A new global awards programme has been announced to recognise hotels that provide dedicated services and facilities for guests travelling with dogs.
The 2026 Roch Dog Friendly Hotel Awards will be the first international initiative of its kind to formally assess and benchmark standards in canine hospitality. Organised by UK-based company Roch Dog, the scheme aims to evaluate hotels on a range of criteria related to the experience of guests with dogs.
The judging process will use a data-led assessment model to review amenities, staff training, service delivery, and inclusivity. Hotels will be evaluated by certification officers and consultants with experience in canine-focused hospitality.
Ten categories spotlighting dog-friendly hospitality
The awards will include ten categories, each reflecting a different area of dog-friendly service.
Among the top honours is the International Hotel of the Year, which will recognise a hotel that sets a global benchmark in canine accommodation. National awards will also be presented to leading hotels in individual countries.
Other categories include Best Urban Hotel and Best Countryside Hotel, as well as more specialised awards such as the Canine Concierge Award, which focuses on staff-led dog services, and the Canine Comforts Award, which highlights tailored in-room amenities for dogs.
The scheme also incorporates community-focused awards, such as the Pawsitive Impact Community Award for partnerships with shelters and dog-related events, and the Canine Inclusivity Award, which assesses guest policies for flexibility and breed neutrality.
Entry process and timeline
Hotels can nominate themselves online before the deadline of 1 October 2025. The judging process is described by organisers as straightforward, with optional follow-up checks for shortlisted entries.
Winners will be announced on 5 January 2026.
Roch Dog, which oversees the awards, currently certifies dog-friendly hotels using its own evaluation framework. The company says that although many hotels advertise pet-friendly policies, few offer services that are truly tailored to canine guests.
Growing interest in canine travel accommodation
The awards come in response to increasing demand for more inclusive hospitality services for travellers with dogs. According to organisers, many guests still face limitations when booking accommodation that fully accommodates pets beyond basic access.
The awards are intended to encourage hotels to expand and improve their approach to dog-friendly hospitality.
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