Travelling with your dog in Paris: a comprehensive guide

Paris is a destination that can be explored just as easily on two legs as on four. Whether you’re just passing through or live in the capital, travelling with a dog in Paris requires a bit of organisation. From the rules for dogs in public spaces to access to public transport and places that welcome your pets, here’s all the information you need for a successful stay.

Find out more in this article:

• Rules and requirements for your dog in Paris
• Public transport: how to get around with your pet?
• Where to walk your dog in Paris: parks, gardens and dog parks
• Discover our pet-friendly partners
• La Maison de l’animal en ville – Jane Goodall
• Accommodation, shops and monuments: dog-friendly places
• Cafés, restaurants and cruises on the Seine: the dog-friendly experience
• Pet-friendly accommodation
• Living in Paris with a pet: practical advice
• Activities, cultural outings and nature: the world of animals
• Unmissable events in Paris centred around the animal world
• Frequently asked questions

🎯Rules and obligations for your dog in Paris

City life in Paris with a dog is governed by strict rules to ensure cleanliness and safety for everyone.

• Cleanliness: you must pick up after your dog on public land. Failure to do so may result in a fixed penalty of up to €450
• Keeping dogs on a lead: in most public spaces in Paris, dogs must be kept on a lead
• Classified dogs: if you own a Category 1 or 2 dog, additional requirements apply (wearing a muzzle, holding a licence, insurance)
• Identification: your pet must be identified (by microchip or tattoo) and up to date with its vaccinations

🎯Public transport: how to travel with your pet?

Paris has an extensive transport network, but access to transport varies depending on the size of your pet.

📌 Access to RATP and SNCF transport

• Small dogs and pets: small animals, carried in a closed bag or basket, are generally allowed free of charge on the metro, buses and trams. They must be kept on your lap or in a space that does not inconvenience other passengers
• Large dogs: on the metro, RER and buses, large dogs are generally not permitted, unless they are muzzled and kept on a lead, and subject to the discretion of transport staff
• Assistance dogs: guide dogs for the blind or assistance dogs (whose owners hold a card proving their status) are legally permitted on all public transport, free of charge and without a muzzle

🎯Where to walk your dog in Paris: parks, gardens and dog parks

Not all green spaces are accessible to dogs. Look out for signs at the entrances to Parisian gardens.

• Permitted woods and parks: the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes are vast spaces ideal for off-lead walks (depending on the area). The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont also allows dogs to be walked on a lead
• Parks with dedicated routes: some parks, such as the Parc Georges Brassens, offer specific routes or dedicated areas for dogs

📌 Examples of dog parks across the capital

If you’re looking for fenced-off areas where your dog can run around freely, Paris has several dog parks:

• 14th arrondissement: Square Jacques-Antoine (Place Denfert-Rochereau), one of the best-known and most spacious
• 15th arrondissement: the dog walkway in Georges-Brassens Park, which is very popular
• 16th arrondissement: Boulevard de Beauséjour, one of the largest dog parks in Paris (around 3,400 m²)
• 18th arrondissement: Square Nadar, with an area of around 1,100 m²
• 19th arrondissement: Boulevard Sérurier, a designated dog area in the neighbourhood
• 20th arrondissement: Square Frida Kahlo (Rue de Noisy-le-Sec), offering a dedicated area of 500 m²

🎯The Urban Animal Centre – Jane Goodall

Located within Bercy Park (Chai de Bercy, 12th arrondissement), the Maison de l’animal en ville – Jane Goodall is a must-visit for all animal lovers.

• Educational mission: opened in February 2025 and named in honour of Jane Goodall, this centre aims to improve the coexistence of humans and animals in urban environments
• Activities: the centre offers a varied programme, including exhibitions, themed libraries, children’s workshops and practical advice
• Services: it hosts charitable veterinary consultations (by appointment) and donation collection points for animal welfare organisations

🎯Accommodation, shops and landmarks: dog-friendly places

📌 Hotels and accommodation

Before booking, contact the hotel. Policies vary widely:

• Ask explicitly whether dogs are allowed and if there is a weight limit
• An additional charge (usually between €5 and €15 per night) is often applied
• Assistance dogs must be accommodated at no extra charge

📌 Shops and monuments

• Food shops: pets are not allowed in food shops (bakeries, butchers, supermarkets) for hygiene reasons
• Sights and museums: most Parisian museums and sights do not allow dogs, except for guide dogs or assistance dogs

🎯Cafés, restaurants and Seine river cruises: the dog-friendly experience

Paris is becoming increasingly welcoming to four-legged friends:

• Bars and cafés: many Parisian cafés, particularly in the Marais or the 10th arrondissement, are happy to welcome dogs on their terraces or indoors. Don’t hesitate to ask before taking a seat
• Cruises on the Seine: some river cruise companies allow small dogs on board, provided they are carried in a closed carrier bag or basket. Always check the company’s specific terms and conditions before booking your ticket

🎯Living in Paris with a pet: practical advice

For Paris residents or those on extended stays:

• Vets: in the event of an emergency, Paris has numerous veterinary clinics and 24-hour emergency services
• Specialised transport: there are pet taxi services to help you get around easily with your dog, which is particularly useful if your dog is too large for standard public transport

🎯Activities, cultural outings and nature: the world of animals

Paris and its surrounding region offer plenty of opportunities to discover the animal world in all its forms:

• Zoos and wildlife parks : the Paris Zoological Park (Vincennes) is a leading destination for observing wildlife in recreated environments
• Cultural venues and museums: the National Museum of Natural History (Jardin des Plantes) features fascinating exhibitions, including the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, an essential visit for understanding the history of life; the Museum of Hunting and Nature, situated in the Marais, explores the relationship between humans and animals through a collection of art and natural history objects, offering an original artistic and historical perspective on the animal world
• Educational farms: places such as the Ferme de Paris, the Ferme de la Villette or the Giant Farm in Nanterre help to raise awareness amongst young children through contact with farm animals

🎯Must-see events in Paris centred on the animal world

The Parisian calendar is packed with events dedicated to animals and nature:

• Major exhibitions: Animal Expo, Paris Animal Show, International Agricultural Show, Paris Horse Show
• Cultural exhibitions: Dogs and Cats, Artists at the Museum, Animalia at the Hôtel de la Marine
• Seasonal events: Animals’ Christmas, the Zoological Park Evening Openings, Thoiry Lumières Sauvages
• Other events: Marche des Animaux, International Scuba Diving Exhibition

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