The Do’s and Don’ts of Bringing Your Dog on Vacation to France 

France is one of the world’s most dog-friendly countries. Imagine strolling through the 6th arrondissement with your pup in tow, looking like a real parisienne. Or sipping an espresso at a chic café while your dog eyes your croissant? What fun!

If you’d like to bring your dog on your French vacation, here are some things to consider.

Before You Leave

Ask yourself: should you take your dog? 

• The farther you have to travel, the more stressful it will be for your dog. If your vacation is relatively short, it might be better if your dog stays home. But if you are staying for an extended period, maybe your pup should go with you, rather than endure a long separation. 

• Consider whether your dog will actually spend much time with you. If you plan mostly outdoor activities, it could be great to enjoy them together. But if you will mostly visit museums that don’t allow dogs, yours might spend many a lonely hour in your hotel room.

Understand the requirements for entry into France and for re-entry into your own country: 

• In general, your dog must have a current rabies vaccination, a microchip, and a recent health certificate from an official veterinarian 

• If you travel frequently to France, an option is to get a European Pet Passport, which will simplify entry 

• Make sure your dog meets the minimum age to enter France (16 weeks) as well as the minimum age to re-enter your own country  

• Make sure that the places you are staying will allow dogs 

• Note that some breeds are not allowed in France. Category 1 dogs are unpedigreed attack dogs like pit bulls and are prohibited. Category 2 dogs are pedigreed guard dogs like Rottweilers and are travel restricted. 
  

Air Travel

Find out how your dog will travel on the airline you are flying 

• Your dog might be allowed in the cabin with you, or it might need to fly in a special compartment in the hold. This may depend both on the size of the dog and your class of travel (economy, business, etc.) 

• Understand the requirements for the size and type of the dog’s crate or carrier 

• If flying in the hold, find out where and when your dog needs to be dropped off (sometimes it is at the cargo terminal) and leave extra time at the airport, as check-in can take longer with a pet. 

• Note that some airlines won’t allow snub-nosed breeds to travel in the hold for safety reasons 

• An alternative is to use a company that specializes in pet transport, though these can be expensive 

• When you book your flight, also book your pet’s flight if necessary. 

• Find out what paperwork is required by your airline, as there might additional documents required, beyond those required by France or your own country. 

• Some airlines require crates to be closed with tie wraps. If this is the case, you will need to cut the tie wrap when you reach your destination. Carry something with you that will pass through security, like a pair of nail clippers. 

• If your dog travels in the hold, in France it will be delivered at the Oversized Luggage location (this is the case in many countries)

Your dog’s well-being

• If your dog is anxious, discuss with your vet how to calm it for the flight. Note that certain calming drugs may be ok, but sedatives are not allowed as they can be dangerous for a dog during flight. 

• Always have water available for your dog during the flight—it is required for pets in the hold—but consider stopping food some time before the flight (discuss this with your vet). 

• Have a leash and dog bag handy when you land because your dog will need to go outside to relieve itself right away! 

While in France

Dogs are widely welcome in France! At restaurants and cafés, especially those with outdoor terraces (confirm that your dog will be welcome when you make a reservation) ; at hotels (confirm when making a reservation and know that extra cleaning fees are sometimes added) ; at many shops and outdoor monuments ; dogs are allowed on public transport, but you may need to buy a ticket. 

Dogs are generally not allowed in food stores and museums.

• It is advised to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it (many towns have dog bag dispensers). 

• Bring a collapsible water bowl with you, especially during the summer. 

• It is a good idea to make note of a local veterinarian in case of emergency. You can also ask if there are any particular pests in the area for which preventative medication is advised.

Do you have any other tips on bringing your dog to France? Let us know in the comments!