find out whether a business welcomes dogs before they arrive. Businesses should also have a clear way to communicate their policy without uncertainty at the door.
1
Reduce uncertainty
Customers can check a business’s current Dog Access Status before making the journey.
2
Reduce awkward conversations
Clear information helps avoid customers having to ask at the entrance whether their dog can come in.
3
Give businesses clear boundaries
Businesses can communicate their access position while retaining control over behaviour and reasonable restrictions.
4
Create consistency
The same status wording, Dog Access ID and verification system can be recognised across participating businesses.
The UK National Dog Access Scheme
One scheme with clear, connected parts
Dog Access Mark brings together the register, standards, public information and verification needed to make dog access easier to understand.
Dog Access Standard
The framework setting out how participating businesses communicate and manage dog access.
Dog Access Code
The behaviour expectations for dog owners visiting participating businesses.
Dog Access ID
The unique identifier displayed on a business’s Dog Access Mark sticker and used to verify its current register information.
Verified Business
A business approved within the scheme with a current verified Dog Access Status.
Public verification
Customers can verify a Dog Access ID and view the business’s current access information before relying on a sticker.
Independent standards body
Clarity rather than telling businesses which policy they must have
Dog Access Mark does not require every business to welcome pet dogs. Our role is to provide a clear national system through which the business’s actual dog access position can be understood and verified.
Independent
Dog Access Mark operates as an independent standards body for the UK National Dog Access Scheme.
Practical
The scheme is designed around information people need in the real world before they visit a business.
Clear
Businesses use the same approved status wording so customers are not left interpreting different signs and descriptions.
Verifiable
Dog Access IDs connect physical stickers with current information on the National Dog Access Register.
Dog Access Status
Three statuses. One clear system.
The scheme covers businesses that welcome pet dogs, businesses where restrictions apply, and businesses where pet dogs are not permitted.
Green
Dogs Welcome
Pet dogs are welcome, subject to the Dog Access Code and normal expectations of safe and appropriate behaviour.
Orange
Dogs Welcome With Restrictions
Pet dogs are welcome, but specific access restrictions apply and should be checked before visiting.
Red
Pet Dogs Not Permitted
Assistance Dogs Welcome
Pet dogs are not permitted, but the business can still participate in the scheme and communicate that position clearly. Assistance dogs are treated separately from pet-dog access.
What does Assistance Dogs Welcome mean? →Who it is for
Built for businesses and the public
The same information needs to work on both sides: businesses need to communicate their policy clearly, and customers need to understand it before they arrive.
For the public
Know the access position before visiting
Search the National Dog Access Register, check restrictions and verify a Dog Access ID displayed by a business.
Find a BusinessFor businesses
Make your dog access policy clear
Join free, record your access position and, once approved, become a Verified Business within the National Dog Access Register.
For BusinessesClear expectations
What participation does not mean
Dog Access Mark is designed to communicate access clearly. Participation does not remove a business’s control over its premises or create unrestricted access.
Businesses do not have to welcome pet dogs
Pet Dogs Not Permitted is one of the three approved Dog Access Statuses.
Dogs Welcome does not mean anything goes
Owners are still expected to follow the Dog Access Code and reasonable staff instructions.
Amenities are not compulsory
Water bowls, treats, dog menus and other amenities are separate from a business’s Dog Access Status.
The scheme does not replace the law
Separate legal duties and responsibilities continue to apply independently of the scheme, including responsibilities relating to assistance dogs.
Assistance dog guidance for businesses →Clear expectations on both sides
The Standard and the Code work together
The Dog Access Standard sets expectations for participating businesses, while the Dog Access Code sets expectations for dog owners.
For businesses
Dog Access Standard
How businesses communicate their Dog Access Status, maintain accurate information, manage restrictions and retain appropriate control of their premises.
View the Dog Access StandardFor dog owners
Dog Access Code
The behaviour expected from dog owners, including leads, control, respecting restrictions, barking and following staff instructions.
View the Dog Access CodeThe role of the scheme
The UK National Dog Access Scheme provides a standards and information framework for dog access. It does not replace or alter any separate legal rights, responsibilities or duties that may apply, including those relating to assistance dogs.
Read our assistance dog guidance for businesses →Know Before You Go
Search the National Dog Access Register to check a business’s current Dog Access Status, or apply to join Dog Access Mark as a business.