All you need to know about living in Paris with a dog

Paris is well known for being an exceptionally dog-friendly city. Parisians love their dogs, and it is estimated that there are 17 dogs for every 100 people in Paris. Dogs have the run of the city, and it is not surprising to see adorable doggies in public places such as restaurants, stores, public transport, and everywhere on the streets of Paris.

Living in Paris with a dog is very fulfilling because your furry friend is welcome almost everywhere. If you are planning to travel to Paris on holiday or move to the City of Light with your pup, here’s what you need to know about the doggie rules in the French capital.

Pet parent responsibilities

As a pet parent in Paris, you are responsible for your dog’s physical and psychological well-being. You must ensure your pet dog is well-fed, sufficiently exercised and receives medical attention whenever they need it.

It is not mandatory to register pet dogs in Paris with the local council. However, all dogs must be identifiable with either a microchip or a tattoo. Your dog’s vet can help you with the microchip and the tattoo.

All dogs must be regularly vaccinated against rabies and receive a yearly booster dose of the vaccination. Other mandatory vaccines for dogs in France are distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and kennel cough. Make sure the vet records all vaccinations on your dog’s Pet Passport.

Gone are the days when the streets of Paris used to be notorious for dog refuse. Dog owners are now obliged to pick up after their pups or be liable for a fine.

Public transport in Paris with your pup

Parisians love spending time with their pets, and it is evident in how pet-friendly the city is. Dogs in Paris are allowed on all public transport including the metro, the subway, the commuter trains and buses.

Service dogs can travel for free on all forms of transport, and large dogs need a ticket to travel. Small dogs can travel in a bag or dog carriers and do not need a ticket. Larger dog breeds must be on a lead and muzzled when they are travelling on public transport. Parisian taxis can choose to accept or refuse to take your dog in the car; it is a good idea to mention your dog when you book your cab.

Pet-friendly activities in Paris

Your pet puppy and you can do several things together in Paris. You can go walking in one of the many dog-friendly parks in the city, have a bite at a local café, take in tourist sites, and stay in a pet-friendly hotel. Most museums and monuments do not allow dogs, but there are plenty of outdoor gardens that let you bring your dog along.

Some pet-friendly gardens in Paris are:

• Bois de Boulogne
• Bois de Vincennes
• Buttes Chaumont park
• Georges Brassens park

Dog-friendly tourist sites are:

• Park of the Palace of Versailles
• Double-decker sightseeing buses
• Champs de Mars
• Jardin du Luxembourg

Pet-friendly housing in Paris

Finding pet-friendly accommodation in Paris is a breeze; the law forbids landlords from discriminating against pet owners. If you are planning to travel to Paris on vacation, pet-friendly vacation homes are also readily available for rent in the city.  

Living with aggressive dog breeds in Paris

France has special rules for Category 1 and Category 2 aggressive dog breeds. Category 1 breeds are Pitbulls, Boerbulls and Mastiffs and Category 2 dog breeds are Rottweilers, Staffordshire Terriers and Tosa breeds. If you own these breeds, you will have to follow special rules to keep them with you in Paris. They are:

• The dogs must be muzzled and on lead in all public places.
• You have to register them at the local police station.
• Buy civil responsibility insurance against dog attacks.
• Category 1 dogs cannot be bought, sold or imported into France. Those dogs that are already in the country must be sterilised.
• Children under 18 and convicted criminals are not allowed to own Category 1 and Category 2 dog breeds.

Travelling to Paris? Call the pet travel experts

International pet transport is a long process with different rules for different countries. Though these rules are in place to protect your pet and other animals, they can seem never-ending and perplexing. An experienced pet travel agency can help you navigate through the challenges of international pet transport with ease and make sure your pet reaches your destination safely and without stress.

If you are planning to travel to beautiful Paris with your pet pooch, reach out to Petraveller for more information on pet travel to France and a free pet travel quote.