The Dude Rancher’s Association is the governing body of the West’s Dude Ranch industry. Created in 1926, it provides an organized structure for members, in which they are able to exchange ideas and experiences in an effort to uphold the highest quality of services within the industry. The Association promotes the western ranch vacation, while continuing to build a strong working relationship with Federal and State land agencies in order to preserve and protect parks, forests and wildlife.You will find that not all Dude Ranches are members of the DRA. There are a number of strict by-laws which must be followed in order to become (and remain) a member ranch. Approximately 70% of the ranches that apply meet the high standards of the association and go on to become members.
Membership in the Association is not automatic. Dude ranches applying for membership go through a rigorous two year inspection and approval process. It includes an application fee, a detailed written application, references from former guests, an appearance before the board of directors and on-site inspections during operations. These inspections focus on safety, livestock management and hospitality industry standards for all aspects of the ranch.
Once accepted, ranches go through a year of probationary membership during which they undergo a second on-site inspection. Only after a satisfactory second inspection are they admitted to full membership. Once a full member, all ranches are accredited every five years.
The Dude Ranchers’ Association has been preserving western ranch vacations by establishing and maintaining strict standards, while protecting the land and wildlife for over 80 years – We encourage you to “Ride the West with the Best!” http://www.duderanch.org/
I. MISSION STATEMENT
The Dude Rancher’s Association is the governing body of the West’s Dude Ranch industry. The Association was created to provide an organized structure for its members, in which they are able to exchange ideas and experiences in an effort to uphold the highest quality of services within the industry. The Association promotes the western ranch vacation, while continuing to build a stronger working relationship with Federal and State land agencies in order to preserve and protect parks, forests, and wildlife. The Association makes every effort to assure the successful continuation of the traditional Western Dude Ranch experience.
II. CODE OF ETHICS
All members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association must maintain a high quality of accommodations and services in a clean, friendly, safe, professional manner. Members must practice open and honest marketing and advertising when interacting with potential clientele. Members must adhere to all regulations, and provide information to clientele, concerning the responsible and sustainable use of resources. Members and the Association will work in cooperation with Federal and State land agencies to ensure the preservation of resources and habitat. Members must work together in an ethical manner in an effort to promote professional growth within the dude ranching industry.
