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Paris is for Dog Lovers: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Friendly Paris

There are over 300,000 dogs in Paris. With a central population of 2.1 million, the math says that’s one dog for every seven Parisians. Parisians cherish their dogs as much as their time off, so dogs accompany their owners to places the rest of the world reserves for humans only:   restaurants, shops, and public transport . Everywhere the Parisian goes, the dog goes too… well, almost.

Why are Paris bistros and businesses more relaxed about allowing entry to dogs? Typically Parisian pups are cooped up for the day in small apartments with no garden access. Therefore owners bring their well-behaved dogs along on their errands to shops, offices, and salons.

Image credit: Unsplash, conchamayo

Ironically, dogs are forbidden from a majority of the city’s parks and green spaces – perhaps part of the reason they are accepted just about everywhere else. Happily, the list of where you can’t take your canine companion is miles shorter than where you can.

As you people-watch in Paris, look out for the pooches too. Dogs that you will see in the capital are French bulldogs or bouledogues like Colette’s Toby Chien , labs, Yorkies, Shelties, King Charles spaniels, scruffy terriers, Jack Russells, pugs, dachshunds and the ever popular poodle.

Restaurants

Image credit: Unsplash, Yuliya Kosolapova

Most Paris restaurants will allow dogs on their premises. It’s in the best interests of restaurants to accommodate your clean, good natured dog, because if they don’t, the café next door will be willing to seat you both. Non-dog places are always clearly marked, so check signs that say “Chiens Interdits ” or politely ask if dogs are allowed – les chiens sont-ils autorisés ici? Or May I bring my dog in? – Puis-je amener mon chien à l’intérieur? Fast food restaurants don’t allow dogs inside. McDo won’t accept your McDog, but you can sit outside. That’s not what Paris is all about. With the thousand of sidewalk cafes, like Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots and Le Select on offer, you can tuck your dogs under your street-side table and you will be fine. Cafés with sidewalk seating almost always allow dogs so you don’t have to ask if you can sit outside

Here’s a short list of dog-friendly eateries – some are quite surprising.

Le Moulin de la Galette . Dogs are welcome at one of the favorite haunts of Renoir and the Impressionists.

Every Sunday L’Esprit du 12éme hosts a dog and owner brunch between 12:30pm and 3pm. At this chic destination near Bercy Village, you and your dog can meet other likeminded dog lovers à table. Lunch prices start around 50 euros.

Angelina  Tea room on rue de Rivoli, where your intrepid dog can watch you scale a Mont Blanc.

Xavier Denamur, owner of Les Cafeine chain of restaurants, (Cafeine, Les Philosophes, Au Petit Fer à Cheval, L’Etoile Manquante, La Chaise au Plafond, and bookshop café La Belle Hortense), states: “We have always accepted dogs in my establishments, both small and large. My collaborators are always very caring with the best friends of our customers by providing a small bowl of water and if necessary on the instruction of the master by recovering leftovers for doggies.”

The Big Mamma Group – East Mamma, Pink Mamma, Ober Mamma– whimsically state that cute babies and dogs are welcome in all their restaurants.

Loulou Friendly Diner on Boulevard Saint-Germain accepts friendly dogs in their restaurant.

Pavillon des Canaux states that they do indeed “welcome our furry little friends with open arms.” They have a café/work space there called the Coffice. Having a dog at your side is meant to increase your productivity.

Image credit: Unsplash, creativegangsters

Le Grande Vefour is a droolingly beautiful Michelin-starred restaurant on the Palais Royal Gardens that allows dogs.

Au Chien Qui Fume . A chic brasserie in Les Halles since 1740 has less-than chic, but amusing, paintings of anthropomorphic dogs on every wall.

Bel’Vil’ Café in the 19th arrondissement has a mascot cat and they say “ Oui, Bien sur ” to your dog too. Dogs as big as retrievers have nestled under their tables. 

Les Petites Ecuries group of restaurants will accommodate your petite friend.

La Palette – “of course we accept dogs.” How civilized.

Herve Duplessis from Mamie Gateau assures: “Yes, absolutely, we accept dogs and give them a bowl of water. My favorite is Hector, a Jack Russell who always tries to lead his master to Mamie Gâteaux, because he had the imprudence to give him one, one day, and he has fond memories of it.”

And try Le Bouledogue Brasserie. Naturally, “ Animaux bienvenus”

No Barking!   – Hotels

Image credit: Pexels, freestocks.org

About 800 Paris hotels are known to be pet-friendly and range from the palatial to the less pricey. Secure written confirmation from your selected hotel, just in case. If there is an extra charge it will be around €20- 30 per night. 

Some over-the-top hotels will go over-the-top for your dog too; for instance, the butlers at the pet-friendly Hôtel de Crillon will welcome your dog and accompany them for walks, but charges of at least €50 will apply.

The Peninsula Paris welcomes well-behaved pets. According to the hotel, “dogs stay for no extra fee, and receive a bed and a personalized blanket, as well as a special welcome basket full of dog food, water, a toy and a name tag.”

Le Meurice is another pet-friendly luxury hotel which understands the importance of your pet and goes to great lengths to welcome them properly. Alexandra Chlopek, Press Manager for the hotel, lists the special attention Le Meurice will lavish on your traveling companion. “Your dog will be greeted with a personalized name tag and an embroidered carpet with your dog’s name. A dog cart is available. On request their grooms will walk your dog in the Tuileries.”

Agathe Canivet at the Four Seasons George V confirms that their property is pet friendly. One pet under seven kilos is allowed for no additional fee. Pets are assigned to their rooms and can go to the lobby, but they are not allowed in the food area. Personalized dog beds, bowls, treats, and bottled water are provided.

The Mandarin Oriental has a mascot called Archie Le Woof, and when other lucky dogs come to stay, they’re greeted with a letter from Archie, a small doily bearing their name, and a gluten-free bone made by the head pastry chef. 

If you find these too much, you can still search “pets allowed” on most hotel search engines to find a wide variety of pet-friendly hotels. Properties such as Ibis, Novotel, and Libertel accommodate dogs. 

Here are some less pricey, yet still chic and trendy, dog friendly destinations by arrondissement.

1. Le Relais du Louvre.

2. Hotel Square Louvois.

3. Villa Beaumarchais.

4. Hotel de Bretonnerie .

5. Hotel des Grandes Ecoles .

6. Sevres Saint Germain.

7. Hotel de Londres Eiffel .

8. Hotel Arioso.

9. Hotel De Seze .

10. Le Robinet d’Or .

11. Le General Hotel .

12. Hotel L’Interlude .

13. Mercure Paris Place d’Italie .

14. Niepce Paris Hotel .

15. Residence Quintinie Square

16. Hotel Auteuil Tour Eiffel .

17. Le Tsuba Hotel .

18. Kube Hotel .

19. Hotel Crimee.

20. Hotel Scarlett.

No “Parking” – Parks

Image credit: Unsplash, aggriffith

Until January 2019 dogs were allowed into only 77 of the 490 green spaces in Paris. Just 16 percent! Considering the high number of dogs per capita and the fact that the majority of Parisian dog owners live in apartments with no outside access, this seemed unfair for a city that’s dog friendly in so many other ways. New rules came into effect January 2019 as part of a wider scheme to make the city’s parks more welcoming. But there are still plenty of restrictions. In a direct quote, Perrine Boiton, Press Officer for the City of Paris, says, “Indeed, the new regulations for parks and gardens allow dogs kept on a leash in gardens without children’s play areas and in certain parks marked as such. In these sites, their presence and their circulation are authorized in the alleys, and prohibited on the lawns and in the flower beds.”

Boiton also recommends this web link  which includes a comprehensive list of where dogs are allowed.

Parisian authorities feel strongly about not picking up after your pup’s poop, and the charge is supposedly €450 if you fail to do so. People seem to complain about the lack of pooping and scooping in Paris, but honestly I have never seen a single deposit. Perhaps this is because of the hard-working street cleaners who open up the floodgates most mornings.

Supermarkets

Bakeries and supermarkets in Paris are cracking down on dog policies. Many won’t allow dogs, even on a leash. Legally, because of the proximity to fresh food, dogs aren’t allowed in the open-air markets, grocery stores and boutique food shops. Check for the “no dogs” sign.

Dog Friendly Boutiques

Some department stores like FNAC, Monoprix and Darty will allow small dogs to be carried in hand if you politely ask the guard at the entrance. Le BHV facing the Hotel de Ville even has a chic pet annex, “La Niche by BHV”,   guarded by large orange pet statues on Rue de la Verrerie. Dogs are allowed in, but they must be kept on a leash or in a bag.

Image credit: Unsplash, muzaluiza

Transportation

All public transportation in Paris is pet-friendly, but attention must be paid. All dogs can ride the Metro and buses if your dog fits inside a carrier bag or sits on your lap. If your dog is bigger, you will need to pay a child’s fare and keep it on a leash. 

All dogs can ride the RER (trains running between Paris and suburbs) if they’re in a carrier basket or bag, or on a leash and muzzled. Bag-sized dogs ride free, leashed dogs require a children’s ticket.

The carrier bag rule applies for SNCF trains outside of Paris, except the dog must also weigh less than 6kg (13.2 lbs). The fare for a little dog is €7. Otherwise your dog has to be on a lead, muzzled, and pay half the price of a regular ticket. For more information, visit the SNCF website.

A similar basket test applies for Air France flights – your dog must weigh less than 8kg (17.5 lbs) to travel in the airplane’s cabin.

Dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, are not allowed on the Eurostar with foot passengers.

Batobus, the hop-on-hop-off service along the Seine, allows dogs onboard with a leash and muzzle. Small dogs may be kept in a bag. The rest of the Seine sightseeing service is hit and miss, so please research ahead of time. Dogs are allowed on some sightseeing tours but not dinner tours, and some not at all. The Seine’s original Bateau Mouche will only allow guide dogs. Rosa Bonheur sur Seine treats dogs royally. You can get a quay-side view of the Seine from this popular barge-restaurant.

Another way to sightsee with your four-legged friend is from double-decker bus. This is a good, open-air alternative to seeing Paris with your dog, as they whip you around to every famous attraction in the city. Companies like Big Bus  or  L’Open Tour have pet-friendly buses.

It’s up to the individual cab driver if they’ll let you ride with your pet. The last resort is a dog taxi. An agency called Taxi Dog specializes in transporting pets around Paris. Another firm is Taxi-Canine .

And now for the bad news…

Dogs are not allowed in museums. No, not ever. Not even in a dog carrier. Although the Louvre imposes this rule, dogs are welcome in its affiliate restaurant Café Marly . There are exceptions for service dogs. The Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe accommodate service dogs, but strictly ban other dogs.

Dogs are not allowed in the Montparnasse Cemetery. The policy for Père-Lachaise remains the same: “I inform you that entry to the cemetery is prohibited for anyone accompanied by a dog, even on a leash or carried in a bag, except for those requiring officially recognized assistance. Furthermore, the introduction of any other animal is prohibited.”

All pets entering France must be microchipped and vaccinated. Like it or not, not all dog breeds are allowed in France. The following dogs cannot be brought into France and those residents owning attack and defense dogs or a mix of such breeds have to abide by special rules. Catégorie 1 includes Mastiffs, Pit-bulls, and Boerbulls. Catégorie 2 consists of Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Tosa breeds.

Paris is a “moveable feast” for dog and owner. It’s a thrill to see dogs enjoying Paris too.

Love Paris as much as we do? Get some more Paris inspiration by following our  Instagram  page. 

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More in dogs in Paris , pet-friendly hotels , pet-friendly Paris , travel with pets

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A freelance writer and amateur historian, Hazel knew she wanted to focus on the lives of French artists and femme fatales after an epiphany at the Musée d'Orsay. A life-long learner, she is a recent graduate of Art History from the University of Toronto. Now she is searching for a real-life art history mystery to solve.

Pet Friendly Paris: Things to do in Paris with your Dog

Above Photos: Celine Chan Photographie

It’s easy to bring your dog to Paris from the United States

Thinking of bringing your dog to France? Wondering how to get your dog from the United States to Paris? International pet travel from the United States to the EU is straight forward. Start by checking out our international pet travel checklist for all the rules around bringing your dog on a plane internationally. We found France to be very dog friendly, and the only requirements for border entry are a USDA stamped health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccine. Having spent 2 months a year in France while growing up, we are no strangers to Paris – we have put together a guide with the top destinations that are dog friendly. Luckily, Paris is very dog friendly so the outdoor monuments are pet friendly!

Where can you bring your dog in Paris?

Yes dogs allowed & welcome at these places in paris….

• At cafes with outdoor seating are very dog friendly!
• In the metro (dogs are supposed to be in a bag or muzzled – we used the gentle leader but saw many dogs in the Metro and none were muzzled)
• “G7” Taxi service has a dog friendly option
• In the outside portions of tourist attractions
• At stores that do not sell food

Sorry, No Dogs allowed here….

• At any Museums
• At many small fenced in parks (I.e almost all the parks not listed in this post)
• In normal taxis (took us a long time to get a taxi from the airport as even working dogs aren’t often accepted)
• Inside food stores (same as the United States)

You’ll find that most cafes have outdoor seating and most tourist attractions have outdoor areas. Since museums and all indoor locations in Paris aren’t pet friendly, make sure to bring your walking shoes to see the city by foot or leave the dog in your hotel.

Most of Paris’s smaller parks do not allow dogs but surprisingly the Metro IS dog friendly as long as the dog fits into a bag OR wears a muzzle. We rode the Metro twice and had Calvin on a very thick gentle leader. When we returned with Samson, we visited in February so we rode the Metro multiple times a day to avoid the cold. We saw many dogs on the train and didn’t have any issue. Our biggest mistake was trying to find a taxi that would take us into the city from the airport – the concept of a Working Dog is not well known in France and does not hold up with small businesses. When we finally found a taxi, Calvin was required to stay in the trunk. On our second trip to Paris, we were able to order a taxi that allowed dogs through “G7” by indicating that we wanted a taxi that could accommodate dogs. We wish we had known about this on our first visit, because we had no issue getting into the taxi with Samson.

What are the dog leash laws in Paris?

The level of obedience we witnessed in Parisian dogs is unlike anything we have ever seen in the United States. It is unclear what the leash laws are in Paris as we rarely saw any dogs on leash – dogs trot calmly beside their humans, wait patiently outside of stores, and seem very seamlessly intertwined in the daily life of the city. Many businesses have a resident dog just hanging out outside the shop greeting people who walk by. Pups sit around at cafes while their humans read the morning news. No treats or commands needed – these dogs know where to be and are never far behind their human. It was such a magical dynamic to observe and definitely ought to set an example for dog obedience in the United States.

Best time to visit Paris with your Dog

We have now visited Paris with both of our dogs at different times of year. We have visited in May and February. In May, the crowds are beginning but haven’t gotten to the peak levels that the city sees during summer vacation. May wasn’t quite as hot as visiting in July/August so we found the weather quite pleasant. Our more recent visit was mid February. Paris winter is cold, but nothing compared to the cold in New England USA. The cold was not painful, and there was little wind. We dressed in boots, down jackets, hats, and gloves and were able to have a very pleasant visit. Because of the strong smoking culture in Paris, most restaurants and cafes have outdoor seating even in the winter. The cafes have heat lamps and we had no trouble staying warm

while sitting for meals and coffees. We didn’t find the tourists to be any more manageable in February so it seems as if Paris is just tourist filled year round (not surprising).

