Taking Your Dog on holiday to France [year] Guide

Last updated on January 29th, 2024 at 09:24 am

Planning on taking your dog on holiday to France this year?

If you’re like me you don’t want to be without your furry friend when you go away. However, before you plan on taking your dog on holiday to France, there are a few things you need to know in advance.

Speaking from experience of both holidaying in France with my dog and then moving to France with my dog, I’ve learnt a few things the hard way. And I don’t want you to make the same mistakes.

I’ve done a ton of research on this so know exactly what you need to do whether you’re travelling to France from the UK, within Europe, or from the USA. Or any other country outside of the European Union. 

I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about taking your dog on holiday to France wherever you are in the world, whether it’s for a holiday or moving here permanently.

Can I take my dog on holiday to France?

Yes you can take your dog to France. There are a few rules you’ll need to adhere to and things you’ll need to do and we’ll cover them all in this article. But essentially you won’t need to holiday without your pet.

What are the rules for taking a dog to france?

Before you and your canine buddy jet off to France, it’s crucial to know the rules and regulations in place to ensure a smooth journey.

Now the rules are different for different countries but two things that are asked for no matter where you’re coming from are microchips and rabies vaccination.

To go on holiday with your dog to France it must be microchipped. It’s a small device implanted under your dog’s skin that carries a unique identification number. It’s the first thing that the French authorities will check on arrival.

Second, your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination must be administered by a licensed vet at least 21 days before your arrival date in France, and no more than a year old.

Don’t forget to carry the vaccination records along, as you’ll need to show them.

Taking a Dog to France from the UK

Although Brexit has made travelling to France with your dog a bit harder it’s not impossible. You just need to follow the rules.

Step 1 – Your dog must be microchipped and it must be an ISO-compliant 15-digit Microchip.

Step 2 – Your dog will need a rabies injection which must be done at least 21 days prior to travel. Your pet will need to be no less than three months old to have this injection

Step 3 – You’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a UK-registered vet within ten days of travelling. The UK Pet Passport is no longer sufficient for travelling to France.

Taking a Dog to France from the USA

The rules are similar to those in the UK and Australia and it’s relatively straightforward. 

Step 1 – Your dog must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant 15-digit Microchip, which should happen prior to the rabies injection.

Step 2 – A valid rabies injection administered at least 21 days prior to travel. Again, your dog will need to be a minimum of three months old.

Step 3 – An EU Health Certificate. You’ll need to print out a copy of the form and take it with you to a registered vet. Once completed you will need to get your paperwork endorsed by  APHIS Veterinary Services Office (US) or Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Canada). 

You’ll need to take a copy of your flight reservation, proof of the rabies vaccination along with the EU Health Certificate form.

Travelling to France with your dog

Depending on where you’re travelling to France from will depend on the options available to you.

From the UK you have the choice of Eurotunnel, ferry or flying. However, if you’re travelling from further afield like the USA, Canada or Australia then your main option is to fly.

However, if a long-haul flight is going to be too much for your pet then you could consider taking a ferry liner equipped to take pets.

Taking your dog to France on the Eurotunnel

Whilst the Eurotunnel does allow dogs you can’t actually take them on the Eurostar. They must remain in the car.

If you aren’t travelling by car but want to take your pet with you, Le Pet Express is a great option.

They’ll pick you and your dog up and take you to the station and you can stay with your pet for the whole journey.

Taking your dog to France on the ferry

If you’re travelling to France from the UK using a ferry there are lots of great options, and we’ve done most of them. 

For where we live in South West France, we like the Dieppe to Newhaven route. Although, we’ve also done Caen to Portsmouth many times too.

Brittany Ferries are great and definitely have a better level of comfort but DFDS is the one we use the most as they do the Newhaven route.

For details of routes use the links below:

• Brittany Ferries – Portsmouth, Poole & Plymouth
• DFDS – Dover & Newhaven
• P&O – Dover

Taking your dog to France by plane

It’s not unusual now for dogs to go on flights, but there are some size restrictions and each airline has its own policies.

The most pet-friendly airlines in Europe are Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Iberia, and Finnair. Costs are dependent on the airline but ranger from €60 – €120.

Pets that travel has a great list of airlines that accommodate dogs along with the rules and regulations.

Flying with your pet can be stressful, but if you’re flying from the UK to France I highly recommend PetAir UK. It’s a travel company run by vets and they take care of every part of the travel process for you, including the paperwork.

It’s a great service and will put your mind at ease.

Things to consider when taking your dog on holiday to France

It’s always best to know in advance what to do if you’re dog or pet gets lost when you’re on holiday. Or if they come in contact with something poisonous.

Processionary caterpillars in France

Please don’t panic about these, as France is a very safe place for your dog. However, you do need to be aware of pine processionary caterpillars. 

We had some in our garden a couple of years ago and were told about them by our French neighbour, Stefan.

