Taking Your Dog to France – What You MUST Know

WOOF, are you planning to travel to France with your dog? Before you book that international flight or cross-country train, check out my dog-friendly guide to France now! Find out what you MUST know before taking your dog to France.

Posted 8/4/21

Bonjour! I can’t bark about international dog travel without barking about France. If you don’t already know, France is a dog-friendly country where many dogs live ultra-pampered lives. Since my first international flight was from Los Angeles to Paris, France holds a special place in my little BIG Yorkie heart. After all, setting my tiny furry paws on Charles de Gaulle marked the beginning of my new chapter as a furry global nomad and expat. Now, my stylish tail is wagging to show you the ropes on how to take your dog to France. 

Dog Import Requirements from the U.S. & Canada

*ISO-compliant 15-digit Microchip – The rabies vaccination must be administered AFTER your dog is microchipped, NOT before. The good news is that the vaccination can be given on the same day as the microchip. 

*Rabies vaccination (or proof of vaccination) – Vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before entry, and your dog must be at least 12 weeks old.

If your dog was previously vaccinated for rabies but not microchipped, then the rabies vaccination must be administered AGAIN after being microchipped. This was my case, unfortunately. GRRR. 🙁

*E.U. Health Certificate (non-commercial) – Print out the health certificate and bring it to the veterinarian to fill out. Make sure it’s non-commercial transport, not commercial. Put your furry paws on the U.S. or Canada forms.

*Don’t forget to get a routine check-up or examination for your dog at the veterinarian  to make sure he or she is well enough to fly.

Once your veterinarian completes the E.U. Health Certificate, you have to get the paperwork endorsed by your local APHIS Veterinary Services Office (U.S.) for $38 or Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Canada) for $20. Upon endorsement by the USDA (U.S.) or CFIA Accredited (Canada) Veterinarian, your dog must arrive in France or the E.U. within 10 days from the date. Be sure to present your dog’s rabies certificate, copy of flight reservation, and the E.U. Health Certificate to the office. Do NOT skip this step!

Once stamped, the E.U. Health Certificate doesn’t expire until 4 months from the date OR until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever is first. WOOF-HOO! 

However, if you plan on visiting France or the E.U. with your dog more than once, then it’s a pawsome idea to swap the E.U. Health Certificate for an E.U. Pet Passport, which is required for travel between E.U. countries for animals. Upon arrival in France, take your dog to a veterinarian who has the authority to issue pet passports (call to make sure before scheduling an appointment. With an expiration date of 10 years (or as long as you keep up with the rabies vaccination, the Pet Passport is the KEY to dog travel in Europe. No more vet health certificates or APHIS endorsements!

Wanna get an idea of how much I paid? Put your furry paw HERE!

Dog Import Requirements from the U.K.

With Brexit in effect, dogs entering the U.K. for the very first time must have an animal health certificate rather than a pet passport issued in Great Britain. If you have a pet passport issued in an E.U. country, then, of course, it is still valid for travel. This new requirement is effective January 2021. The process is similar to dogs coming from the U.S. and Canada.

*ISO-compliant 15-digit Microchip – The rabies vaccination must be administered AFTER your dog is microchipped, NOT before. The good news is that the vaccination can be given on the same day as the microchip. 

*Rabies vaccination (or proof of vaccination) – Vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before entry, and your dog must be at least 12 weeks old.

If your dog was previously vaccinated for rabies but not microchipped, then the rabies vaccination must be administered AGAIN after being microchipped. This was my case, unfortunately. GRRR. 🙁

*Animal Health Certificate (non-commercial) – You must find an “official veterinarian” in the U.K. who can issue and sign the certificate. Upon endorsement, the paperwork is valid for 4 months (or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first). This certificate must be completed within 10 days of departure date.

*Don’t forget to get a routine check-up or examination for your dog at the veterinarian to make sure he or she is well enough to fly.