Where to stay in Paris with your Dog

There are ample pet friendly hotels and airbnbs in Paris so check out neighborhoods based on the activities you are interested in. We stayed in the Marais but here our thoughts on other neighborhoods:

If you are a first time visitor, check out the neighborhoods near the biggest tourist destinations (1st & 7th arrondissement) . In the 1st, you’ll be walking distance from Notre Dame, the Tuileries, the Louvre which are pet friendly on the outside. In the 7th, you’ll be near the Trocadero and the Eiffel Tower.

If you are looking for a trendy neighborhood with great nightlife, check out the Marais or St. Germai n neighborhoods. Nightlife is always bustling and the Seine is animated through the night.

If you are looking for a charming and romantic neighborhood with great views, Montmarte is a great choice. Although Montmarte is home to Scare Coeur and views of Paris, it is further away from the rest of the famous sights.

Map of Dog Friendly spots in Paris, France

4 days & 50 miles through Paris with our Dog

After a 12 hour flight with our dog, we were ready to hit the ground running (See here for international travel rules for dogs). We figured that if let ourselves nap, the jet lag would take over and we’d lose a day of seeing the city. Lucky for us, Paris has cafés on nearly every block. Fueled by espressos and baguettes, we managed to see most of Paris’s biggest sights by foot on our first day. This page is organized by groupings of activities that are in close proximity to each other. Refer to the dog friendly map above for a better look at the relative locations of Parisian sights. Over 4 days, we covered over 50 miles by foot and returned to our favorite places multiple times. We have since returned to Paris again with our younger dog and revisited all of our favorite stops.

Bringing Dogs to Notre Dame, Jardin du Luxembourg & The Panthéon

Cross the Pont Neuf to Île de la Cité to see Notre Dame. Then take a short walk to the pet friendly Jardin de Luxembourg – stop at the Panthéon on the way.

the Cathedral of Notre Dame is located on Île de la Cité (basically a small island in the middle of Paris). We crossed the famous Pont Neuf to get to Île de la Cité and made our way to Notre Dame (10 minute walk). At the time of our visit, Notre Dame was still recovering from the fire and therefore could only be enjoyed from afar. Standing in front of such a fine piece of architecture is humbling, especially when reminded that it was built in the Middle Ages…..over 600 years ago!

After Notre Dame , the next logical stop is the 15 minute walk to the Jardins du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) . We took the route that passed in front of the Panthéon to get a glimpse of Roman architecture in France. The facade of the Panthéon in Paris is modeled after the one you would find in Rome. The Luxembourg Gardens are a straight shot from the Panthéon down Rue de Soufflot .

The dog rules at the Luxembourg Gardens are unclear – there are certain entrances that have “no dog” signs but others have “dogs on leash” signs. After doing research online, we found that the Luxembourg Gardens have an entire section of the park called the “dog path” that even has a dog fountain….we figured that dogs must be allowed. By asking the security guards upon arrival, we learned that dogs ARE allowed but it is preferred that they enter through the  Blvd. Saint Michel gates. Turns out this park has more dogs than any other park we visited – we met lots of friendly pups at all parts of the gardens.

Dog Friendly Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro & Champ de Mars

We stopped by the Eiffel Tower a few times during out time in Paris and met lots of great dogs wandering around the area with their humans. We visited briefly on our first day in the late afternoon and then returned a few days later at 7:30AM. This area is probably one of the most crowded tourist attractions in the entire world so the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro is in the early morning. We did our family photoshoot at 7:30AM and found the area to be more peaceful than our visit earlier that week.

Geographically, the Champ de Mars (Field of Mars) is the large grassy area directly adjacent/underneath the Eiffel tower. The Trocadéro is the area across the bridge that overlooks the Eiffel Tower from above. Most iconic Eiffel Tower photos are taken from the Trocadéro staircase and fountains.

One great way to enjoy the Eiffel Tower with your dog is to take some photos at the Trocadéro and then wander through the fountains to make your way to Champ de Mars across the Seine. Set up a picnic blanket on the grass and enjoy some cheese & wine. Calvin played some fetch off-leash while we enjoyed our snacks.

Dogs at Jardins des Tuileries, the Louvre Pyramid, and the Palais Royale

The Jardins des Tuileries (Tuileries Gardens) is the park located between Place de La Concorde and the Louvre . We approached the gardens from Place de La Concorde and made our way to the Louvre via the Gardens.  

Walk across Place de La Concorde to get to the entrance of the Tuileries Garden . Place de La Concorde is the largest public square in Paris. Note: traffic in the roundabout does not yield to pedestrians….so follow a crowd of tourists to get across safely.

Dog rules at the Tuileries Gardens:  As with many other places in Paris, the pet walking rules are unclear. After some research, we found that dogs are officially allowed in the upper section of the Tuileries Gardens . This means that they may not enter through the main entrance but rather any of the side entrances that have steps leading  up to the upper sections. These parts of the Tuileries Gardens are known as the “terraces” and overlook the gardens from above. Once you get to  Avenue du Général Lemonnier (on the Louvre side of the Gardens), dogs are allowed anywhere. This means you can absolutely walk your dog through the Carrousel Arch, along the grass, and around the fountains. Dogs aren’t allowed in the museum but can get up cloase to the Louvre Pyramid and walk around the Napoleon Courtyard .

Near the Louvre you will find the Palais Royale with its adjacent gardens. Take a moment to admire the remarkable architecture in the Palais Royale courtyard.

Outdoor seating with your dog at Rue Montorguiel for Dinner

Rue Montorguiel is known as the “food street” of Paris. It is a pedestrian only stretch of casual restaurants and bars about an 18 minute walk from the Louvre . This street boasts casual but high quality food at affordable prices. In the evening, the area is animated with locals and tourists alike. Most restaurants have outdoor “bistrot” style seating with the tables facing outwards for people watching. We ate at a casual crêpe shop one night (nothing to write home about), and the fabulous Le Compas another night.

Bringing your dog to Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmarte

Sacré-Cœur and the surrounding neighborhood ( Montmarte ) is located away from the center of Paris, but worth a visit for the great views and stunning architecture. The Montmarte neighborhood is essentially a massive hill with  Sacré-Cœur at the very top –  The “Anvers” or “Abbesses” Metro stops will get you most of the way to the Basilica but you’ll have to walk up the rest of the way. Bring plenty of water as the walk will break a sweat, especially in the summer. At the top of the hill, you’ll have a birds eye view over all of Paris on one side and a breathtaking Basilica on the other. After exploring Montmarte , we made the long walk back towards the center of Paris.

Park Monceau is Dog Friendly!

Our goal was to eventually reach the Arc de Triomphe , but we took the long route through Paris to explore new parts of the city. First, we made our way towards Park Monceau (Metro Stop: “Monceau”). We picked up some bread and cheese for a picnic and let Calvin play with the children in the grass while we ate. He had a blast fetching sticks for the French kids who had just gotten out of school for the day. Park Monceau is located in a very fancy neighborhood – exit through Avenue Van Dyck for a direct 15 minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe . We stopped for an espresso along the way and eventually got to  Place Charles de Gaulle , home to the Arc de Triomphe .

Arc de Triomphe & Les Champs-Élysées

The Arc de Triomphe stands at 164 feet tall in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle , one of the busiest roundabouts in Paris. It connects 12 different avenues – the most common avenue to follow from Place Charles de Gaulle is the famous Champs-Élysées

If you opt to go down the Champs-Élysées , you’ll end up back at Place de La Concorde and the Tuileries Gardens . We recommend walking down the  Champs-Élysées if you are first time visitor to Paris. This is a great way to get to the Louvre Pyramid via a different route than described earlier.

Les Champs-Élysées  is the 2 kilometer corridor from  Place Charles de Gaulle to  Place de La Concorde. Les Champs-Élysées is probably the most famous avenue in the world, and is lined with cafés and shopping.  Everything from H&M to the flagship Louis Vuitton store can be found on the ~60 minute walk down  Les Champs-Élysées.

Bois de Bologne is Off Leash Doggie Heaven

If you don’t care about experiencing the  Champs-Élysées (or have already experienced it),  Avenue Foch leads to the pet friendly and off-leash Bois “Forest” de Bologne . This park doesn’t have any cultural significance so we only recommend this if you have already been to Paris and seen all the sights. Bois de Bologne is a favorite among locals for off leash dog fun – it has multiple wooded and river front trails. We meandered around the park before making our way back to the Eiffel Tower again for sunset.

Basin de La Villette & Parc de La Villette

Basin de La Villette is a quiet, off the beaten path destination and is wonderful for a stroll with your dog. The area seemed frequented by locals and a few curious tourists. We actually started off this adventure at the Parc des Buttes Chaumont for a stroll along a local park and then made our way to Basin de La Villette . Basin de La Villette is a rectangular artificial “lake” that meanders like a river through the 19th arrondisement. We sat along the water at Le Pavillon Des Canaux ….a cute cafe with a French bulldog mascot.

Basin de La Villette leads to the park which is home to the largest Science Museum in Europe (Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie), large concert venues and the Paris conservatory. We walked through the park to check out the 10 themed gardens

Some (Not) Pet Friendly Activities

If you are looking to leave Fido in the hotel (only if he is comfortable enough to do this!) there are plenty of museums to check out in Paris. We did not museum hop this time around as we’ve already been to Paris enough times to never want to step into a museum again. Needless to say, the historical significance of Parisian galleries is unprecedented so here are our favorites.

Museums to visit in Paris without your pet:

• The Louvre (the World’s largest and most visited museum)
• Musée d’Orsay (for some Monet, Renoir, and Van Gough)
• The Centre Pompidou (equivalent of NYC’s MoMa)

Other no pets activities:

• Riding to the top of the Eiffel Tower
• View of Paris from the top of the Arc de Triomphe
• Dinner or Lunch on a boat that is cruising down the Seine
• Versailles (1 hour train ride from Paris)

Paris is always a good idea, -Your Pal Cal

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France Travel Blog

Things To Do In Paris With A Dog

For pet lovers and avid travelers, dogs matter too. Considering many big cities not-so-friendliness to animals in public places, it is refreshing to know that traveling to Paris with a dog is not just a possibility, but fun as well. Scattered throughout the city, there are few dog-friendly places where owners can relax and have fun in the company of their pets.

In many places in the world, dogs are widely prohibited in public spaces, and they have a strict ‘poop pick-up’ policy that allows owners to carry poop-bags with them every time. Failure to comply will attract fines.

In the French capital, such laws are not enforced as you will see owners taking advantage of this with dog-poop lying about. But you might want to do better by taking care of the waste your dog leaves when you are out.

Public transport is a good and affordable way to get around the city with your dog. But mobility can be an issue if you are not properly prepared. Small dogs can be carried in a box with a maximum size of 45 cm or a basket that can travel free of charge, especially on the RER trains, metro, buses, and tramway in the city.

The same goes for larger dogs, but they have to be on a leash and muzzle, and you will need to buy a reduced rate ticket for the dog. Meanwhile, visually impaired people and other differently-abled persons can take public transport at no cost.

Here The Best Things To Do In The French Capital With A Dog:

Visit the buttes chaumont park.

Dogs are not entirely allowed to roam freely through parks in the city. But some major public parks that have provisions for the pets and their owners. The south end of the Luxembourg Gardens and the north end of the Tuileries, for example, have dog enclosure spots that can be reached from the street.

Champ de Mars close to the Eiffel Tower allows dogs except on the grass, and since the whole of the park is made of grass, the instruction is rather funny. Meanwhile, Buttes Chaumont Park is the only park in the capital where dogs are welcome as humans.

It is located in the 19th arrondissement and also the most beautiful park in the city, according to many, featuring ancient ruins and a waterfall that forges a strong ambiance. Dogs are allowed to roam freely without leashes, and the park is opened 24 hours to the public.

Take a walk at Jardin du Luxembourg

This place is one of the most visited parks in the city. It is also the largest garden you will find on the left bank of the capital. Jardin du Luxembourg is dog-friendly on its east side, and every time you visit, you are bound to meet friendly families and tourists to spend time with.

Also Read: Best Pet-Friendly Parks In Paris

Boise de Vincennes and Boulogne 

Both gardens are great pet-friendly places to go in Paris. Bois de Boulogne is situated in the 16th arrondissement close to the Eiffel Tower. It is a wooded reserve that affords you and your dog the chance to walk along stunning pathways and a small river.

Bois de Vincennes is situated close to the 12th arrondissement border. Though it is far from the city center, the neighborhood provides a huge pert friendly area for dogs to run around.

Grab a bite at L’Espirit du 12éme 

This place is a breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot in Bercy Village (the south of the city). Here dogs are allowed to walk through the outdoor mall. You might also like to know that they host dog owners brunch every Sunday between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm.

During the brunch, dogs are allowed to join their owners and eat together for free inside the restaurant. This is quite some experience because this place is often considered a trendy and upmarket establishment.

But the fun does not come cheap. You might spend close to 50 euros and even more if you calculate alcohol. Ensure you book ahead if you are interested as seats get filled up in a short time. L’Espirit du 12éme is located at 1 Rue de Libourne, 75012 Paris.

Stay at L’Hôtel 

In Paris, hotels are more pet-friendly than public parks. There are many in the city that will be happy to have you and your pets but at a reasonable fee (not all of them charge for this). There are interesting exceptions, though. Some hotels allow dogs in specific suites or rooms, so ensure you check with the hotel before booking.

The L’Hôtel in Paris is a popular spot, especially to Parisians. This place is very dog-friendly and is located in a very central area in the 6th arrondissement. Iconic attractions like the Louvre Museum and the Notre Dame are not far. Just like the Luxembourg Garden, L’Hôtel in Paris only has a little area for dogs.

Take in the views from Champs de Mars

Dogs are allowed at Champs de Mars, which offers breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower over your favorite snacks. Your dog can also play around in the area, but the authority does not want dogs to reach the grass.

Visit the Park of the Palace of Versailles

At the Versailles Palace Gardens, dogs are often welcome. This place is not just beautiful and well managed; it also offers dog-friendly big spaces at no cost. Cherish the comfort and quiet of this place, and you will always want to come back for more.

Hop in on the Double-decker sightseeing bus

If you are asking whether dogs are allowed in the popular double-decker sightseeing buses, yes, they are! You should try this with your dog when you visit Paris because the bus will reach many tourist attractions in the city. It is great to enjoy the city views in the comfort of your seat in the company of your pet.

See the architecture at Saint Rita Church

The Saint Rita Church might be the only worshiping place in the country that is pet-friendly. Once a year, the church opens its door to bless animals. The likes of boars and zebras have been there among the 600 animals that attend the mass yearly. But just recently, the Saint Rita Church was sold for property development by the landlord to the displeasure of many worshippers and pet owners. Search back, they might have a new site now.

Relax at Montorgueil District  

This place is popular for having food and a vibrant atmosphere. The area is massive and also has many gorgeous little streets that will charm you. Your dog can also enjoy the tasty food served here.

Stay at Hôtel de Crillon

Like many hotels in Paris, Hôtel de Crillon is pet-friendly. It is situated in the 8th arrondissement in the center of the city. Not all rooms are pet-friendly, though, but if you happen to stay in one, your dog might end up getting better service than you would. There is a separate bed for dogs, and there are toys too. Another interesting thing is that you can order a room service meal for your dog, made by a two-star Michelin chef.

