An international award scheme has been launched to recognise hotels that cater to guests travelling with dogs, it emerged today
The 2026 Roch Dog Friendly Hotel Awards will be the first global programme to assess and benchmark standards in canine hospitality.
Its awards will cover ten categories, with a focus on service delivery, amenities, staff training, marketing, inclusivity, and community engagement. According to organisers, the aim is to spotlight hotels offering “unparalleled service, exceptional amenities, true canine inclusivity, impactful community engagement, creative marketing, and canine culinary excellence”.
Top awards include International Hotel of the Year, for the hotel judged to set the global benchmark, and National Hotel of the Year, recognising leading hotels in individual countries. Other categories include Best Urban Hotel, Best Countryside Hotel, Canine Concierge Award, and Canine Comforts Award for properties offering tailored services and in-room amenities for dogs.
The scheme also includes categories for community partnerships and inclusive policy-making. The Community Pawprint Award will recognise links with local shelters or dog-related events, while the Canine Inclusivity Award focuses on flexible, breed-neutral guest policies.
Nominations are now open, with a deadline of 1 October 2025. Hotels can apply online. Winners will be announced on 5 January 2026. Organisers describe the process as “quick and straightforward”, with optional follow-up checks for shortlisted entries.
The awards are run by Roch Dog, a UK-based organisation that certifies dog-friendly hotels through a data-led assessment model. The company evaluates policies, facilities, staff training, and guest experience, and says most pet-friendly offerings in the sector remain limited in scope.
“From city breaks to countryside escapes, the Roch Dog Friendly Hotel Awards shine a light on the most committed and creative hotels in canine hospitality,” the company said in a statement. “This hotel doesn’t just tolerate dogs; it celebrates them.”
Image, courtesy Pixabay.
