France has a reputation for being dog-friendly, and for once, the reputation is largely deserved. Dogs sit under café tables in Paris. They walk through markets in Provence. They're permitted in many hotels, on trains, in restaurants with outdoor seating, and in a remarkable number of indoor spaces where you wouldn't expect to find them.
For dog owners, France is one of the most accessible European destinations — and for UK owners in particular, it's the easiest cross-border trip there is, via Eurotunnel or a short ferry crossing.
This guide covers getting to France with your dog, the SNCF train network (one of the best for dog travel in Europe), what the rules are once you're there, and what you need to know about the return journey to the UK.
For the full European travel overview including EU Pet Passport rules, Schengen borders, and country comparisons: Travelling Around Europe with a Dog or Cat: Rules, Pet Passports & Transport Guide.
For UK owners, Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is the simplest and most dog-friendly way to get to France. Your dog travels in the car with you through the 35-minute tunnel crossing between Folkestone and Calais. No size restrictions. No breed restrictions. No separation.
You'll need:
No titre test required (UK is on France's approved list). Book Eurotunnel in advance — price increases with late booking.
Multiple ferry routes cross the Channel. For dog owners, the most important distinction is vehicle vs. foot passenger:
For longer crossings (Portsmouth to Brittany, for example), pet-friendly cabins with Brittany Ferries are a good option for overnight travel with your dog.
Full-service carriers including Air France accept small dogs (under 8kg combined with carrier) in the cabin on UK–France routes. Budget carriers don't accept pets. For dogs flying into France, the cabin is available on qualifying airlines; for return to the UK, note that no pet can travel in the cabin of any flight arriving in the UK.
France has one of the best train networks in Europe for dog travel. The rules are clear, the fees are reasonable, and dogs of all sizes are accepted.
Small dogs in a carrier (under 6kg, carrier max 45 × 30 × 25cm): Fixed fare of €7 on most TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS services. The carrier must fit under the seat.
Larger dogs on a lead and muzzle: Fixed fare from €10 on TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS services. Dogs must remain on a lead throughout the journey and be muzzled. Owners are responsible for the dog not disturbing other passengers.
On OUIGO services (low-cost TGV): Small dogs in a carrier are permitted for €5. Larger dogs are not permitted on OUIGO trains.
Night trains (INTERCITÉS de nuit): Dogs permitted in seated areas for €19. Dogs are not permitted in couchette cars unless the entire compartment is booked privately, in which case the dog travels free.
International routes from France:
SNCF is generally one of the more dog-friendly major European rail networks. Booking dog tickets online can be tricky (they often need to be purchased at the station or via phone) — when in doubt, buy your own ticket online and add the dog ticket at the station or from the train manager.
The French relationship with dogs in hospitality spaces is genuinely permissive by European standards. Dogs are commonly welcome at outdoor terrace seating across the country. In many rural areas and smaller towns, dogs are accepted at indoor tables as a matter of course. In Paris, plenty of cafés welcome dogs indoors — particularly in neighbourhoods like Le Marais, Montmartre, and Saint-Germain.
French weekly markets are typically dog-friendly, with dogs on leads walking through stalls alongside their owners. Some food markets restrict dogs near produce — use common sense and observe what others are doing.
Many French boutiques and independent shops are dog-permissive, particularly outside of major cities. Look for water bowls at the entrance — a reliable indicator of a genuinely dog-welcoming establishment.
French beach rules for dogs vary by département and time of year. Many beaches permit dogs in shoulder season (April–May, September–October) but restrict them during peak summer months (June–August). Dog-friendly beach sections exist on most major coastal areas — look for signs or ask at the local tourist office.
This is the step that UK dog owners most frequently overlook when planning a France trip. Your dog needs specific documentation to re-enter the UK, and the timing is strict.
Requirements for UK entry from France:
The tapeworm treatment must be administered by a vet (not self-administered) and recorded on the AHC. This creates a timing constraint: the treatment must happen within 5 days before you arrive back in the UK, and your AHC must be issued within 10 days.
Finding an Official Vet in France: Your accommodation provider or local tourist office can usually direct you to the nearest veterinaire habilité (authorised vet). In tourist areas, vets are often experienced with UK return documentation. Book the appointment in advance — don't leave it to the last day.
Cost: Expect to pay €80–€200 for the Official Vet consultation, AHC issuance, and tapeworm treatment in France.
Water, water, water. France is hot in summer. Dogs dehydrate quickly. Carry water and a bowl on all journeys and walks.
Sun protection. Lighter-coated dogs can sunburn. Limit exposure in peak heat (12pm–4pm) and consider dog-safe sun protection on ears and nose for pink-skinned breeds.
Tick prevention. Rural France has significant tick populations. Keep prevention treatment current and check after woodland and grassland walks.
Pet-friendly accommodation in France: Many French gîtes (rural holiday rentals), châteaux hotels, and rural auberges are dog-welcoming. Urban hotels vary more. Always confirm size limits before booking.
ISO microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a UK Official Veterinarian within 10 days of your dog's entry into France. No titre test is required for France.
Yes — dogs of all sizes are accepted on most SNCF services. Small dogs (under 6kg in a carrier) from €7; larger dogs on lead and muzzle from €10. Dogs are not permitted on OUIGO services unless they are small and in a carrier.
An AHC from a French Official Vet issued within 10 days of UK arrival, plus tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 24–120 hours before arriving in the UK. The treatment must be recorded on the AHC.
Dogs are widely welcome at outdoor terrace seating across France. In rural areas and many independent restaurants and cafés, dogs are often accepted indoors. In larger cities, particularly in formal dining settings, it varies.
Last updated: 2026