Also Read: Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Paris

Order a Pizza From the Pink Flamingo 

Ensure you visit here when you are in Paris with your dog. In this restaurant, you can sit wherever you please with your dog along the dog-friendly Canal Saint Martin with the balloon Pink Flamingo will give you after placing an order. Then sit back and enjoy the view over the food with your dog. No one will challenge you for having a dog here.

Things To Do In Paris With A Dog – Summary

Dogs are a great companion, even on the go. Just prepare to deal with the poops when you are out with your pet in Paris. Also, do not forget your hotel is pet-friendly, too, and in case it is expensive for you, Airbnbs usually allow pets. Taking on Paris with a dog might even be the best way to feel the city for you differently.

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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How to Travel to Paris With Your Pet

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Want to bring your pet with you on your next visit to the City of Love? Here’s how. Photo Sourced from Unsplash

Sourced from Unsplash

Step One: Research the Airline

Traveling with your dog to Paris means wine, cheese, and puppies

• Virgin America

Step Two: Check Country Requirements

• Be at least 12 weeks old
• Have a standard ISO 11784 or annex A ISO standard 11785 microchip, or a tattoo. In case of identification with a tattoo, the tattoo must be clearly readable and applied before July 2011.
• Have a valid rabies vaccination. If it is the first rabies vaccination for your pet, you must wait 21 days between the last shot of the vaccination and departure.
• Have a health certificate (“Certificat Vétérinaire”) from your veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA (if traveling from the US). This endorsement is required for all pets, except those issued by military veterinarians for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Step Three: Obtain the Health Certificate (if traveling from the US)

• Download the correct form for France from the USDA’s website. Consider calling your local USDA office to check for any recent changes to the form.
• Call your usual veterinarian to ask if he/she is USDA-certified. If not, contact your state’s NVAP Coordinator for a list of accredited veterinarians near you.
• Make sure your vet fills out and signs the form in blue ink , not black (a small detail, but trust me, they care).
• Either make an appointment and bring the completed form to your state’s USDA office for endorsement, or you can send the form to the office by overnight service. If you choose the latter, make sure to enclose a return pre-address and prepaid envelope.

Step Four: Find a Suitable Place to Stay in Paris

For dogs with high energy.

There aren’t so many options for dogs with high-energy in Paris

Other Dog-Friendly Areas in Paris

Walking Paddington in Montmartre. There’s not a lot of green space so we have to get creative sometimes.

Arriving in Paris

Bois de boulogne.

Bois de Vincennes

The Tuileries

Paddington enjoying a game of fetch in the dog-approved area of the Tuileries

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Parc Monceau

Why Paris is a pet-friendly city

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Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels

Photo by Tim Gouw from Pexels

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !

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• The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 –  Learn more here
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Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.

Shannen is an American expat who now calls Paris home. She lives in Montmartre with her boyfriend and Parisian puppy, Paddington. When not busy polishing her French skills or scouting out new dog parks, she can usually be found drinking wine and in constant pursuit of the perfect Parisian terrace.

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Paris with a dog: everything you need to know

Diesen Beitrag gibt es auch auf:

Big city trips with a dog are always a thing. It's loud and crowded and as nice as the sights are for all of us, the day can be just as annoying for the dog. Which dog would prefer asphalt to a green meadow or a fragrant forest floor? And we actually prefer to be out and about in nature. But every now and then we just want to get a taste of city. And Paris is truly the queen of all cities. So without further ado, we planned a city trip to Paris with a dog that would be nice for all of us. In the article you will find out whether our plan worked.

Tip: From Paris to Normandie

We traveled to Normandy with our dog after our vacation in Paris. In this article you will find out what we have experienced here and why we can only recommend a Normandy holiday with your dog.

Transporting a dog in Paris. Can my dog ​​ride the Paris Metro?

In a city so big you can't even walk through it, getting around is probably the first thing you think about. And indeed, there are not infinitely many ways to get from A to B here. If you have a small dog up to six kilos that you can transport in a bag, it's easy. Because then you can use the metro if the box or bag is no longer than 45 cm. Everyone else doesn't. Larger dogs are allowed to travel on the RER (Regional Express), you have to buy a ticket for this, and your dog must also wear a muzzle. And of course you should keep in mind that there is a lot of crowding at the stations and in the corridors. Like the metro, the RER goes to the most important spots in the city as well as to the suburbs. Alternatively, you can of course use a taxi, dogs are usually taken with you.

Paris with a dog: What is the best way to travel to Paris with a dog?

It was clear to us that we would drive to Paris because we were planning to travel to Normandy afterwards. If you want to do the same, you have two options: Park & ​​Ride or parking in the city at the hotel. For Park & ​​Ride, make sure you can take the RER into town (see public transport rules above).

We decided against it and reserved a parking space near the hotel online with Parclick. Unfortunately, many hotels in the center do not have their own parking lot, including ours. The costs are usually around 25-30 euros a day, we paid 80 euros for three days. Booking was easy and could have been canceled up to the day of arrival. We didn't find driving in Paris easy, but possible.

If you travel by train, the Thalys, TGV or Deutsche Bahn are recommended. All dogs are allowed, but large dogs need a ticket (50% of the normal price) and must wear a muzzle. In the Eurostar, on the other hand, only assistance dogs are transported.

Paris with dogs: dog-friendly restaurants in Paris 

Les deux Colombes: Super cute restaurant hidden behind the Notre Dame. Very good food with vegetarian options, comparatively inexpensive and great service. Frieda was offered a bowl of water. 

Café Leone Pizzas et Pâtes: We discovered this pizzeria right next to Les deux Colombes. Good Italian pizza and friendly service. Frieda was also offered a bowl of water here. We were briefly asked if she is nice. 

Le Village Ronsard: Brasserie with the best yet affordable breakfast, centrally located in Saint Germain. Very friendly service. We were given a quiet space which we really appreciated. 

Tip: right next door is the La Maison d'Isabelle bakery, where you can get award-winning croissants. There are no seats here. However, these croissants are served at Brasserie Le Village Ronsard. No kidding, they were the best croissants of our lifes. 

Café Delmas: On Pl. de la Contrescarpe, just off Rue Mouffetard. Nice restaurant with a typical Parisian conservatory. 

Au Canon des Invalides: brasserie within sight of the Eiffel Tower. Good for a coffee break. 

Food Breizh: not a restaurant, but a very cool crêpe stand on the promenade (south side) of the Seine. Also open in winter. Outdoor seating.

Find a hotel or accommodation with your dog in Paris

It is often the case in life that you are well advised to read the fine print. When it comes to holidays with dogs in Paris, this applies to hotel bookings. Because it is clear that the dog filter is used on the booking sites. In fact, many hotels only allow small dogs under six or even three kilos. This is then hidden somewhere on the website or in the questions asked by guests. It actually happened to us that we booked a room (of course we stated in writing that we were traveling with a dog) and our booking was then canceled after the hotel asked how big our dog was. We finally found a hotel and were received very friendly, just like we experienced in the restaurant. Small conclusion: You will find a hotel for you and your dog, but you have to secure yourself twice.

Now for the location of the hotel. It was important to us to be able to explore the most beautiful places in Paris on foot with a dog. So we chose a hotel near the Seine and Notre Dame. Almost all of the city's sights were within walking distance, apart from Montmartre, where we've already been. We would do it again. Of course, if you don't mind taking the train, you can live outside of Paris and take the train in. If you want to camp, then the site at the Bois des Boulogne is recommended. Here you even have a large, dog-friendly park in front of you.

City trip with dog in Paris: Top 3 things to do with dog in Paris

But now enough with all the rules. Because even if there is a little something to consider, we had a great time in Paris with Frieda.

The best thing you can do with a dog in Paris: Walk the dog along the Seine

By far the most dog-friendly place in Paris is the Seine River. It is particularly beautiful on the north side from the Île Saint-Louis to the iconic Pont Alexandre III. A continuous footpath runs along this approximately four kilometer long route. Sometimes even with small parks. There are also promenades on the opposite side, but they do not run through. Every now and then you have to go up to street level. The advantage of the Seine promenade is obvious. It is car-free, full of green spaces and the view is fantastic. You see Paris from its most beautiful side.

With a dog to the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Even though it's a tourist hot spot, we wanted to go to the Eiffel Tower. You can't go up there with a dog, but we didn't want that at all. A few souvenir photos were enough for us. As described above, we walked along the Seine to the Pont Alexandre, from where you can already take the most beautiful pictures. Incidentally, the sidewalk here is very wide, so that you can get through easily despite the many tourists with dogs. Then we walked across the wide meadows of Invalidenplatz and turned right onto Rue Saint Dominique. Here's a little insider tip for photos. Well, maybe it's not an insider tip at all, but just a tip: The corner café Le Recruitement, from which you have an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower. However, we took a coffee break a hundred meters further up the street, in the nice Café Au Canon des Invalides, where we and our dog were given a friendly welcome. From here it is also not far to the Eiffel Tower, but it is really quite crowded on the sidewalks. On the Champ de Mars, i.e. the meadows below the Eiffel Tower, you can recover well from it.

With the dog through the trendy Parisian districts in the morning 

We visited the districts of Le Marais, the incredibly beautiful island of Ile Saint-Louis, as well as Saint Germain and the Latin Quarter early in the morning and were able to take a relaxed stroll at this time. In these neighborhoods, the city oozes charm and you can see many sights such as Notre Dame, the Center Pompidou, the Panthéon, the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. But I can only advise you to simply let the city and the many pretty alleys work their magic on you instead of walking from sight to sight.

You should also know that from ten o'clock it gets noticeably crowded everywhere. I have to admit that it's not always relaxing to walk through Paris with a dog. The city is comparatively noisy, we particularly noticed the noise of engines and the noise caused by deliveries to the numerous restaurants. In addition, Paris is one of the most traveled cities in the world, which sometimes results in extremely crowded sidewalks and crowds. So if you want to walk through the center of Paris with your dog, you should be prepared. However, dogs that are used to city noise should be able to cope well, especially if you make sure they take enough breaks and take a walk or two on the Seine.

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Traveling with pets on Air France

Do you love your pet ? So do we ! Air France does everything to ensure your pet's journey goes as smoothly as yours.  Transport rules, prohibited animals, rates...Find all the information you need to prepare for your trip.

Important! If your cat or dog weighs between 8kg / 17.64 lb. and 75 kg / 165.35 lb. with its kennel, it must travel in the hold. Since traveling with dogs or cats in the hold can be limited or prohibited on certain types of aircraft, you must submit a request at least 48 hours before your departure .

Traveling with dogs, cats, and other pets

Our answers to your questions.

• Your animal must have all required vaccines in order to be permitted on board.
• Any dog or cat traveling within the European Union must be identified with an electronic microchip. Your pet must also have a European passport. Provided and completed by an authorized veterinarian, this passport identifies your animal and certifies that it has been vaccinated.
• We recommend that you reach out to the embassy of your destination country. For example, Ireland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Malta have additional health requirements. 
• For your travels outside of the European Union, please inquire about the current regulations for each country of origin, destination, and any country you will be connecting through (vaccinations, quarantine, etc.).

Please note : Air France declines all responsibility for costs incurred (booking change fees, hotel stays, kennel fees, etc.). in the case of:

• Your pet has been refused on board due to   non-compliance with our travel conditions .
• Your pet has been refused upon arrival due to non-compliance with the current regulations in your destination country.

You can purchase a pet carrier for the  cabin or a kennel for the hold on the Air France  Shopping website. Delivery is available in the following countries: Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Metropolitan France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States. As a Flying Blue member, you earn Miles with every purchase. You can even pay with your Miles !

Go to the Air France Shopping website

Do you need further assistance preparing for your trip with your pet?

Dog-Friendly Travel Blog | Guide For Dog Owners

Paris France Dog-Friendly Travel: What To Do?

Paris france travel: is it dog-friendly.

Can I travel to Paris with my dog? Yes, Paris is generally a dog-friendly city, and many people in Paris own dogs as pets. There are also many dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and other establishments in the city. However, it is always a good idea to check with the specific location you will be visiting to ensure that they allow dogs before you travel with your dog. It is also a good idea to be aware of any local laws or regulations regarding dogs, and to make sure that your dog is up to date on all necessary vaccinations.

In Paris, dogs are generally allowed in public spaces, such as parks and gardens, although they must be on a leash and under the control of their owner. Dogs are also allowed on public transportation in Paris, although they must be on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Dogs on the Public Transport in Paris

In Paris, dogs are allowed on public transport as long as they are on a leash and wearing a muzzle. The muzzle is not required for small dogs under 6kg (13lbs) if they are able to be carried in a closed and adequately ventilated bag or container. You can also bring a dog on the metro, RER, and buses as long as it is small enough to fit in a closed and adequately ventilated bag or container. Dogs are not allowed on the trams, the Orlyval, or the Roissyval.

It's important to note that service dogs are allowed on all forms of public transport in Paris, even if they are not wearing a muzzle or on a leash. Service dogs include guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs, and dogs trained to assist people with mobility impairments.

Read more:  13 Unique Dog-Friendly European Destinations in Europe

#5 Best Things To Do When Visiting Paris France With Dogs

Paris is a very dog-friendly city to do things with your dog. Here are some ideas for things you and your dog can do in France:

#1 Visit a Dog-Friendly Park in Paris

Paris is home to a number of beautiful parks and gardens where you can take your dog for a walk or play. Some of the best dog-friendly parks in the city include:

Bois de Vincennes: This large park is located on the eastern edge of the city and is a great place to take your dog for a hike. Dogs are welcome to walk off leash-free through the wooded trails that lead to creeks, stunning views of the Seine and a swimming lake that your pooch can dive into on hot days. There are even sections of the park that offer a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. Due to other animals and park users, only dogs under voice control should be allowed off-leash;

• Jardin du Palais Royal: the Jardin du Palais Royal is a perfect spot to sit, contemplate and picnic between boxed hedges, or to shop in the trio of beautiful arcades that frame the garden: the Galerie de Valois (east), Galerie de Montpensier (west) and Galerie Beaujolais (north). However, it's the southern end of the complex, polka-dotted with sculptor Daniel Buren's 260 black-and-white striped columns, that has become the garden's signature feature;

Bois de Boulogne: This park is located on the western edge of the city and is another great place to take your dog for a walk or hike;

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Very pleasant Parisian park for walking your dog in the heart of  in Paris  19th. A green break, a walk that changes the usual streets! I recommend it to you  Buttes-Chaumont Park  for pretty Parisian walks with your 4 legs! Several accesses to the park available, with water points and garbage cans. Dogs must be kept on a leash but leads are accepted if the dog does not disturb other pedestrians. Unfortunately the lawns are forbidden to our companions according to the site of the town hall of Paris;

Parc de la Villette: This park is located in the 19th arrondissement and is a great place to take your dog for a walk or to let them play.

Keep in mind that it is always a good idea to check with the specific location you will be visiting to ensure that they allow dogs before you travel with your dog. It is also a good idea to be aware of any local laws or regulations regarding dogs, and to make sure that your dog is up to date on all necessary vaccinations.