However, if you plan on visiting France or the E.U. with your dog more than once, then it’s a pawsome idea to swap the E.U. Health Certificate for an E.U. Pet Passport, which is required for travel between E.U. countries for animals. Upon arrival in France, take your dog to a veterinarian who has the authority to issue pet passports (call to make sure before scheduling an appointment. With an expiration date of 10 years (or as long as you keep up with the rabies vaccination, the Pet Passport is the KEY to dog travel in Europe. No more vet health certificates or APHIS endorsements!

Dog Import Requirements from another E.U. country

For E.U. travelers, all you need is an E.U. Pet Passport, and you’re all set on taking your dog to France!

E.U. Pet Passport Requirements:

*ISO-compliant 15-digit Microchip – The rabies vaccination must be administered AFTER your dog is microchipped, NOT before. The good news is that the vaccination can be given on the same day as the microchip. 

*Rabies vaccination (or proof of vaccination) – Vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before entry, and your dog must be at least 12 weeks old.

If your dog was previously vaccinated for rabies but not microchipped, then the rabies vaccination must be administered AGAIN after being microchipped. This was my case, unfortunately. GRRR. 🙁

*Don’t forget to get a routine check-up or examination for your dog at the veterinarian to make sure he or she is well enough to fly.

Where can you take your dog in France?

As a dog travel blogger, I can attest that no one can bark international dog travel without referencing the dog-loving culture in France. With more than half of the French population with a dog, the country has one of the highest ratios of dogs per person in the world. Now, that’s a pawty! A quick stroll in the ARF-so-charming Le Marais in Paris will allow you to stumble upon a dog or two hanging out at a Parisian café alongside their humans. From boulangeries to Metro, the French just love taking their dogs everywhere, especially for urbanites. This is what makes taking your dog to France so much FUN.

Food & Drink Places – Unlike the U.S. and Canada, France does NOT have strict health regulations that bar dogs from entering establishments that sell food and drinks. WOOF, this means dogs (whether big or small) can hang out with humans at most (if not, all) restaurants, cafes, and bars in France. Most restaurants, regardless of how fancy they are, welcome dogs to dine indoors. And, the waiter will even bring out a dog bowl without your request. Whether you want to grab a baguette on the go or chomp on beef bourguignon at the local bistro, you’re welcome to take a furry date along. With that barked, there may be a few individually-owned ethnic restaurants that disallow dogs – be on the lookout for signs or ask when in doubt. 

Try my 10 favorite places to eat in Paris!

Watch me find the best food in Paris:

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Wet Nose Escapades by Roger Wellington for fun dog travel videos! Sniff out my step-by-step guide to traveling to Paris with your dog.

Markets & Grocery Stores – Dogs are NOT allowed inside markets and grocery stores, BUT some places will allow your dog (informally, off the record) if you’re making a quick stop OR if you shop with your dog inside a carrier or travel bag. Nonetheless, it’s best to leave your dog at home when you’re out getting groceries. BUT, the good news is that dogs are welcome to walk through open-air markets, including local farmers markets.

Pharmacies – YES, dogs are often seen in lines at pharmacies with their humans. However, like in the U.S. and Canada, they are NOT allowed inside hospitals and medical offices. 

Public Transportation – Public transportation in France is dog-friendly! In Paris, dogs can ride Metro/RER and buses! Small dogs can even ride FOR FREE or discounted rate on all types of public transportation – given that they’re carried inside a travel bag. My humans paid 7€ for my train ticket from Paris to Lyon a few years ago. It’s also common to see small dogs sitting on their human’s lap or standing next to their human.

WOOF, dogs are allowed on SNCF’s TGV, Intercités, and TER trains (France’s National Railway). The limit is TWO dogs or animals per passenger, which is a refresher from the commonly found one pet per passenger policy throughout Europe. Dogs are allowed on all trains in France except Eurostar, which is notorious for prohibiting dogs onboard. Small domestic animals traveling in a closed bag or basket, muzzled dogs, and guide dogs for the blind are ALL welcome on board – well, provided that your fellow passengers do not object. The catch is that you do have to pay a ticket for your dog depending on the weight. If your dog weighs less than 6 kg and travels in a bag or basket no larger than 45X30X25 cm, then the fare is only €7. Your dog and carrier must also be placed on your knees or at your feet. However, tickets for small dogs inside a carrier are rarely checked. Regardless, I usually show my ticket to the train staff to be on the safe side. I’m not sure if there’s more of an honor system for small dogs or if it’s solely due to the fact that a carrier can pass as baggage.

