Traveling with your dog
Is your dog allowed on the métro? Can you take it into a restaurant? What about supermarkets? Surely dogs are at least welcome in the park – you would think. Here’s what you need to know about traveling to Paris with your dog.
Hotels
Did you know that in France landlords cannot legally refuse pets in their apartment? An advantage that 160’000 dog-loving Parisians benefit from. Hotels, however, can make their own rules, so check if yours allows dogs before you book.
Poo fine
Although the many crottes that stain the streets suggest the contrary, failure to clean up after your dog is punishable by a 68 euro fine. You can buy bags in large supermarkets, but it is a good idea to pack enough for your trip.
Restaurants & cafés
Many cafés and restaurants accept dogs and often even provide them with a bowl of water, as long as they lie quietly under the table. Speaking of water, public restrooms have a tap outside where you can fill your dog’s bowl when needed.
Shops
Stores that sell groceries, such as supermarkets and bakeries, do not allow dogs for sanitary reasons. Although most owners tie their dogs to a post outside, we advise you to be very careful when leaving your dog unattended. Unfortunately, the trade with stolen dogs has become commonplace.
Museums
If your four-legged friend has always dreamed of seeing the Mona Lisa up close, we’re sorry to disappoint. Dogs are prohibited in museums and galleries, as well as in other cultural venues such as movie theaters.
Parks
One might think that this is a given, but unfortunately, it’s not so simple. If there are parks where dogs can run without a leash, such as the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne, others allow dogs but under certain conditions, for example in the Parc Monceau where they are only allowed on the Allée Ferdousi and on the Allée Comtesse de Ségur. Many smaller parks do not allow dogs at all, as indicated by a sign at the entrance. If you don’t have time to go to one of the larger parks on the outskirts of the city, look for the nearest dog park, where your companion can run free and play with his new French friends.
Métro
Small animals can be transported free of charge on the métro, RER, tram and bus if they are in a carrier, basket or bag of no more than 45 cm. Large dogs must be muzzled and leashed and are only allowed on the métro or RER.
Taxis
UberPet also exists in Paris. You can also download the G7 taxi app, where you can book a pet-friendly vehicle and request an English-speaking driver. Bringing a blanket will score you brownie points.
The regulations mentioned above do not apply to guide dogs.
If you have better things to do on your trip than research dog-friendly restaurants, get a personalized travel guide and we’ll provide you with places you and your pup will both enjoy.