Read more:  Stress By Dogs in Car Rides - How To Relieve Dog Stress

#2 Take a Stroll Along The Gardens in Paris

Paris is home to a number of beautiful gardens where you can take your dog for a walk or play. Some of the best dog-friendly gardens in the city include:

Jardin du Luxembourg: This beautiful garden is located in the 6th arrondissement. Jardin du Luxembourg is Paris' most famous and busiest city park. The beautiful park has wide avenues, fine terraces and a hefty collection of classical statues. In the centre of the park you will find a huge octagonal pond, this pond is called the Grand Bassin. The Grand Bassin is the central point of the park. All present walkways and gardens are laid out around the pond. There is always something to do in the park. You will find an open-air café, petanque courts, a puppet theatre, a small museum and tennis courts. The city park is open daily and admission is free;

Jardin des Plantes: This garden is located in the 5th arrondissement and is home to a number of dog-friendly areas. An alpine garden, an ecological garden, a rose and rock garden, a maze and endless delights... Discover the eleven gardens that together make up the unique and varied Jardin des Plantes (Garden of Plants), always changing, always something new;

Jardin de Tuileries: This garden is located in the 1st arrondissement and is a great place to take your dog for a walk. Jardin des Tuileries is a link between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. It is the oldest park in Paris. The Palais des Tuileries was a former royal palace and was destroyed by a major fire in the 19th century. It formed the connection between the two wings of the Louvre. So now the gardens are adjacent to the Louvre and it is a popular tourist hotspot to relax for a while;

Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil: This garden is located in the 16th arrondissement and is a great place to take your dog for a walk.

Jardin du Palais Royal: This garden is located in the 1st arrondissement and is a great place to take your dog for a walk. I personally think the Jardin du Palais Royal is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. You will find it in Paris' 1st arrondissement and, like the Place des Vosges, it is surrounded by beautiful mansions with identical facades and ground-floor shopping galleries. Its garden borders the Palais Royal. This is a former royal palace. Nowadays, it houses the French Ministry of Culture, the French Council of State and Constitutional Council. As such, it is not open to the public, but that's not a bad thing. The accompanying garden is already a lovely place to stroll around or read a book.

Read more : Motion Sickness Pills For Dogs - The Ultimate Guide

#3 Walk Through The Beautiful City of Paris

Paris is a beautiful city with a lot to see and do, and there are many dog-friendly attractions that offer stunning views of the city.

Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris and offers stunning views of the city;

Arc de Triomphe: The Arc de Triomphe is a famous monument located at the top of the Champs-Élysées and offers beautiful views of the city. Dogs are allowed at the monument, but must be on a leash and under the control of their owner.

Notre Dame Cathedral: This famous cathedral is located on the Île de la Cité and offers beautiful views of the city. Dogs are allowed in the cathedral, but must be on a leash and under the control of their owner.

Montmartre: This hill in the 18th arrondissement offers beautiful views of the city and is a great place to take your dog for a walk.

Tour Montparnasse: This skyscraper is located in the 15th arrondissement and offers stunning views of the city. Dogs are allowed in the tower, but must be on a leash and under the control of their owner.

Read more:  How To Travel With A Dog in The Car? Dog Car Seat

#4 Visit the Dog-Friendly Grounds of Louvre

Are dogs allowed in the Louvre? Yes and no, Paris, full of romance, beauty, history and culture, is a truly fantastic city to explore. However, with so much going on in the heart of the capital, whether it is  museums , art galleries, famous landmarks or parks, it can prove quite a challenge to see and visit everything in a short trip. Here is a quick guide highlighting the unmissable attractions of the Louvre-Tuileries area.

Among the most famous museums on earth, The Louvre is also the world’s largest and most-visited museum, as well as being one of Paris’ most beautiful historical monuments, housed in the Louvre Palace. Holding a huge collection of items dating from pre-historic times to the 21st century, including the  Mona Lisa  herself, the Louvre offers a never-ending experience, as it is impossible to get through it all in only one visit. However, if the queues are too troublesome, walk around the grounds to appreciate the palace’s beautiful architecture and the glass pyramid in the courtyard.

Read more: Anxiety By Dogs in Car Rides - How To Relieve Dog Car Anxiety

#5 Visit a Dog-Friendly Cafe / Restaurant in Paris

Are dogs allowed inside restaurants in Paris? There is no law against having dogs inside restaurants, which means each restaurant gets to decide its own policy. Generally speaking, dogs are allowed in most sit-down restaurants in Paris, as long as they are well-behaved and don't sit on the furniture. (They have to remain on the floor.)

Paris is a dog-friendly city, and many of the city's restaurants allow dogs. Some of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Paris include:

Le Pre Verre: This popular restaurant is located in the 6th arrondissement;

Le Comptoir des Tontons: This restaurant is located in the 11th arrondissement;

Le 6 Paul Bert: This restaurant is located in the 11th arrondissement;

Le Bouchon des Cordeliers: This restaurant is located in the 1st arrondissement;

Le Café de la Place: This restaurant is located in the 11th arrondissement;

Read more:  Ugly Truth About Car Sickness By Dogs

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Discover other beautiful dog-friendly destinations, amsterdam dog-friendly travel: what to do.

6 Jan 2023 12:55

Is Amsterdam pet friendly? Yes, Amsterdam is generally a very dog-friendly city, and it is easy to travel with a dog in Amsterdam. Many hotels, restaurants, and other public places in Amsterdam welcome dogs, and there are also many dog-friendly parks, canals, and other outdoor spaces where you can enjoy time with your dog.

London Dog-Friendly Travel: What To Do?

5 Jan 2023 12:50

Where are pets allowed in London? London is a dog-friendly city, and many people in London own dogs as pets. There are also many dog-friendly hotels, shops, restaurants, and other attractions in the city. However, it is always a good idea to check with the specific location you will be visiting to ensure that they allow dogs before you travel with your dog. It is also a good idea to be aware of any local laws or regulations regarding dogs, and to make sure that your dog is up to date on all necessary vaccinations.

Stockholm Sweden Dog-Friendly Travel: What To Do?

5 Jan 2023 12:49

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is generally considered to be dog-friendly. Many parks and outdoor spaces in the city are open to dogs, and many restaurants and cafes also welcome dogs on their patios or outdoor seating areas. However, it's always good to check with individual businesses before bringing a dog, as policies may vary. Public transportation in Stockholm also allows dogs on board, but they must be kept on a leash and muzzled at all times.

4 Jan 2023 12:55

Berlin Germany Dog-Friendly Travel: What To Do?

3 Jan 2023 13:38

Berlin is a dog-friendly city, and many people in Berlin own dogs as pets. There are also many dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and other establishments in the city. However, it is always a good idea to check with the specific location you will be visiting to ensure that they allow dogs before you travel with your dog. It is also a good idea to be aware of any local laws or regulations regarding dogs, and to make sure that your dog is up to date on all necessary vaccinations.

Barcelona Spain Dog-Friendly Travel - What To Do?

1 Jan 2023 12:50

We all like travelling with our furry friends. Discovering new places, living unforgettable moments, spending more time together... But all too often, because of the place we’re travelling to, or simply because we aren’t aware of the options available, our dogs end up staying at home. Spain is a perfect destination for travelling with your dog. The pet-friendly trend is constantly growing, which means that dogs travelling with their families are welcome, making for a great experience for all concerned.

«  Previous Berlin Germany Dog-Friendly Travel: What To Do? Stockholm Sweden Dog-Friendly Travel: What To Do? Next  »

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Visiting Paris with a dog

Are you planning to spend a few days in Paris and haven’t yet found someone to look after your pet ? Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your trip to the capital in the best possible conditions.

Travelling to Paris with a dog

If you are on holidays, it is more than likely that you will use public transport or perhaps a taxi to get around Paris. So, the question is: can your pet come with you?

Your dog on the Paris metro

Small dogs , which can be carried in a basket or a box with a maximum size of 45 cm, can travel free of charge on the metro, RER trains, tramway and buses in Paris.

Larger dogs can come with you in the metro and RER trains, provided they are on a leash and are wearing a muzzle. A reduced rate ticket must be purchased for the dog.

Guide dogs or assistance dogs for the visually impaired or people with a disability, can travel on public transport free of charge.

Your dog in a Parisian taxi?

Taxi drivers can choose to accept or refuse your pet. To be sure that you can travel by taxi with your pet, we recommend transparency. If you book by telephone via a booking platform, specify that you are travelling with a dog, its breed, size and weight.

Animals on a leash

In Paris, dogs must be kept on a leash when on the streets . Even small dogs. You must clean up after your dog or you risk a fine of up to €450.

Certain parks do not welcome our four-legged friends, while, in others, they can accompany you provided they are kept on a leash and remain on the walkways.

If you want to enjoy time outdoors and let your dog stretch his legs, you should go to one of the capital’s large parks: the bois de Boulogne in the West of Paris and Bois de Vincennes in the East, over even Buttes Chaumont park. Georges Brassens park in the 15th arrondissement offers a dog path.

Restaurants and shops with a pet

Shops and restaurants can choose to accept or refuse your pet. If you book a restaurant in advance, specify that you have a pet and ask if that poses a problem. Many restaurants are happy to welcome your pet so you will definitely be able to enjoy a romantic dinner in Paris whether inside or on a terrace.

Shops are often more strict. If there are two of you, one of you will have to keep your pet outside the shop.

Museums, monuments, tourist attractions

In Paris, most museums and tourist attractions do not accept dogs. For example, if you want to visit the Louvre museum or the Eiffel Tower, you will have to find someone to look after your pet. Kennels and dog sitters can help you by looking after your pet for a few hours or the day, giving you time to explore the city !

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Taking your dog by train.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, how to take your dog by train.

This gets asked surprisingly often, as it's difficult and expensive to send dogs, cats or other pets by air, and pets find it very stressful alone in the hold of a plane.  So why not take your dog by train or ferry, the civilised and comfortable option?  Unfortunately Eurostar doesn't allow dogs on trains to/from London, except guide dogs.  But there are alternatives - this page explains the options for civilised & enjoyable train & ferry travel between the UK and European destinations with your dog, cat or other pet.

Microchip, vaccinations, health certificate

Before you start, you'll need to make sure your dog or pet is fitted with a microchip and has an up-to-date rabies vaccination.  Call your vet, they can advise you.

To take a pet from the UK to the EU , see your vet no more than 10 days before you travel for a simple health check and to get a health certificate.  Expect this to cost £180 (yet another a Brexit cost as the UK is no longer a member of the Pet Passport scheme).  The certificate is a 10-page document with more stamps than a 1970s Soviet transit visa which allows you to take your pet into the EU for up to 4 months and to re-enter the UK within 4 months.  You can have more than one pet on the same health certificate.  For certain countries you'll also need a tapeworm treatment, including Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Finland & Malta.

A day or two before you return to the UK , make a vet's appointment.  The vet gives your dog a tapeworm tablet and fills in/stamps the relevant section on the form.  This must be done no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you enter Great Britain.  Expect this to cost around €40.  This allows you to return to the UK.

For full details on how to take a pet abroad, see www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit .

For full details on how to bring a pet into the UK, see www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel .

Tip:   As you can't take meat or dairy products into the EU, only take enough regular pet food for the Channel crossing.  Take kibble for the onward journey, or stock up with wet food once on the Continent.

Step 1, taking a pet on British trains

This bit is easy.  You can take dogs, cats and other small animals free of charge on all British trains, up to a maximum of two per passenger, as long as they don't endanger or inconvenience passengers or staff.  Dogs must be kept on a lead unless inside a carrier.  Dogs without leads, cats, birds and small animals must be carried in an enclosed cage or pet carrier which must be rigid and not open (to prevent escape) and the animal able to stand and lie down in comfort.  Animals and containers must not occupy seats or a charge may be made.  If you want to use a Caledonian Sleeper to or from Scotland, you'll need to pay a fee, see here .  For full details of dog & pet regulations on British trains see www.nationalrail.co.uk/on-the-train/train-travel-with-pets .  So far, so good.

Step 2, getting across the Channel

Option 1 , london to holland with stena line.

I highly recommend this option for both comfort and simplicity for travel with your dog between the UK and the Continent. It's an ideal route for the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czechia, Scandinavia and so on.  It's a round-about route to France, Spain, Switzerland & Italy, but because it's so dog-friendly & inexpensive with really easy integrated train-to-ferry and ferry-to-train connections on either side of the Channel, it's a surprisingly good option even for that.  It may also avoid the need for an overnight stay in Paris because after an overnight sailing to Hoek in a cosy pet-friendly cabin you can catch a morning high-speed train to Paris in time for an afternoon TGV to Barcelona, Switzerland or Milan.

What is Stena Line Rail & Sail?

Stena Line Rail & Sail is an integrated train & ferry service between London & the Netherlands run jointly by Greater Anglia & Stena Line.  One ticket bought at www.stenaline.co.uk covers the whole journey from London or any East Anglia rail station to Hoek van Holland.  It works in both directions, of course, but I'll describe the outward journey from the UK here.

You take the 18:45 train from London Liverpool Street station to Harwich and your dog travels with you on the train.  At Harwich, the train arrives alongside the ferry terminal at around 20:45.  It's totally painless:  You walk straight off the train into the ferry terminal, through passport control (where your dog or cat's pet passport will be checked too) and onto the luxurious Stena Line superferry to Hoek van Holland.

You enter the ship via the passenger gangway onto Deck 7.

If you've booked a pet-friendly cabin , take your dog or cat by lift or stairs up to deck 10, where all the pet-friendly cabins are.  All cabins have a shower, toilet, free WiFi and satellite TV.  Your pet stays with you in the cabin, they are not allowed on the rest of the ship.  If your pet needs a pee or poo, go down the Red Stairs to Deck 7 and press the white button to open a door to a small outside deck area where they can get some air, have a little exercise and do their business.  Inevitably, we refer to this as the poop deck.

If you've booked a kennel , you take your dog up two decks by lift or stairs to the Guest Services desk on Deck 9, which is the main passenger deck with all the bars, lounges & restaurants.  The Guest Services staff will give you a kennel number in either Kennel A or Kennel B, and give you the 4-digit code to access the kennels.  You then go down one deck on Red Stairs to the kennels on Deck 8.  The kennels have a sink with running water, and they provide blankets for dogs to sleep on, but you should take your own pet's water bowl, food bowl and perhaps their favourite toy.  If your pet needs a pee or poo, go down one deck on the same Red Stairs to Deck 7 and press the white button to open a door to a small outside deck area where they can get some air, have a little exercise and do their business.

After settling your pet into their kennel you can settle in to your own private en suite cabin on Deck 10 or 11 and perhaps have a late dinner in the ship's restaurant or a nightcap in the bar on Deck 9.  All cabins have a shower, toilet, free WiFi and satellite TV.  Channel 6 on the TV shows CCTV pictures of the kennels, with close-ups of individual cages.  You can visit your dog at any time during the crossing, although pets are not allowed in the public areas, other than to reach the Customer Services desk on embarkation, or to reach a pet-friendly cabin.

The ferry sails at 23:00 every day and arrives at Hoek van Holland at 08:00 next morning, Dutch time.

You now collect your dog from the kennels, if they need a pee you can take them to that small outside deck area on Deck 7.  You then walk off the ferry into the terminal and out onto the adjacent railway station for the frequent metro train to Schiedam & Rotterdam.  Dogs travel for free on the RET metro trains.  You can use any contactless bank card to travel, just touch in and out at the start and end of the metro journey.

