Green
Dogs Welcome
Pet dogs are welcome inside the premises. The Dog Access Code and normal expectations around control and behaviour still apply.
Dog Access Mark · The UK National Dog Access Scheme
Dog access policies for UK businesses
Clear dog access information helps customers understand whether pet dogs can enter before they arrive. This guide explains how to make that information clear, how indoor and outdoor access differ, and how Dog Access Mark records business access through the UK National Dog Access Scheme.
The Dog Access Mark system
Clear access information starts with one simple question
Can pet dogs enter the premises? Dog Access Mark uses that question as the starting point. The scheme then records whether dogs are welcome inside, welcome inside with restrictions, or not permitted inside.
Orange
Dogs Welcome With Restrictions
Pet dogs are permitted inside the premises, but a specific access restriction applies. This may relate to particular indoor areas, times or another clearly stated access condition.
Red
Pet Dogs Not Permitted
Assistance Dogs Welcome
Pet dogs cannot enter the premises. Outdoor facilities or seating may still be available and can be shown separately on the business record.
Pet dogs allowed outside only? If pet dogs are permitted in a beer garden, terrace or other outdoor area but cannot enter the premises, the Dog Access Mark classification is Red: Pet Dogs Not Permitted. Orange applies where pet dogs are permitted inside with restrictions.
Clear business information
What should a business make clear about dog access?
Customers should not have to arrive at the door before finding out whether their pet dog can come inside. Clear dog access information should answer the practical questions a visitor is likely to have before travelling.
Can pet dogs enter the premises?
Start with the indoor position. If pet dogs cannot enter the premises, that should be clear even where a garden, terrace or another outdoor area welcomes them.
Are there indoor restrictions?
If pet dogs can enter only certain rooms, at certain times or subject to another access condition, explain the restriction specifically rather than using vague wording.
Is outdoor dog access available?
Outdoor facilities are useful additional information, but they are separate from whether pet dogs are permitted inside the premises.
Can visitors check the current position?
A Verified Business has a current record in the National Dog Access Register and a Dog Access ID that visitors can use to check its access status.
Dog Access Mark is not a dog-friendly directory. Green, Orange and Red are all useful answers. The purpose is to give people clear information before they arrive, including where pet dogs are not permitted.
Examples
How different access arrangements are classified
Dogs allowed in the bar but not the restaurant
This would normally fall under Orange: Dogs Welcome With Restrictions because pet dogs are permitted inside the building but access is restricted to particular indoor areas.
Dogs allowed on the outside terrace only
This falls under Red: Pet Dogs Not Permitted because pet dogs cannot enter the premises. Outdoor provision can be recorded separately.
Dogs welcome throughout the customer area
This would normally fall under Green: Dogs Welcome, subject to the Dog Access Code and normal expectations around appropriate behaviour and control.
Dogs permitted indoors only during certain times
This would normally fall under Orange: Dogs Welcome With Restrictions. The relevant times should be made clear on the business record.
Dog Access Mark
Access status and behaviour are different things
The Dog Access Standard sets the requirements for participating businesses. The Dog Access Code sets expectations for dog owners and behaviour.
Dog Access Standard
The Dog Access Standard governs business participation, access information and use of the Dog Access Mark scheme.
Dog Access Code
The Dog Access Code covers owner behaviour, including keeping dogs under control, respecting restrictions and following staff instructions.
Important: this is not legal advice
This page provides general information about the Dog Access Mark scheme only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice.
Businesses remain responsible for ensuring that their policies, procedures and practices comply with applicable law, including their obligations towards disabled customers and assistance dog users.
Assistance dogs are not treated in the same way as pet dogs. Businesses should obtain appropriate independent advice where they are unsure about their legal obligations.
Further information for businesses and service providers is available from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Common questions
Dog access policies for UK businesses
What is a dog access policy?
A dog access policy explains whether pet dogs may enter a business or other premises and, where access is restricted, what those restrictions are.
What does Dogs Welcome mean?
Green: Dogs Welcome means pet dogs are welcome inside the premises. The Dog Access Code and normal expectations around control and appropriate behaviour still apply.
What does Dogs Welcome With Restrictions mean?
Orange: Dogs Welcome With Restrictions means pet dogs are permitted inside the premises but a specific access restriction applies, such as particular indoor areas or specified times.
What if dogs are allowed in a beer garden but not inside?
Under the Dog Access Mark scheme, this is Red: Pet Dogs Not Permitted because pet dogs cannot enter the premises. The outdoor dog access available at the business can be recorded separately.
Does Red mean assistance dogs cannot enter?
No. The Red Dog Access Mark wording is Pet Dogs Not Permitted, with the secondary wording Assistance Dogs Welcome. Businesses remain responsible for complying with their legal obligations towards disabled customers and assistance dog users.
Does asking dogs to remain under control make a business Orange?
Not by itself. Dog Access Mark status describes access to the premises. Behaviour expectations are dealt with separately through the Dog Access Code.
Who decides the final Dog Access Mark status?
Dog Access Mark reviews the information supplied by the business and determines the appropriate classification within the scheme. Where the information shows that another status applies, Dog Access Mark may correct the classification.
Is Dog Access Mark legal advice?
No. Dog Access Mark explains its own scheme and classification system. Businesses remain responsible for complying with applicable law and should obtain appropriate independent advice where they are unsure about their legal obligations.
How can customers check a business?
Verified Businesses appear within the National Dog Access Register. Each Dog Access Mark sticker carries a Dog Access ID which can be used to verify the business and view its current access status.
Dog Access Mark
Give customers a clear answer before they arrive
Dog Access Mark is the independent standards body responsible for the UK National Dog Access Scheme. Verified Businesses appear within the National Dog Access Register with a clear access status and Dog Access ID so customers can Know Before You Go.