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Dogs Welcome
Pet dogs are welcome subject to the Dog Access Code and the business’s normal expectations of safe and appropriate behaviour.
Dog Access Standard
Clear access. Clear boundaries.
The Dog Access Standard sets out how businesses participating in the UK National Dog Access Scheme communicate and manage their dog access policy.
The principle
Clear dog access does not mean unrestricted dog access
Dog Access Mark gives businesses a clear way to communicate their dog access position while allowing them to maintain appropriate standards of behaviour within their premises.
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Businesses choose the Dog Access Status that accurately reflects their premises.
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Dogs Welcome does not mean dogs can behave however they wish.
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Businesses may set reasonable restrictions where their premises or operation require them.
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Staff remain entitled to deal with disruptive, uncontrolled or unsafe behaviour.
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A business does not have to accept pet dogs in order to participate in Dog Access Mark.
Dog Access Status
One clear status for every participating business
Each Verified Business displays the status that accurately describes its current dog access position.
Orange
Dogs Welcome With Restrictions
Pet dogs are welcome, but specific access restrictions apply. These should be clear before the customer visits.
Red
Pet Dogs Not Permitted
Assistance Dogs Welcome
A business can take part in Dog Access Mark even where pet dogs are not permitted. Assistance dogs are treated separately from pet-dog access.
Read our assistance dog guidance for businesses →Businesses remain in control
Businesses are not expected to tolerate poor behaviour
A Dog Access Mark is not permission for an owner or dog to ignore staff instructions, disrupt other customers or compromise the safety and comfort of the premises.
Staff can intervene
Staff may ask an owner to control their dog, move to another area or leave the premises where behaviour is causing a problem.
Restrictions can be enforced
Customers are expected to follow the restrictions recorded for a Dogs Welcome With Restrictions business.
Safety comes first
Serious or unsafe behaviour can be dealt with immediately. A business does not need to wait for repeated warnings.
Behaviour expectations
What businesses can expect from dog owners
These expectations support the Dog Access Code and help businesses provide dog access without compromising the experience of other customers.
Dogs on leads
Dogs should remain on a suitable lead unless the business specifically permits otherwise.
Under control
Owners must keep their dog under control and prevent unwanted jumping, pulling, roaming or approaching other people and dogs.
Respect other customers
Dogs should not approach customers, children or other dogs unless the other party clearly welcomes the interaction.
Clean up immediately
Owners are responsible for dealing with any fouling promptly and appropriately.
Respect the premises
Dogs should not be placed on tables, counters or other areas where the business does not permit them.
Follow staff instructions
Owners should follow reasonable instructions given by staff regarding their dog while on the premises.
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 can justify asking the owner and dog to leave straight away.
Clear boundaries
What businesses do not have to tolerate
Businesses participating in Dog Access Mark should feel confident that welcoming dogs does not mean accepting behaviour that negatively affects staff, customers or the premises.
Persistent barking
Repeated barking that disrupts the premises.
Aggressive behaviour
Growling, lunging, snapping or other behaviour
creating a safety concern.
Uncontrolled dogs
Dogs roaming, jumping up or ignoring the owner.
Unwanted approaches
Dogs repeatedly approaching customers or other
dogs without invitation.
Unresolved fouling
Owners failing to deal with fouling appropriately.
Ignoring restrictions
Customers refusing to follow clearly stated
access conditions.
Ignoring staff
Owners refusing reasonable instructions about
their dog.
Damage or disruption
Behaviour causing damage or materially disrupting
the normal operation of the business.
Dogs Welcome With Restrictions
Restrictions are a legitimate part of dog access
Businesses do not need to provide unrestricted access in order to welcome pet dogs. Where restrictions apply, they should be clear, reasonable and accurately recorded.
Examples of restrictions
The exact restriction will depend on the business and its premises. Examples 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
Amenities
Businesses do not have to provide dog amenities
Dog Access Mark records useful amenities separately from the business’s Dog Access Status.
Optional, not required
Water bowls, dog treats, dog menus, outdoor areas, waste bags and other amenities are optional. A business does not need to provide them to become a Verified Business.
Status and amenities are separate
A Dogs Welcome business can have no additional dog amenities at all. The status describes access, not the extras a business provides.
Verified Businesses
What Dog Access Mark expects from businesses
The Standard also helps ensure customers can rely on the information shown through the National Dog Access Register.
Keep the access status accurate
The business should ensure its recorded Dog Access Status reflects its current policy.
Keep restrictions clear
Any restrictions should be clearly explained and kept up to date.
Display the current Dog Access ID
The current Dog Access Mark sticker and Dog Access ID should correspond with the business’s current register entry.
Tell Dog Access Mark when things change
Significant changes to the business’s dog access policy should be reported so the National Dog Access Register remains accurate.
For dog owners
The Dog Access Code
The Dog Access Code sets out the behaviour expected from dog owners when visiting businesses participating in the UK National Dog Access Scheme. It works alongside the Dog Access Standard so both businesses and customers understand what is expected.
Legal responsibilities
The Dog Access Standard and Dog Access Code relate to the operation of the UK National Dog Access Scheme. They do not replace or alter any separate legal duties that may apply to a business, including duties relating to assistance dogs.
Read our assistance dog guidance for businesses →Clear dog access for your business
Dog Access Mark is free to join. Tell us your business’s dog access position and apply to join the National Dog Access Register.