Get off the metro in Schiedam Centrum for a frequent NS (Dutch Railways) InterCity train to Amsterdam, arriving Amsterdam Centraal around 10:25.  In the reverse direction, you'd leave Amsterdam Centraal around 18:46, the ferry sails from Hoek around 22:00 arriving Harwich at 06:30, you reach central London around 08:50.

Or continue to Eendrachtsplein station in Rotterdam city centre, from where it's then an 800m 10-minute walk to Rotterdam Centraal .  Or continue to Rotterdam Alexander for NS trains to Utrecht, Groningen and so on.

You'll find full details, photos & a video guide on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page .

Onward trains to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Eastern Europe etc...

Direct daytime trains link Amsterdam with Germany and Switzerland - in many cases these go via Utrecht, and changing at Utrecht saves going all the way into Amsterdam.  Regular daytime trains link Rotterdam with Brussels and Paris.  All of these trains take dogs, sometimes free, sometimes for a fee, sometimes with a child rate ticket.

Or take the Nightjet sleeper from Amsterdam to Basel, Zurich (change for Italy), Munich, Innsbruck or Vienna (change for Bratislava, Budapest, Zagreb).  Dogs are carried on Nightjets for €29 paid on board the train, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment.

You'll find specific timetables for journeys between London and each of the following countries here:  Belgium , Italy , Switzerland , Germany , Austria , Denmark , Hungary , Czech Republic & Poland .

Onward trains to Paris (for France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy)

Take the metro from Hoek van Holland to Eendrachtsplein station in Rotterdam city centre, dogs go free of charge on the metro.  It's then an 800m 10-minute walk to Rotterdam Centraal .

Then take a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train from Rotterdam Centraal to Paris Gare du Nord , you'll usually find a 10:58 arriving 13:38.  Dogs can travel in any class on Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains for €30, you pay the dog fee on board to the conductor.  Book your own ticket from Rotterdam to Paris from €35 online in advance at www.sncf-connect.com (don't bother trying to add a dog to the booking, this doesn't work with Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .

How much does it cost?

You'll find specific fare & booking information for journeys between London and each of the following countries by clicking the relevant link:  Netherlands , Belgium , Italy , Switzerland , Germany , Austria , Denmark , Hungary , Czech Republic & Poland .

...and to take a dog or cat?  

On the train from London to Harwich your dog travels free.  On the ferry, you must reserve a kennel (£23) or pet-friendly cabin during the online booking process.  On the Dutch domestic trains between Hoek van Holland, Rotterdam & Amsterdam or Utrecht, small dogs or cats in containers on your lap travel free of charge, but if you have a larger dog you'll need to buy a dog day-ticket (Dagkaart Hond) for €3.30, you may be able to buy this at the Guest Services desk on deck 9 on board the Stena Line ferry, otherwise buy it at Schiedam station.  On the international daytime trains from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Germany and Switzerland, cats and small dogs (up to cat sized) in containers go free, larger dogs on leads require a child rate ticket which you can buy online exactly as you would for a child, although unlike kids they don't qualify for the free kid with an adult deal.

How to buy tickets for you & your dog, step 1 :

Book your Rail & Sail ticket from London to Amsterdam online at www.stenaline.co.uk .  You simply need to choose a pet-friendly (animal) cabin at the cabin stage plus the 'pet in cabin' option at the extras stage, or just add a pet in kennel at the extras stage.

How to buy tickets, step 2 :

You now need to book the onward trains to your European destination.  Booking usually opens 90 days ahead, you cannot book before reservations open.  Trains from Amsterdam to Cologne, Frankfurt and Switzerland pass through Utrecht so it's quicker to pick them up there rather than going all the way into Amsterdam, unless you really want to.  For daytime travel from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Germany or Switzerland, book your own ticket at int.bahn.de .  Small (cat-size) dogs & cats in containers go free, if you have a larger larger dog it travels at the child rate (either full-fare Flexpreis or discounted Sparpreis , it doesn't matter) so simply use int.bahn.de again to buy a child ticket, I recommend buying this as a separate booking to avoid the system automatically offering the 'Child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free' offer which doesn't apply to dogs!  There are Nightjet sleeper train from Cologne to Innsbruck (for Italy) & Vienna (for all points east) and you can easily book these online at int.bahn.de .  Onward connections from Innsbruck to Italy or Vienna to Budapest can be booked at www.oebb.at .

Inward one-way tickets :  Note that www.stenaline.co.uk can only book one-way or return tickets starting in the UK.  One-way or return tickets starting in the Netherlands must be booked at the Dutch version of the Stena Line website, see the advice here .

Option 2, London to Paris via the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry

See the London/Brighton-Newhaven-Dieppe-Paris timetable on the London-Paris by train & ferry page .  This is the cheapest option if you're heading for France or Spain.

Step 1, take a train to Newhaven Town , see www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times.

Up to 2 dogs of any size go free of charge on British trains, just buy a ticket for yourself.

Step 2, take a DFDS ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe , check ferry times at www.dfds.com .

DFDS allows you to take a cat or dog with you as a foot passenger on these routes.

Only small and medium size dogs are carried, according to DFDS customer services.  That means I'd expect them to have no problem with springer spaniels, but they won't carry great Danes or St Bernards.  You'll have to call them to check whether your labrador will fit their kennels.

If the animal is small and in a carrier, the pet & carrier are handed to staff at check-in and returned to you after the crossing.  Larger dogs have to be booked in one of the ship's 3 kennels, although you can visit the pet in the middle of the crossing by taking an appointment at the reception desk.

To book as a foot passenger with a pet you must call DFDS on 033 058 787 87 if you're in the UK or 0809 541 890 if you're in France or +44 33 058 787 87 from outside either country.  You cannot book online if you're taking a pet!

Step 3, take a French train from Dieppe to Paris St Lazare , book this at www.thetrainline.com . 

Dogs can be taken on all French trains.  Small dogs (under 6Kg) placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay no more than €5.10 per journey.  Larger dogs muzzled and on leads pay half the 2nd class full fare (even travelling in 1st class).

You can buy a ticket in English at the official French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (for English scroll to the bottom and change France to Europe (other countries).   You add a dog to the booking by clicking the Add button (English version) or Ajouter (French version) before running the enquiry.

Once in Paris, you can take onward trains to Spain, Portugal or the South of France, as shown in step 3 below.

Option 3, London to Paris by train + taxi with Pet Travel Abroad .

For France, Spain or Portugal you really need to go via Paris.  As Eurostar won't take pets and most Channel Ferries won't let foot passengers take pets either, here is a solution which works well, although it's not cheap:

Step 1, travel from London to Folkestone by train.

You can use any normal British domestic train, dogs go free.  There are hourly or half hourly trains from London Charing Cross, Waterloo East or St Pancras to Folkestone Central, check train times & fares at www.nationalrail.co.uk .

Step 2, book a taxi from Folkestone to Calais via the Eurotunnel shuttle with Pet Travel Abroad .

Book your trip by calling Pet Travel Abroad (part of Folkestone Taxis) on 01303 246 925 (+00 44 1303 246925 from outside the UK), see their pet transport page at pettravelabroad.co.uk .

They can take you and your dog and up to 3 other passengers from Folkestone Central station to Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun stations for around £190 plus the cost of the Eurotunnel ticket, typically £164, but this can vary.

You and your dog remain together in the taxi throughout the journey via the Channel Tunnel car shuttle train.  Pet Travel Abroad (part of Folkestone Taxis) has been highly recommended by several travellers, further feedback is always appreciated.

Of course, a cheaper solution is to get a friend to drive you to Calais and drop you at the station, using a cheap day return ferry ticket - try www.dfds.com or www.poferries.com .  The dog remains inside the car on the ferry car deck.

Step 3, take a French domestic train from Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun to Paris .

To check train times use www.raileurope.com (in £ or €) or www.thetrainline.com (in €).  On French trains, small dogs under 6 Kg placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay no more than €5.10 per journey.  Larger dogs muzzled and on leads pay half the 2nd class full fare, even travelling in 1st class.  For onward train travel with your dog to Spain, Italy, Portugal and so on, see the following section.

How to plan your trip.

The French trains from Calais to Paris are irregular and less frequent than the British ones, so start by picking a suitable afternoon train from Calais to Paris and work backwards.  Ask Folkestone Taxis what time you need to leave Folkestone Central in their taxi to make this train.  Then work out a train from London (or your local station) to Folkestone Central with plenty of time in hand.

This blog may inspire you: Argo, the dog who took the train to Italy .

Option 4, Hull-Rotterdam or Newcastle-Amsterdam by ferry

You can take a dog as a foot passenger on P&O Ferries Hull-Rotterdam route, with pet-friendly cabins & kennels.  Book online and add a pet plus pet-friendly cabin or kennel at www.poferries.com .  More about the Hull-Rotterdam ferry route .

You can also take a dog as a foot passenger with pet-friendly cabins on DFDS overnight Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry.  However, you can't book online as a foot passenger with a pet, you need to book by phone, so check sailing times at www.dfds.com then call DFDS on 0871 522 9955.  More about the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry route .

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Step 3, taking pets on trains in mainland Europe

Once safely across the Channel, you can take a dog or cat with you on most trains across Europe, sometimes free, sometimes for a small charge, sometimes with a normal child-rate ticket.  In sleeping-cars and couchettes on overnight trains, you can generally only take a dog if your party occupies all the berths in a compartment.

From the UK to France

Eurostar doesn't take dogs and nor do most ferry companies unless you are a motorist.  P&O used to allow foot passengers to take dogs, but have stopped doing in 2012.  However, DFDS will take caged pets if you're a foot passenger on their Newhaven-Dieppe route.

So either travel from London to Newhaven by train, take a DFDS ferry to Dieppe as a foot passenger with your pet in a cage as explained above in option 2 , take a taxi to Dieppe station and a train to Paris, or travel from London to Folkestone by train, pay Folkestone Taxis to shuttle you through the Tunnel from Folkestone Central station to Calais Ville station, then take a train to Paris as explained above in option 3 .

Or you can travel from the UK to Paris via Hoek van Holland using option 1 , it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris as you can sail overnight from Harwich to Hoek van Holland in a cosy pet-friendly cabin, catch the metro to Rotterdam and a morning high-speed train to Paris, then take an afternoon train to almost anywhere in France, even Nice & the south coast.

Pets on trains within France

Dogs can be taken on all French trains.  Small dogs (under 6 Kg) placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay €7 per journey.  Larger dogs muzzled and on a lead pay €7.

You can buy a ticket in English at the official French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , you add a dog to your booking by clicking the Add travellers, pets & bicycles button before running the enquiry.

To the Netherlands

From the UK to the Netherlands

I recommend travelling via the Harwich-Hoek van Holland superferry as shown in option 1 above .  Once at Hoek van Holland your Dutch Flyer ticket is valid to any Dutch station, not just Amsterdam.  You can book from London to Amsterdam or any Dutch station online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a kennel during the booking process.

Alternatively, you can also take a dog as a foot passenger with pet-friendly cabins on DFDS overnight Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry, but you must book by phone, check sailing times at www.dfds.com then call 0871 522 9955.  P&O take dogs with foot passengers on their overnight Hull-Rotterdam ferry, see www.poferries.com .

Pets on trains within the Netherlands

On Dutch trains, small dogs or cats in containers placed on your lap travel free of charge, if you have a larger dog on a lead you will need to buy a Dagkaart Hond   (dog day-ticket) for just over €3.  You can check details for this at the Dutch Railways site www.ns.nl .

To Switzerland

From the UK to Switzerland

You should use the train & ferry service from London to Amsterdam via the Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, as explained in option 1 above .  For details of the London to Switzerland journey via this route see the Switzerland page , which has timetables & fares.  You can book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.  You'll then find daytime trains from Utrecht to Basel & Zurich, which you can book online at int.bahn.de . 

Pets on trains within Switzerland

Dogs of any size can travel for half the 2nd class fare on any Swiss train (for longer journeys there's a Dog Day card), small dogs up to 30cm high at the shoulder can travel free if they are in a carrier, you'll find information on the Swiss railways website www.sbb.ch and you can easily buy Swiss tickets at the station when you get there.

From the UK to Italy, via Hoek van Holland

Travel overnight from London to Hoek van Holland using the Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry as explained in option 1 above .

I'd then suggest travelling from Amsterdam to Munich by daytime trains, then overnight again from Munich to Venice on the excellent Nightjet sleeper train.  You'll find full details of these trains and how to book them in the via Harwich section of the London to Italy page .

Dogs travel on the German-run trains between Amsterdam, Cologne & Munich under the same arrangements as for trains within Germany explained in the To Germany section below .

Dogs are carried on the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne to Innsbruck or Vienna for €29, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment.  You don't need to book the dog, you just pay the extra €29 to the staff on board the train.

First book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Then book Amsterdam-Munich followed by Munich-Venice using www.thetrainline.com .  Then buy a separate 2nd class child ticket for your dog from Amsterdam to Munich as explained in the To Germany section below .

Then travel onwards from Venice to other Italian cities.  See the Pets on trains within Italy section below.

Alternatively, you can take daytime trains from Utrecht to Basel or Zurich, book these online at int.bahn.de .  Stay overnight in Basel or Zurich.  Then take a Zurich to Milan EuroCity train, which you can book online at www.sbb.ch .  Dogs under 30cm high at the shoulder in a carrier travel free on this EuroCity train and on onward trains within Italy.  Dogs over 30cm high and not in a carrier must have a ticket, usually charged at half the 2nd class fare, which you can buy at the station in Zurich for about £35.

From the UK to Italy, via Paris

Step 1, Eurostar doesn't take dogs, so travel from London to Paris via Folkestone/Newhaven & Paris using option 2 or option 3 above, both involving ferry or EuroTunnel to France then domestic French train to Paris.  You may need to stay in Paris overnight.  Or use option 1 via Hoek van Holland, it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris.

Step 2, you can then take one of the three daily Paris-Turin-Milan TGV trains in 1st or 2nd class with any size of dog muzzled and on a lead for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm for €7.  You can book yourself and your dog from Paris to Milan at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3, take an onward train from Milan or Turin to anywhere in Italy, see the Pets on trains within Italy section below.

Dogs are also carried on Trenitalia's competing Paris-Milan Frecciarossa , dogs under 5 Kg go free, dogs 5-50 Kg €30, all dogs must travel in Standard or Business class Allegro cars.  See the London to Italy page for details of times, prices and how to buy tickets.  The £10 fee for taking a dog on the Paris-Milan TGV must be paid by phone, it cannot be booked online.

Pets on trains within Italy

Dogs and pets are carried on most Trenitalia trains, free in a carrier (maximum size 70cm x 30cm x 50cm) or at half the 2nd class fare if on a lead and muzzled, for full details to www.trenitalia.com and look under Services for Transport of pets . 

You'll need to carry the dog's pet passport or health certificate, and yes, you will need to use a muzzle if your dog isn't inside a carrier.  You aren't allowed to take dogs on regional trains between 07:00 & 09:00 weekdays.  You aren't allowed to take a dog in Premium or Executive classes on Frecciarossa high-speed trains .  You can only take a dog in sleepers or couchettes if your party occupies the whole compartment.

From the UK to Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Valencia, Alicante...