They are dangerous, and it’s important you know what they are. 

What you’re looking for are nests that look a bit like white cotton wool in pine trees. And if you see a long procession of caterpillars that look a bit like bits of old twigs moving, get your dog away from them quickly.

The issue isn’t your dog eating them, although you don’t want that to happen either, it’s the hairs on the caterpillar that can cause severe issues and make your dog extremely ill. 

They could also die, not that I want to scare monger you, but these caterpillars are serious, and they mean business.

A little prick from one of these hairs and your dog could go into anaphylactic shock.

Steer well clear of them because these hairs can get onto your dog very quickly, from a breeze blowing them to your dog licking them.

Tell tale signs are swollen tongues and faces followed by lots of itching. Get them to the vet immediately, as it will spread and could easily lead to the tongue being amputated.

And remember, these caterpillars live in ordinary pine trees, not some rare species of tree. 

Be vigilant, and you’ll be fine but forewarned is forearmed.

What to do if your dog goes missing in France

Losing your dog is awful, I know it’s happened to me. Not so long ago we went away for a long weekend with friends of ours to the Dordogne.

We both have dogs and the dogs, Lizzie and Lottie, get on really together.

Lottie is renowned for running off when we’re at home, which doesn’t worry us as she knows her way home and always comes back within an hour or so.

But it’s different when you’re somewhere new that your dog isn’t familiar with.

Anyway, true to character Lottie ran off.

The first thing we did was post on the Pet Alert France department FB Group and let our host know. He made a load of phone calls on our behalf but nobody had seen Lottie.

Another friend suggested ADA France which is more active than Pet Alert. We were about to post on there when we saw a picture of Lottie at the top of the page.

A wonderfully kind French lady had found her wandering around her farm and taken a picture of her and posted it.

These two Facebook Pages are amazing and many a lost pet has been found through them so they are worth making a note of. They’re regionalised so it makes the whole thing easier to narrow down.

Something else to remember is to ensure your contact details are up to date on your dog’s chip by checking on I-CAD.

Moving to France with your dog

All the rules for bringing your dog into France apply when you’re moving permanently. However, once you’ve been in France for three months you can apply for an EU Pet Passport which makes travelling with your dog so much easier. 

The Ordre des Vétérinaires (The National Order of Veterinarians) is a really useful resource for owning a pet in France. You’ll find details of local vets and everything you need to know.

Of course, you’ll want to get pet insurance once you’re settled. We used My French House as it’s all in English so you know what you’re agreeing to. It made the whole process much easier and less stressful.

Something to remember is you should have a sign displayed somewhere visible that says “ATTENTION AU CHIEN” (Beware of the dog).

If someone was to come into your garden and get bitten by your dog and you didn’t have that sign you wouldn’t be insured.

Can I take my dog to the beach in France?

Like many countries with beautiful beaches, each beach has its own rules and regulations.

However, typically dogs are allowed on beaches in France between October and May, so Autumn, Winter and most of Spring, but the usual etiquette applies – make sure you take bags to pick up the mess your dogs make. 

The rule of thumb is that most public beaches prohibit dogs during the months of June, July & August.

There are usually signs around the beach telling you what you can and can’t do and if and when dogs are allowed off the lead. 

If in doubt, visit the local tourist office or Marie to double check. Or ask where you’re staying as most hosts will know.

Can I take my dog on public transport in France?

All dogs, regardless of size, are allowed on the SNCF, but you will need a ticket for them. And dogs over 6kg will need to be muzzled.

Those under that weight should be in a container. For full details click here >>>

For other forms of public transport, the rules vary by city, so again, check with the local Marie to see what’s allowed.

Does France have dog-friendly accommodation?

Absolutely. We’ve stayed in lots of dog-friendly accommodation and found some great options. Most Gites and B&Bs are quite good regarding animals and pets in France.

Pretty much every booking website has the option to search for accommodation where pets are allowed. Often though, there will be a small surcharge for pets.

Will I be able to take my dog to restaurants and cafes in France?

France is generally a very dog-friendly country, and we’ve taken Lottie to quite a few restaurants, markets and bars.

Many will bring water bowls for your furry friends and make a fuss over them. However, it’s always best to check first.

If you’re having a picnic in a public park or garden French law states they need to be on the lead. You can also get fined for not picking up after your dog, just the same as in many other countries.

FAQS: Taking my dog to France in 2023

Final thoughts: Taking your dog to France

If you’re travelling to France to go on holiday taking your dog with you doesn’t have to be stressful. Just follow the rules for taking a dog to France and you’ll be fine.

The French are a dog loving nation. It’s very rare to go to a restaurant where they aren’t welcomed. Lottie gets more attention than I do usually, and she loves it, as do I.

It’s so much better for all concerned if you can take your dog with you to France and both enjoy all the country has to offer.