For dogs larger than 6 kg, you must pay 50% of the original fare as calculated using the standard rate per kilometer. Per their policy, you must also muzzle them throughout the entire ride and keep them by your feet (although rarely enforced). Guide dogs are always exempt from the muzzle and fare. You should also travel with your dog’s paperwork and health documents and ensure good behavior.

Shops & Boutiques – Whether it’s a big retailer or small boutique, most stores that don’t sell food will permit dogs on-premise. Since it is up to the store owner’s discretion, be sure to check for signs that indicate otherwise.

Hair & Nail Salons – While I don’t recommend exposing your dog to the harmful chemicals found in salons, you can generally take your dog into both hair and nail salons should you ever find the need. 

Taxis – “G7” Taxi is a taxi booking app with a pet-friendly option, which comes in handy when traveling locally with your dog. As for “normal” or non-G7 taxis, it could be challenging to find one that accepts dogs. Like Uber and other rideshares, it’s solely up to the discretion of the driver.

Parks – GRRRR, many parks in France sadly ban dogs! This may come as a surprise to dog lovers that public parks in France aren’t as dog-friendly as you’d imagine. For the longest time, dogs were banned from Paris’ perfectly architected parks with beautiful gardens. Thankfully, as of January 2019, dogs are allowed to meander in many of Paris’ finest parks given that they are leashed, kept on paths, and stay away from children’s playgrounds. Regardless, you may still see dogs at parks and grounds where they’re technically banned as some locals are willing to risk a potential fine.  

Churches – Dogs are not allowed inside places of worship, except for legitimately certified assistance dogs. 

Museums/Tourist Attractions – Unless you have a legitimately certified service dog, you cannot bring your dog inside museums or indoor attractions. BUT, the good news is that you can still explore the exterior grounds and snap a few Instagrammable photos with your dog. 

Click here to find out if you can take your dog to the Louvre!

Hotels/Accommodations – Dog-friendly hotels and stays are super easy to find! ARF, often without extra charge! Some places may charge an extra 5 to 10 euros per day (or more for luxurious establishments) while others will allow your dog to stay completely FREE.

Dog Homelessness in France

Despite France’s dog-loving society, dog homelessness is still prevalent country-wide. Just like in any other first-world nation, an exorbitant number of dogs (and cats) still enter shelters or are dumped every year. Sadly, between 100,000 and 200,000 pets are abandoned each year – with 60% of the occurrence happening over the summer due to the challenge of traveling with animals. 

Picking up after your dog in France

OK, so the French are notorious for not picking up after their dogs, BUT that doesn’t mean you should follow suit. Regardless of the norm, you should always be a respectful visitor by cleaning up after your dog. From my extended stays over the years, I can attest that the poop situation has continued to improve, particularly in urban areas. This could be due to a more environmentally-conscious younger generation and/or the rise of hefty fines for un-scooped poop (although enforcement can be a hit or miss). Nevertheless, you still need to watch where you’re going – don’t glue your eyes to your phone while walking your dog! 

Veterinarians in France

ARF, you’re in luck! French veterinary care is not only way cheaper than the U.S. and U.K., but also offers the same level of quality care. From standard examinations to lifesaving surgeries to sought-after E.U. pet passports, you won’t break the bank if you need to take your dog to the veterinarian during your stay. From my experience, I’ve found that the veterinarians here spend more time during visits and charge only about half the price (or even less) compared to my veterinarians back home in California and New York. 

ARF, I hope you enjoy taking your dog to France! Be sure to share your dog-friendly French experience with me. 🙂 BARK AT ME!

Sniff out more posts on France HERE.

Au Revoir!

Markin’ it up,

Roger Wellington a.k.a. The Doob

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