Step 2, you can then take one of the twice-daily Paris-Barcelona TGV trains with any size of dog muzzled and on a lead on for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm for €7.  More about the Paris-Barcelona TGV journey .

You can buy a ticket for yourself and your dog from Paris to Barcelona at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3 if your dog is under 10 Kg, you can then travel from Barcelona direct to Madrid, Malaga, Valencia or Alicante, see the Pets on trains within Spain section below.

Step 3 if your dog is 10-40 Kg, you can travel from Barcelona to Madrid on certain AVE trains, then from Madrid to Malaga, Valencia or Alicante also on certain trains only, see the Pets on trains within Spain section below.

From the UK to San Sebastian

Step 1, Eurostar doesn't take dogs, so travel from London to Paris via Folkestone/Newhaven & Paris using option 2 or option 3 above, both involving ferry or EuroTunnel to France then domestic French train to Paris.  Or use option 1 via Hoek van Holland, it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris.

Step 2, you can then take one of the regular TGVs from Paris Montparnasse to Hendaye on the Spanish border, a stone's throw from San Sebastian.  These also take dogs of any size muzzled and on a lead for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier for €7. 

You can buy a ticket for yourself and your dog from Paris to Hendaye at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3, the half-hourly trains from Hendaye to San Sebastian run by Euskotren take dogs of any size, muzzled and on a lead, or in a pet carrier, buy that ticket when you get to Hendaye.  More about the Paris-San Sebastian journey .

Pets on trains within Spain

Dogs under 10 Kg in pet carriers (maximum size 60cm x 35cm x 35cm) can be taken on most Renfe long distance trains either free or for a small fee, see www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/mascotas (please let me know if that link stops working).

In general, larger dogs are not allowed at all on Spanish medium & long-distance trains .  I gather this is a cultural thing, as large dogs are generally regarded as working animals (for example, guard dogs) not pets in Spain.  Disappointingly, that not only goes for national operator Renfe, but for open-access competitors Ouigo and Iryo , too.

However, as from June 2023, dogs up to 40 Kg are allowed on certain Barcelona-Madrid, Madrid-Malaga, Madrid-Alicante & Madrid-Valencia AVE trains, for a fee, muzzled, with a 40-minute check-in and some forms to complete.  See www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/mascotas (please let me know if that link stops working).  Dogs up to 40 Kg are only allowed 2 or 3 designated trains per day on each of those routes, there's a list of trains linked from that page.  Feedback would be appreciated!

More about train travel in Spain .  Buy Spanish train tickets with dog added at www.renfe.com .

To Portugal

From the UK to Portugal

Eurostar doesn't carry dogs, so first travel from London to Paris using either option 2 or option 3 above.  You'll then need to stay overnight in Paris. Then travel from Paris to Lisbon as shown on the London to Portugal page .

They key issue is that dogs over 10 Kg aren't carried on trains beyond Madrid.

From the UK to Germany

Step 1, first travel from London to Amsterdam via the overnight Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, see option 1 above .

Step 2, check train times & buy tickets from Amsterdam Centraal to anywhere in Germany at int.bahn.de .  On the German-run international IC & ICE trains between Amsterdam and Cologne, Frankfurt, Hannover & Berlin, the same arrangements apply as for German domestic travel explained below.

Alternatively, the overnight European Sleeper between Rotterdam/Amsterdam & Berlin takes dogs for free if you and your party occupy a whole couchette or sleeper compartment, see the European Sleeper page for more information .

Pets on trains within Germany & on international trains between Amsterdam & Germany

Small dogs & cats in containers go free.  Larger dogs pay the child price.

You can buy tickets for you and your dog at int.bahn.de .  Click the From field to open the details panel, click on Passengers, bicycles , click on Add , click on More passenger types and add a dog to the booking.

Dogs not in carriers must be on a lead and (in theory at least) muzzled.  In practice you'll seldom see dogs muzzled).  Dogs classed as 'dangerous breeds' aren't carried on trains in Germany.

To Austria , central & eastern Europe

From the UK to Austria & central Europe

I recommend travelling from London to Amsterdam via the overnight Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, see option 1 above .  For details of a journey from London to various countries via this route, click the relevant destination link:  Austria , Hungary , Czech Republic , Poland .

For Austria

Step 1, book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Step 2, book a late afternoon train from Amsterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf at int.bahn.de .  On trains between Amsterdam and Cologne, small dogs and cats in containers go free, larger dogs pay the child rate, you can buy child tickets for your dog online at int.bahn.de , but do this as a separate booking from your own ticket to avoid the 'child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free' offer which doesn't apply to dogs!  Note that dogs classed as 'dangerous' breeds aren't carried on trains in Germany. 

Step 3, then use www.oebb.at to book the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne Hbf to Munich Hbf , Innsbruck or Vienna Hbf .  Change in Munich for Salzburg.  Dogs are carried on the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne to Innsbruck or Vienna for €29 paid on board the train, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment.

Pets on trains within Austria

Small dogs (meaning cat-size) or cats in containers go free, larger dogs require a child ticket, which can be booked online at www.oebb.at .

For Hungary

Travel to Vienna as above.  On onward trains from Vienna to Budapest, small dogs (meaning cat-size) or cats in containers go free, larger dogs require a child ticket, which can be booked online at www.oebb.at .

Dogs aren't allowed in MAV (Hungarian Railways) sleeping-cars or couchette cars at all, which rules out the Munich-Budapest and Zurich-Budapest sleeper trains.

To Denmark , Sweden, Norway

From the UK to Scandinavia

I recommend travelling from London to Amsterdam via the overnight Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, see option 1 above .  For details of a journey from London to various countries via this route, click the relevant destination link:  Denmark , Sweden , Norway , Finland .

Step 1, you can book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Step 2, check train times & buy tickets from Amsterdam Centraal to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de .  An overnight stop in Hamburg may be necessary.

On the German-run international trains between Amsterdam, Hamburg & Copenhagen, small dogs and cats in containers go free, larger dogs pay the child rate.  You can buy child tickets for a larger dog online at int.bahn.de , although do this as a separate booking from your own ticket to avoid the child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free offer which doesn't apply to dogs.  Note that dogs classed as 'dangerous' breeds aren't carried on trains in Germany.

Step 3, dogs can go on the Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 trains , but you can't take a pet in 1st class and you need to use the special pets allowed section of the train in 2nd class.  You can reserve seats in this section when booking at www.sj.se or call their telesales line.

From the UK to Greece

Step 1, travel from London to Venice via Harwich-Hoek and Munich exactly as shown in the To Italy section above .

For more information

For information on the transport of dogs and other pets in particular countries, search the website of the relevant national train operator.  There is a list of links to each operator's website on the useful links page .

Feedback requested!

Feedback from anyone who takes their dog or cat into Europe by train would be very welcome.

Traveller's reports

Dog owner Wendy Shillam reports :  "We've been taking our dog abroad since the rules changed 9 years ago.  Firstly I agree that its mad that Eurostar doesn't allow dogs, especially as it would be a good earner for them and they need the money!  I wrote to the COE but got no reply.  The most comfortable and quickest way for dogs to cross the channel (though not always the cheapest) is by car with Eurotunnel .  They just stay in the car with you and there is no bother.  Once, we then left our car at the Calais 'parkway' station, but on returning we saw that quite a few cars - not ours thank goodness - had been broken into.  It is a very desolate spot and no security as far as I can see.  But it is free parking.  Once across the channel be careful which train you get from Calais - some especially on Sundays are really slow.  We also have taken the motorail train from Düsseldorf, it's not too far and then you can get a car-carrying overnight train from Düsseldorf to Italy, the south of France or Austria .  Dogs are accepted on these German motorail trains in the sleeper cabins and we have never had a problem. Our dog Astrid, a nine year old Mini Schnauzer, has lasted 17 hours on a train with no ill effects - overnight she just settles down to sleep, generally taking up most of my bunk!  The steward will tell you if there are longer stops which allows you to give your dog a 'comfort' walk.  The irony is that if we could travel on Eurostar we would never dream of taking our car with us at all!  On Spanish trains dogs should be muzzled - the guard did let us get away with it, but if Astrid had been a bigger dog there might have been trouble.  Also beware if you plan to travel with your dog by bus in Spain.  They insist that the dog goes in a casket (which you have to bring) in the hold underneath the seats, which I suspect on a hot day is tantamount to animal cruelty!  Astrid has been most comfortable and spoilt in France, Italy, Belgium and Sweden.  Also remember that if you are going to the South dogs need to be protected against a nasty bug called lishmania which can cause a chronic disease with no cure - but drugs can control it.  So always check with a  vet who knows about foreign travel well before you go."

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Travelling with pets on Eurostar

Everything you need to know about bringing your pet on board our trains between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany.

Can I take my pet on Eurostar?

Taking your seat.

At Eurostar, we always want to make sure that everyone enjoys their journey. Please check that the passengers seated around you are happy with the presence of your pet. If anyone is a little nervous, the Train Manager will happily find you an alternative seat.

Does my pet need a ticket?

On our trains between Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, small domestic animals weighing less than 6kg travel free of charge – provided they travel in a carrier (max. 45 x 30 x 25 cm).

Larger dogs that don’t fit in a carrier will need a ticket with our specific “dog” fare (single price of €30). Please speak to the Train Manager to purchase a ticket for your four-legged friend. Your dog must sit on your lap or on the floor of the coach and be leashed and muzzled.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs and cats always travel free of charge on Eurostar.

Animals that are not permitted on Eurostar

As much as we love animals, we can’t welcome all of them on board. Dangerous dogs, wild animals and birds (parrots, canaries etc.) are not allowed on our trains.

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How To Get To Paris From London With Your Dog

October 19, 2017

The Eurostar does not allow dogs on their trains. Now what?!

On our recent trip to Paris, our friend @grrlgenius_ + writer mom Coco joined us for a weekend! We didn’t think it would be so complicated but let’s just send a collective thank you to Coco + Elle for their determination and dogmom-stubbornness (#dogmoms is a real thing and we’re, ahem , a passionate group). Keep reading for Coco’s recap of the journey in her own words.

When we first started discussing a trip to Paris, it seemed like it would be an easy journey. The most common question was “ did we take the chunnel ,” which is the Eurostar .  

I can confirm they only accept Guide Dogs. They do not have even one car, off-peak, with weight limitations available for dogs, not even in a bag or secured crate section as an option.

Yet, Paris is so dog-friendly. No one blinks an eye in the most expensive of stores.

That is why when I visited Paris 3 years ago and saw a French Bulldog running all over Versailles, a dream began of taking Elle to the Frenchie Motherland.

The basics of what I learned researching the journey:

Train : Eurostar, the only direct train from Central London to Paris.

Coaches : except Guide Dogs. The night bus for humans takes over ten hours, as the depot in Paris does not open until 6AM. If the bus arrives before then, passengers must remain on the coach.

Airlines : British Airways and Air France do not accept bulldogs in the cabin. Also costly.

Car rentals : Charge 60% additions if you are driving to Europe.

Private Car Service : Door-to-door roundtrip quote, plus Eurotunnel (the train for cars that takes a mere 35 minutes to cross €46  ticket price and the pet fee for animals at Pet Reception ( € 25 Euros) coming in at £ 545 .

France requires a tapeworm treatment good for 5 days entering from the UK with a valid pet passport. (No tapeworm treatment necessary if coming from USA)

I used aferry.co.uk to locate a dog-friendly route. I had seen a friend posting about taking Brittany.fr with her dog.

Unfortunately that particular ferry route leaves twice a day so we would have gotten up at 4am to reach the port by 8 AM or arrived at midnight in Paris. In the end a ferry customer service representative informed me the only route that accept dogs as foot passengers was DFDS , leaving from the southern port of Newhaven and arriving in Dieppe, France. The ferry also leaves only twice a day, but the first departure was more manageable at 10AM.

Dressed in her Barbour collar and lead, (Elle normally wears a harness, but we decided to experiment for this trip — it is Paris, after all), Elle was excited to go directly to the overground train station.

Kitted out, we boarded our first train, waited 20 minutes to switch trains first at Clapham Junction, missed a train (there was only a 3 minute leeway) at Lewes, so waited another half an hour until the next one. It was only one 10 minute train ride to Newhaven.

It was at this point, I started to ask myself why I had not dissected the journey i.e. trains from Lewes to Newhaven town instead of looking up trains from London to Newhaven Town. It would have saved us almost 2 hours.

The ferry had warned to arrive 45 minutes minimum pre-boarding to accommodate for passport control. The walk from the Newhaven Town train station was 3 minutes to the sad ferry port office and passenger lounge.

When we entered the building, there were signs warning it was for Guide Dogs Only. I walked in confidently with Elle. We were checked in and then an older man came shouting out at us from the ferry crew.

A very brisk day, it was beyond me why a ferry service would accept dogs and take a fee for them but not allow them in the port to check-in.

It was at this point we went outside for Elle’s breakfast and I gave her a calming pill called Zylkène , a natural choice for behavioral support because she has never been on a ferry before and I was told she had to be kept in a crated area because it was not hygienic to have her on the upper decks.

After 10AM (time of departure) the ferry crew began the passport boarding reviews. We were ushered with other foot passengers aboard a bus, then we all walked through the loading door.

Elle and I were led by crew members who did not speak English to the “dog area.” I say area loosely because it consisted of 4 large, dirty cages, some with old water, food and rust — none that had secure locks for the doors.

The crew member pointed for me to place Elle in a cage. I was extremely heart-broken. I considered taking one of Elle’s calming pills but I didn’t.

The area was on the car and truck loading bay, with sirens going off the entire 4 hour journey to France.

The representative I had asked about dogs told me I’d be lucky if I was allowed to visit Elle once during the journey because a crew member had to accompany me and they left me and didn’t even bother to come back to see if I had left Elle.

It was the most stressful part of the journey.

Once we reached the other side, the view was gorgeous. While the UK port had been a sad, depressing area, the French coast was beautiful and the houses reminded me of Cinque Terre, while the cliffs reminded me of images of the White Cliffs of Dover, making me wish I had once again been able to leave from that port.

Once we arrived in France, cars are unloaded before foot passengers.

When we disembarked, we were sent to a bus, driven to the passport office with the other foot travelers. While waiting for luggage, we befriended an English painter who lives in Dieppe. She kindly offered to drive us to the train station.

That leg of the journey cost 40 Euro, taking over 2.5 hours to reach central Paris. The first train was far cleaner than the second and Elle seemed extremely happy to be back on a mode of transportation she was used to and even listened intently to the mother tongue spoken to her by the conductor.

We switched trains once and headed to a packed train. Once we arrived in Paris, we could have taken the Metro but Elle and I were both exhausted. We opted for a taxi, where Elle was asked to remain in her dog bag.

The journey time clocked in at over eleven hours. 

For the journey from paris back to london, it was another story..

Weekend timings made things quite challenging. I couldn’t rent a car in France for the Dieppe to Paris return since there was no car rental open on a Sunday to return it.

I went through all the above options with one of the car rental places. A kind salesperson suggested I look into the rideshare service called blablacar.com . The drive back was smooth sailing! I connected with a man who had made 61 trips and had a rating of 4.8 out of 5 over five years.

The entire trip took 7 hours.

The tapeworm treatment was good for 5 days, so we didn’t have to go to another vet in France. My experienced driver took us to Pet Reception. He even knew how to scan the microchip, which officials let you do “for the comfort of your dog.”

