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Dog Access Code
What dog owners are expected to do
The Dog Access Code sets out the behaviour expected from dog owners when visiting businesses participating in the UK National Dog Access Scheme.
Before you visit
Check the business before you go
Dog access can vary from one business to another. Check the National Dog Access Register before visiting so you know the current status and any restrictions that apply.
Check the Dog Access Status
Look for Dogs Welcome, Dogs Welcome With Restrictions or Pet Dogs Not Permitted.
Read any restrictions
Where restrictions apply, make sure they are suitable for you and your dog before arriving.
The Dog Access Code
Expected behaviour when visiting a business
Dog owners should follow these expectations whenever they visit a participating business with their dog.
Keep your dog on a lead
Dogs should remain on a suitable lead unless the business specifically permits otherwise.
Keep your dog under control
Keep your dog close enough to prevent unwanted roaming, pulling, jumping or interference with other customers.
Do not assume everyone wants to meet your dog
Do not allow your dog to approach another customer, child or dog unless the other party clearly welcomes the interaction.
Clean up immediately
You are responsible for dealing with any fouling promptly and appropriately.
Keep dogs off tables and counters
Do not place or allow your dog on tables, counters or other areas where the business does not permit dogs.
Keep walkways clear
Position your dog and lead so they do not create an obstruction or trip hazard for customers or staff.
Follow the business’s restrictions
Where the business is Dogs Welcome With Restrictions, follow the access conditions shown for that premises.
Follow reasonable staff instructions
If a member of staff asks you to control, move or manage your dog differently, follow the instruction promptly.
Prevent unnecessary disruption
Your dog should not materially disrupt staff, other customers or the normal operation of the business.
Leave if you are asked to
If the business reasonably asks you and your dog to leave, do so promptly and without confrontation.
Leads and control
Keep your dog close and under control
Businesses should not have to manage your dog for you. Owners remain responsible for controlling their dog throughout the visit.
Use a suitable lead
Keep your dog on a lead unless the business expressly permits dogs to be off lead.
Keep your dog close
Do not allow your dog or its lead to obstruct doors, aisles, walkways or service areas.
Prevent unwanted contact
Keep sufficient control to prevent your dog approaching people, dogs or property without invitation.
Barking and disruption
Businesses do not have to tolerate repeated barking
Occasional noise can happen, but owners are expected to manage barking that begins to disrupt other people or the operation of the business.
Three Bark Rule
Repeated barking may mean the visit needs to end
If a dog causes three separate barking incidents during a visit, the business may ask the owner and dog to leave. Staff can use reasonable discretion according to the circumstances.
Serious behaviour does not require three warnings
Aggression, threatening behaviour, loss of control or any immediate safety concern may result in the business asking you and your dog to leave immediately.
Assistance dogs are considered separately
Some assistance dogs may bark, make a sound or perform another noticeable behaviour as part of their trained work. The Three Bark Rule should not be applied automatically to an assistance dog without considering why the behaviour is happening and the individual circumstances.
Read our assistance dog guidance for businesses →Staff instructions
If a business asks you to leave
A Dogs Welcome status does not remove the business’s right to manage its own premises or deal with individual behaviour.
Respect the decision
If staff reasonably ask you and your dog to leave because of behaviour, safety, disruption or a failure to follow restrictions, you should leave promptly.
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Do not argue with staff while the situation is continuing.
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Secure your dog and leave the premises safely.
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A business can welcome dogs generally while still asking an individual owner and dog to leave.
Dogs Welcome With Restrictions
Check the restrictions before you visit
An Orange status means dogs are welcome, but particular conditions apply. These form part of the business’s dog access position and should be respected.
Restrictions may include
Dogs welcome only in designated areas
Dogs welcome in outdoor seating areas only
Access limited at particular times
Limits on the number of dogs within an area
Always check the business’s current entry on the National Dog Access Register for the restrictions that apply to that particular premises.
Your dog
Consider whether the environment suits your dog
A business being Dogs Welcome does not automatically mean that every environment will suit every dog.
Consider your dog’s behaviour
If your dog is likely to become highly stressed, reactive or difficult to control in a busy environment, consider whether bringing them into the business is appropriate.
You remain responsible
Dog Access Mark provides clear access information. The owner remains responsible for managing their dog and deciding whether the environment is suitable for them.
For businesses
The Dog Access Standard
The Dog Access Standard sets out how participating businesses communicate and manage their dog access policy. It works alongside the Dog Access Code so businesses and dog owners both understand what is expected.
Legal responsibilities
The Dog Access Code and Dog Access Standard relate to the operation of the UK National Dog Access Scheme. They do 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 →Check before you visit
Search the National Dog Access Register to see a business’s current Dog Access Status and any restrictions before you go.