There is an area for your dog to play outside and relieve themselves. A digital sign proudly displayed 506 animals had been processed that day. It was so easy and incredibly fast, especially at 10PM at night.

We simply drove onto the train, remained in the car and were back in England in a mere 35 minutes. The entire drive took just over 7 hours due to a slight delay by the Eurotunnel.

I was charged for 2 seats having Elle and totalled £126, (Pet Ticket, Eurotunnel ticket, plus 2 seats.)  Look out Europe because this is our new favorite way to travel.

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October 20, 2017 at 12:35 pm

Oh my goodness!! That sounds like quite a trip. I would have been a wreck!

October 21, 2017 at 8:24 pm

Hi Laura, we were exhausted but once Elle met Fora the energy level soared. ?

May 8, 2018 at 10:37 pm

What traveling bag/cage do you use and recommend for your frenchies?

May 9, 2018 at 12:18 am

I use the classic Sherpa carrier! Here’s a list of some airline approved carriers: https://wheresthefrenchie.com/best-airline-carriers-for-your-dog/

July 8, 2018 at 4:31 pm

Hi Nikki! Thanks for sharing your experience! I am also traveling to the UK with pets. Could you send me the contact of the driver? Do you mind to say how much did it cost? Thanks!! José

July 10, 2018 at 3:12 am

Hi Jose! Yes it was http://www.folkestonetaxi.com (info is on the site) and driver’s name is Lester, although they have several drivers and anyone can do it. We had Lester both times though and really liked him. The cost from Paris to London door-to-door was 550 pounds I think, plus the 100 pound eurotunnel fee (the fee changes due to availability).

July 10, 2018 at 3:14 am

Or did you mean the driver of Blablacar? You can find drivers on the site directly. Unfortunately, it’s kind of like Uber and the direct numbers aren’t shared.

April 29, 2022 at 12:58 pm

I thought it had cost you£125 from France to UK? Now I understand it cost£650?!!! I can’t afford that as I’m flying into CDG with dog in Cabin she’s need to get to London. Hiring a car is cheaper at £99pd!

[…] and travel to England on the channel/ferry. Our friends Coco + Elle did it and explain the process in this post (click here). We will also be doing it next Spring–we’ll fly into Paris and most likely rent a car […]

[…] under seat Must have European Passport More helpful links: Traveling to Paris With Your Dog How to Get From London to Paris Paris Dog-Friendly Guide Airlines to London England That Allow Dogs […]

[…] think they only had the France ones. Plus, next year we’re coming back to France and going to England from Paris so I’m fine with that. Now, I don’t have to do the paperwork all over again each time I […]

[…] More helpful links: London Dog-Friendly City Guide Free International Travel Checklist How to Get From London to Paris […]

[…] friend Coco + her frenchie Elle wrote about going through the Eurotunnel (London to Paris) last year via the ferry and on the way back took a ridesharing service called […]

[…] human has written a post about that, and you can read all about her experience here. It’s also radically different to Ms Darcy’s account of travelling from Hook van […]

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This Luxury Dog Airline Just Added Flights to Florida and Paris

Will there be bone broth macarons?

Courtesy of Bark Air

A new airline for dogs is getting a major route upgrade.  BARK Air , which took to the skies on May 23, recently expanded to new destinations both in the United States and around the world. Dogs, and their owners, will be able to fly to Paris, Chicago, San Jose, Phoenix, and Fort Lauderdale on new service that begins in October. These new routes will complement the existing service connecting New York, Los Angeles, and London.  “We’ve had such high demand, that we’re expanding service to five new destinations and seven new routes both domestically and internationally,” a BARK Air spokesperson shared in a statement to Travel + Leisure.  BARK Air operates on Gulfstream G5 jets, and the airline says that each plane can accommodate 14 dogs and humans, however the airline will never sell more than 9 tickets to keep things spacious. Passengers fly in and out of metro areas of major cities, but not necessarily the city itself. For example, flights marketed out of New York operate from Westchester County Airport, and flights to San Francisco actually operate from San Jose airport.  Upon landing, the airline provides free ground transportation within a 30 mile radius around the metropolitan area.  Domestic routes start at $6,000 and the international routes start at $8,000, with the New York to Paris journey totaling $8,500, according to the company's website. “We are excited to expand BARK Air’s service to new cities and through new routes, accommodating customer demand and bringing our unique, stress-free dog-centric travel experience to even more families,” BARK’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Matt Meeker said in a release about the new routes.  Since its launch, BARK Air social media feed has become popular with its videos and photos of dogs going viral. One Instagram Reel has over one million views as it details the extravagant amenities available for dogs as they board and fly on the plane. 

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Everything to Know About Flying With a Dog

By Matt Meltzer , Katherine LaGrave , and Sarah Kuta

If you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably spent more time than you’d care to admit fretting over what to do with your dog while you’re vacationing or traveling for work . Flying with a dog is one option, but it’s far from a straightforward decision.

Whether you’ve flown with your pup before or this is a first for both of you, the prospect of flying with a dog can be stressful and intimidating. What are the rules around flying with non-service pets? What does flying with a dog cost? Which breeds are allowed on planes? Can you take a dog on a plane, or will they be relegated to the cargo hold? What equipment do you need? And—most importantly—will flying be safe and comfortable for your pet?

There’s a lot to consider before traveling with a pet. However, with enough research (and some good conversations with your veterinarian) traveling with your dog is certainly possible.

We’ve rounded up everything you’ll want to consider ahead of time, from airline policies and paperwork to airport security procedures and more. Before you head to the airport , here’s what you need to know about flying with a dog.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Can I fly with a dog on a plane?

Can my dog fly with me? Yes, in many cases, your dog can fly with you on a plane, either in the cabin or the cargo hold. However, as you might imagine, airlines have tons of specific guidelines for travelers with pets to read up on. It’s important that you understand them all thoroughly, well in advance of your trip, so you know exactly what to expect and can prepare for how to fly with a dog ahead of time.

First, you’ll need to check with your airline to see what type of breeds they allow in the cabin or the cargo hold. Often, certain types of dog breeds are barred from flying in one place or another. For instance, brachycephalic dog breeds with short or snubbed noses (like French bulldogs and pugs) usually can’t fly in the cargo hold because of the potential for breathing issues. Most larger dogs aren’t allowed in the cabin (with exceptions for trained service animals) and will have to fly in the cargo hold. Many airlines have completely banned specific breeds—like pit bulls—from flying at all.

Always book flight reservations for you and your pet at the same time: Most airlines only allow a handful of pets per flight—typically two to six, depending on the type of plane and whether it is a domestic or international flight . Be sure to call and make sure there’s still room for your pet. You might also have limited seating options when flying with a dog. Airlines usually do not allow passengers flying with dogs to sit in bulkhead rows, business or first-class cabins with lie-flat beds, or emergency exit rows.

Beyond commercial flights, you also have the option of booking a private (or semi-private) flight with your dog. In recent years, a handful of new dog-friendly airlines have popped up, including Bark Air and K9 Jets , which offer pay-per-seat private jet service for pups and their humans. In addition, some private jet companies, like NetJets and VistaJet , will gladly roll out the red carpet for pets. Flying private is more expensive, and your carbon footprint will be bigger in most cases, but you may decide that it's necessary for your pet’s comfort.

How stressful is flying for dogs?

Flying can be uncomfortable for all dogs, but it’s especially hard on elderly dogs, as well as pups with health or behavioral issues.

For your pet, airports and airplanes mean loud noises, bright lights, thousands of people, a dizzying array of new smells, changes in air pressure and cabin temperature, and limited bathroom breaks. Dogs who must fly in the cargo hold are also separated from you, their favorite person in the world, in a scary, unfamiliar environment for several hours. “Always consider the pet’s perspective—what might be an exciting trip for you can be a stressful experience for them,” says LaDell Carter, a travel advisor who specializes in pet-friendly trips and the founder of Royal Expression Travels .

Driving to your destination is another option. But road-tripping is only viable if you have enough time to get there and back—and, just as importantly, if your dog doesn’t mind being in the car. (Some pups absolutely love car rides, but others get car sick or anxious.)

Beyond these considerations, think about whether your dog will even be able to participate in all the activities you have planned once you arrive. Is your lodging pet-friendly? Will the destination be too hot or too cold for them to spend time outdoors comfortably? Can you take them to restaurants, bars, and shops? If your pup will spend the entire trip locked inside a hotel room anyway, subjecting them to the misery of a flight probably isn’t worth it.

Bottom line: Unless you have a really solid reason for bringing them with you, it’s probably best to leave your pooch at home. As a pet parent, it’s your responsibility to do what’s best for your pup, even when that decision might make you feel blue for a few days. Hire a dog-sitter, ask a trusted friend or family member to look after them, or book a stay in a reputable boarding facility. “There are very few pros to flying with a dog,” says Jennifer Bruns, a veterinarian at PetSmart . “Bringing your pup on a flight is only recommended if it is absolutely necessary.”

And if you do decide to go ahead with flying with a dog, make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss food, water, exercise, medication, and other helpful strategies well in advance of the trip. Experts are split on whether pets should be sedated before flights (even the American Veterinary Medical Association offers a slightly murky answer to this question), so weigh the pros and cons with a vet who is familiar with your animal specifically. Also keep in mind that there are health risks involved with sedation, and some airlines prohibit this practice or require a veterinarian’s note.

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To minimize your pet’s distress, look for non-stop flights with no transfers, and avoid traveling over holiday periods when airlines—and airports—are busier than normal, to help reduce the risk of anything going wrong.

If your pet has to fly in cargo, also be mindful of the weather at your destination. For trips to warm-weather locales, look into early morning or late evening flights when the temperatures won’t be quite so hot; conversely, in cooler climates, book flights in the middle of the day, when temps are warmest. Also note that some airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines , have strict rules about dogs flying in the cargo hold based on outdoor temperatures along the route. If it’s too hot or too cold, they may not accept your pet—and you’ll be left scrambling to make alternate arrangements.

Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?

Most airlines do not allow passengers to buy their dogs a seat on a plane. However, depending on the dog’s size and breed, as well as the specific airline’s rules, you may be able to pay to have your dog fly with you in the cabin.

Usually, only allow small dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin. Some outline specific weight limits, but most simply require carry-on pets to fit comfortably in a soft-sided carrier that can go under the seat in front of you. The carrier must remain under the seat for the entire flight—you can’t get your pup out for snuggles mid-journey, unless you want a stern talking-to from a flight attendant. The pet carrier counts as either your personal item or carry-on bag, and it must be roomy enough for your pup to be able to stand up and turn around when it’s zipped shut.

A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet. Dogs must still fly in a carrier and fit under the seat to be stowed for taxi, takeoff, and landing (on Etihad, carriers can take up more space if being used with an additional seat); outside of those flight phases, passengers are generally allowed to put the dog carrier on their lap or in the seat next to them that they purchased.

Unfortunately, larger pet dogs have to fly in the cargo hold, along with all the luggage and freight. Most airlines describe this as “shipping” your pet. (Yikes.)

While airlines say they try their best to make dogs comfortable in the cargo hold, it’s bound to be an unpleasant experience for your pet nonetheless. Plenty of animals fly in cargo every year without incident, but travelers have also shared horror stories about their pets being injured, becoming very sick, or even dying.

If you’re curious about the risk, here are some statistics to consider: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation , 188,223 animals flew on U.S. airlines in 2022 (the newest data available). Among those, seven animals died, one was lost and one was injured, which translates to an overall incident rate of 0.48 per 10,000. That’s low to be sure, but if your pet was one of those unlucky few, how might you feel?

Additionally, once you check in your dog for the flight, they are entirely in the hands of airline personnel. Your dog will be loaded by baggage handlers who are trying to get all of the luggage and other items into the cargo hold quickly and efficiently. Although they may adore pets, it’s not their job to comfort, pet, walk, or otherwise pay special attention to your dog.

So, do the benefits of “shipping” your dog in the cargo hold outweigh the downsides? The answer to that question depends on your situation, your dog, and your tolerance for risk. “There are many situations that are beyond your control when your pet flies in cargo,” says Bruns. “Putting your dog in cargo, even on a pet-friendly airline, can be a very risky situation.”

What are the rules for flying with a dog?

The rules for traveling with dogs vary widely based on the airline, where you’re traveling, and what type of dog you have. Always do research in advance of every trip—even if it’s not your first time flying with a dog—to ensure you have all of the latest information and regulations.

“One common misconception is that all airlines have uniform policies regarding pet travel,” says Carter. “In reality, policies can differ greatly between airlines and even between international and domestic flights. Knowing these details upfront ensures a smoother booking process and helps set realistic expectations for the journey.”

Look at airlines’ websites carefully to be sure you’re reading all the correct information you need. You can also try calling an airline customer service line to get more detail on their specific rules. Here are the pet travel pages for Delta , American Airlines , United , JetBlue , Southwest , and Alaska Airways . (If your dog is a trained service animal, then a totally different set of regulations will apply.)

Airlines typically require a health certificate —issued by an accredited veterinarian following an office visit that includes a physical examination—stating your dog is healthy and up-to-date on her vaccinations. The certificate is only good for 30 days, and you’ll need it for both your departure and return. (Many airlines require that your dog's clean bill of health be no more than 10 days old.) If the duration of your trip is longer than your certificate will be valid for, you’ll also have to schedule a vet visit while on your trip to meet the return flight requirements. Dogs must also typically be at least eight weeks old to fly, says Bruns.

You’ll typically pay between $95 to $125 each way for your pet to fly in the cabin with you, though the pet fee varies by airline. The cost of shipping your pet in the cargo hold depends on the combined weight of your dog and their crate, as well as how far they’ll be flying—most airlines offer online calculators for getting an estimate.

Wherever your pet will spend the flight, airlines typically require an appropriate pet carrier or crate. The International Air Transport Association, whose guidelines most airlines follow, has a list of pet carrier requirements (we've also rounded up our favorite airline-approved pet carriers) . Generally speaking, the crate needs to be durable and have plenty of ventilation, strong handles, and a leak-proof bottom.

Clearly mark the pet carrier with the words “Live Animal” and arrows that show which way is up, with a label containing your name, phone number, address, and destination contact information. Also, double-check the zippers or other closure mechanisms, even if you’ve flown with this specific carrier in the past. “You don’t want to be TikTok famous when your pet escapes on the airplane,” says Philippa Pavia, a veterinary surgeon and vice president of medical operations for Thrive Pet Healthcare who often flies with her Chihuahua mix, Pierre.

Another important thing to research? Local animal import laws for each airport you’ll be stopping at along the way. This is especially important if you’re traveling internationally or somewhere like Hawaii , which has strict customs rules. Many places have painfully complicated processes and long quarantine periods—which could mean you'd be separated from your pet for most or all of your trip.

Some destinations do not allow pets to fly in the cabin, even if your dog is small enough to be a carry-on; there are even some countries and states that prohibit pets from flying to, from, or through on a connection, period. Others have specific requirements that may take a while to coordinate, so it’s best to start your trip-planning process extra early if you want to bring your dog. “Some countries require testing and treatment for disease months in advance of travel, so timing is of the utmost importance,” says Bruns.

Also note there are special requirements for dogs traveling to the US from a country the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deems high risk for rabies . For example, dogs that have been vaccinated against rabies in the US by a US-licensed veterinarian may return from a high-risk country if they have proof of rabies vaccination and a microchip; are at least six months old; are healthy upon arrival; and arrive at one of 18 specific airports with CDC quarantine facilities. These rules are slated to change on Aug. 1, however, so bookmark the CDC’s webpage for the latest requirements. The CDC also has an interactive question-and-answer tool, called DogBot, that can help you determine which specific rules apply to your pup.

Before your trip, thoroughly research the departing and arrival airports, paying close attention to any pet relief areas. If your pet isn’t crate-trained or you’ve purchased a new travel carrier, spend time training or familiarizing your pup with the kennel well in advance of your trip. You might even consider taking your dog to the airport’s departure area a few times so they become slightly more comfortable with this strange place. “Every time I fly with my dog, I look at the terminal map—both the one I'm leaving from and the one I'm landing at—to see if there is a pet relief area,” says Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer with Rover . “This way, if my flight is delayed, I can give him another chance to go. And as soon as we land, I know where to head.”

Flying with a dog: Day-of travel

On travel day, follow the action plan you created with your vet for food, water, and exercise. “I recommend feeding a small, easily digestible meal a few hours prior to the flight and decreasing water consumption,” says Pavia. “I also recommend exercising your pet before going to the airport so they’re ready for a nap.”

When it’s time to head to the airport, be sure to arrive extra early so you don’t feel rushed or frazzled. If your pet is flying cargo, most airlines require you to arrive at least three hours before departure for domestic flights and at least five hours before international flights. You’ll likely need to take your pet to a separate cargo drop-off location at the airport. These are usually special hangars on the outskirts of the airport property, and your airline should have a list of locations and hours. This is also where you’ll pick up your pet after the flight, too, so review your departure and arrival airport maps ahead of time to know where to go.

If your pet is small enough to fly in the cabin, go to the passenger check-in desk, where an agent will ask to see your dog’s required paperwork. Once you’ve got the all-clear and paid the pet carry-on fee, head to security. Deal with your shoes, liquids, laptop, and other items before tending to your dog. Then, remove your dog from the kennel and place the carrier on the conveyor belt to go through the X-ray machine. When it’s your turn to go through the metal detector, TSA says to carry or walk your dog through. You’ll need to remove your dog’s collar or leash if any part of it is metal, to avoid setting off the alarm. “If your pet could escape, you should have a collar and leash that can remain on them through the metal detector,” says Pavia.

You’ll also want to read up on the TSA’s rules around dog food , especially if you want to bring a little wet food in your carry-on bag. The agency considers both dry and moist dog food as solid food, which means they’re both allowed in carry-on bags. As with all food items , however, a security officer may ask you to remove the food from your bag to get a clearer picture of the other contents in your carry-on.

If the dog is flying as cargo, make sure to attach a current photo of her to the outside of the carrier, as well as a small bag of food so airline personnel can feed it in case of a long delay . Keep a current photo of your dog handy on your phone, too, in case the airline accidentally misplaces your pet—it's not likely, but it’s better to be prepared. (Getting your pet microchipped can also help in the event that your pet gets lost.) Once you touch down at your destination, grab your checked baggage (or, to speed things up while traveling with dogs, only bring a carry-on ) and head straight to the airline’s cargo location.

Dogs who fly cargo are typically available two hours after the flight’s arrival. You must pick them up within four hours of arrival, or airline staffers will take them to a veterinarian or boarding facility.

Whether your pet flew in cargo or the cabin, take your pup for a walk right away and be sure to give her lots of praise, cuddles, treats, toys, or whatever other positive reinforcement rewards they prefer. (If you're flying with a dog in the cabin and have a layover, stretch your legs—and your pup's—at a pet relief area in the airport.) Though the journey can be complicated, you'll breathe easier once you've both arrived safe and sound.

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How to Travel with a Dog Between the UK and Europe

One of the best things about travelling in Europe with a dog is that it’s usually so easy! Generally you don’t require any paperwork for travelling from country to country and most transport options allow dogs. However, this isn’t the case if you’re departing the UK to travel to Europe with a dog, or on the other hand you’re trying to  travel to the UK with a dog .

For starters, dogs aren’t allowed on the otherwise-so-convenient Eurostar from London , almost the only train service in Europe that doesn’t allow any size pet dogs. Additionally, pet dogs are also not allowed to fly into the UK in plane cabins, only as cargo, and there are limited flight options when leaving the UK. So, how do you take your dog from the UK to continental Europe , or vice versa?

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links.

Looking for information on travelling to or from a specific country? Check out my guides on:

• How to take your dog to France
• How to take your dog from the UK to Spain
• How to take your dog to Northern Ireland
• How to take your dog to the Republic of Ireland
• How to take your dog from the UK to the USA
• How to travel to the UK from outside of Europe

Can You Take a Dog on the Eurostar?

It would be wonderful if you could quickly and easily head from England to France, Belgium or the Netherlands with your pet dog on the Eurostar! Unfortunately though,  no pet dogs are allowed on the Eurostar . The only dogs that are allowed on the Eurostar are assistance dogs, and even then they need to be booked in advance.

It would be terrific if this changed to allow pets on the Eurostar, but there are currently no plans for this to change. It’s especially perplexing given that dogs are allowed on trains in both the UK (for free!) and in France.

Taking a Dog on the Ferry as a Foot Passenger

Generally, most of the ferries that travel between the UK and continental Europe only allow passengers with a vehicle to bring along dogs. This is because most of the time pets must stay in the vehicle, or they do not have facilities for the boarding of foot passengers with pets.

There are only a handful of exceptions, with the following four ferries allowing foot passengers to take a dog. Best of all, most of these ferries now have pet-friendly cabins available.

Ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe (DFDS Seaways)

This is the only ferry between England and France that allows foot passengers to bring their dog. A charge applies, which was recently £22. The journey is about 4 hours (longer than the shorter Dover to Dunkirk or Calais routes) and dogs are kept in kennels on the car deck for the entire journey. Pets must be carried on board in a pet carrier.

Ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland (Stena Line w/ Pet-Friendly Cabins)

This longer crossing takes up to 9 1/2 hours (with shorter crossings during the day), but is quite popular with dog owners as it is more pet-friendly.

Recently, pet-friendly cabins were introduced on the ferries. Choose between two-berth inside or outside cabins, or larger five-berth cabins with a window. Up to three small pets under 15kg are permitted in each cabin, or two medium-sized dogs under 30kg, or one large dog over 30kg.

Additionally, there is also the option of booking a kennel, with two kennel rooms that remain accessible during the voyage, plus a TV channel showing CCTV footage from the kennels. Outside on the deck is a pet exercise area, although be warned it is just bare deck.

There is no additional fee for pets staying in a pet-friendly cabin, although the cabins themselves are more expensive. The charge for pets to stay in a kennel is £21. (Car passengers also have the option of leaving dogs in their car, with a fee of £18 applying.)

Read my review of travelling between London and Amsterdam with my dog on this ferry, on the overnight sailing. It is possible to book online ; simply select a pet-friendly cabin if desired at the cabin step, then add your pet to your booking at the next step.

Recently, a limit of three pets per foot passenger has been imposed (or five pets per vehicle).

Ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS Seaways w/ Pet-Friendly Cabins)

This ferry service to Amsterdam also offers dog-friendly cabins as well as kennels, with both available to foot passengers as well as car passengers. The pet-friendly cabins are four-berth sea-view cabins that can accomodate up to two medium-sized dogs.

This crossing is a more convenient option for dog owners travelling to or from northern England or Scotland. Note though that the journey time is much longer – nearly 16 hours.

There is a charge of £30 per pet in either a cabin or kennel. Foot passengers travelling with a pet need to book by  calling the contact centre . 

Read this review  by someone else taking the ferry or find out more about the DFDS pet-friendly cabins and travelling with a pet on DFDS ferries in general .

Ferry from Hull to Rotterdam (P&O w/ Pet-Friendly Cabins)

This ferry service also connects northern England with the Netherlands, but this time the ports of Hull and Rotterdam. The journey time is about 11 hours, with the service generally operating overnight.

Recently, three pet-friendly cabins have been added on each ferry. Each cabin is a two-berth ensuite cabin with a window, although with a restricted view. Each cabin can accommodate two small or one medium/large dog. Naturally, they should be booked well in advance, plus they cost more than standard cabins.

The pet-friendly cabins are located on deck 7 close to the kennels and exercise area. It’s also possible to book one of the air-conditioned kennels, with three sizes available. While the kennels cannot be visited during the crossing, they are regularly checked by staff members overnight.

There is a set fee of £22 per pet, charged regardless of whether your pet travels in a kennel or cabin. It’s easy to add a pet to an online booking, for those travelling with or without a car, plus select a pet-friendly cabin if available.

Another way that P&O has made their crossings more pet-friendly is by setting up a pet exercise area at both the Hull and Rotterdam Ferry Terminals, for some last minute exercise before boarding the ferry.

Find out more about taking your pets on P&O .

Taking a Ferry with a Car and a Dog

It’s a lot easier to travel in between England and continental Europe with a pet if you also have a car! The majority of ferries travelling between England and continental Europe allow passengers travelling with a car to also transport pets. Click here for the full list of approved ferries.

Check out my full guide to pet-friendly cabins on ferries to Europe

Another recently development in 2023 has been the introduction of pet lounges on the P&O ferries between Dover and Calais. Instead of leaving your dog in your car, you can travel together in the lounge, with access to an outside exercise deck. A fee applies for access, with only dogs allowed. Additionally, only those with a vehicle can travel with pets, not foot passengers.

If your dog is staying in your car, it’s best to choose one of the quicker ferry options, such as between Dover and Calais, particularly if travelling in the warmer months.

Most ferries charge a fee per pet, usually around £22 except on the longer voyages to and from Spain, although the exact fee varies between the different companies. Check out the websites of the individual ferry companies for more information.

I’ve also put together detailed guides on taking the ferry to France with a dog and taking the ferry to Spain with a dog , with a list of all options and their pet facilities.

Taking the Eurotunnel with a Dog

The second option available if you have a car, and probably the more convenient one, is to take the Eurotunnel car shuttle train. Your dog stays in your car along with you, and the actual crossing only takes 35 minutes. There is an additional charge of £22 per pet, in each direction.

At both Calais (France) and Folkestone (UK) you will need to report to the Pet Reception Centre, prior to checking in. Make sure you allow additional time for this step. Here your dog’s paperwork will be checked.

See further details on the Eurotunnel website  about transporting dogs via the Eurotunnel.

Note that the Eurotunnel doesn’t take foot passengers, with or without a dog.

Flying to the UK with a Dog

If you’re wanting to fly to the UK with a dog, the only option available is for your pet to fly as cargo. No dogs are allowed to travel to the UK in the plane cabin, except for assistance dogs, or as checked luggage. 

Click here for the list of approved airlines , including the approved destination airports, or alternatively check the pet policy of the airline you intend to use, as many airlines that fly pets elsewhere in Europe don’t offer the option of flying pets as cargo to the UK.

Depending on the airline, you may be required to use an animal transport company, meaning it can be quite expensive. Additionally, there is a large fee payable when you collect your pet from the quarantine office. On top of that, the process is reportedly quite time consuming and you need to make an advance booking – Heathrow in particular is often booked out in advance.

Is it any wonder that most people avoid flying to the UK with their pet?

Flying out of the UK with a Dog

While pets flying into the UK must travel as cargo, the rules are more relaxed for flying with pets out of the UK. Dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin or as checked luggage. However, there are only a limited number of airlines that offer this.

Check out my guide to the latest airlines that fly dogs out of the UK , whether in the cabin or as excess baggage. Two of the European airlines that clearly specify they allow this are Air Malta and TAP Air Portugal. Additionally, I’ve heard reports from fellow travellers of Air France, KLM and Lufthansa allowing this.

I recommend phoning up the airline you are considering using to find out if this is an option, plus noting down the details of who you spoke to and when if you do get the okay. Note that none of the UK airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin at all.

Taxi Services Across the English Channel

The other alternative if you’re travelling between the UK and continental Europe without a car, and are struggling with the limited transport options available, is to utilise a taxi service. There are multiple providers that will basically take you on a taxi ride, along with your dog in the vehicle, but a slightly different taxi ride as you’ll be taking the Eurotunnel with the taxi.

Generally you just take the taxi between Folkestone Central station and either Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun station, utilising trains on either end. Expect to be charged at least £100-200 in addition to the Eurotunnel cost.

There may also be the option to travel a further distance on each end, such as all the way from London, for a higher cost. A typical fee from Paris to central London is £700, including the Eurotunnel cost.

For further details on taking a dog taxi from the UK to France, contact:

• Folkestone Taxis (also known as Pet Travel Abroad)

Prefer to not pay the expense of a private taxi? Another more recent option is Le Pet Express , which has regular scheduled mini-bus crossings, between Ashford and Calais Frethun rail stations. The shared mini buses can transport up to five pets and six people, with you travelling beside your pet. At the moment there are crossings on Saturdays and Sundays.

Additionally, there are some companies that are specifically set up to transport dogs longer distances between European countries and the UK, not just across the channel. These companies can collect your pet from an airport or city in Europe, then transport your pet to your door in the UK.

One such company is Happy Saluki Pet Transport , which is DEFRA certified. Another alternative is Pet Courier , a Spanish company that specifically transports pets between the UK and Spain, and vice versa.

What Paperwork is Required for my Dog?

To travel with a pet from the UK to the EU , your dog or cat needs to be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days before your day of travel and either have an EU animal health certificate or a pet passport issued in the EU or Northern Ireland.

Additionally, if you are travelling to the Finland, Ireland or Malta (plus Norway), your dog now needs to receive a worming treatment from your vet. For full details, see the UK government website .

Note that following Brexit, Great Britain issued pet passports are no longer valid, and you will need to visit a vet before each trip for an animal health certificate. However, if you have an EU or Northern Ireland-issued pet passport ( Northern Ireland is technically part of the EU for pet travel purposes), these are still valid.

If you require an animal health certificate, I’ve heard recommendations for Abbeywell Vets located in Folkestone, close to the Eurotunnel terminal and the Dover ferry port. You can request an EU animal health certificate online for collection when you arrive in Folkestone for a reasonable price.

Prior to Brexit, when heading from the UK across to continental Europe, generally no paperwork for pets was checked. However, this is no longer the case, so allow additional time.

For more tips on everything to organise and other parasite treatments to consider when travelling to Europe with your dog, check out the pet travel guide put together by The Daycare Vet .

When returning to the UK , similar requirements apply. The animal health certificate used to leave Great Britain can be used to return to Great Britain, with a validity period of four months. Alternatively, a pet passport, including a pet passport issued in Great Britain prior to 2021, can be presented. Otherwise visit the vet to get a Great Britain pet health certificate.

Note that all dogs (except for those entering directly from Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway) will need to be administered a worming treatment by a vet between 24 hours and 5 days of entry into the UK, with this recorded in your dog’s health certificate or pet passport.

Be prepared for your pet’s paperwork to be carefully checked when returning to the UK . The UK is is very strict about dogs entering the country, so make sure everything is in order. The timing of the worming treatment is checked down to the hour, plus the rabies vaccine is carefully checked.

For more details on the paperwork required, see the UK government website .

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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81 thoughts on “How to Travel with a Dog Between the UK and Europe”

Thank you for this! What an amazing resource. My partner and I are looking into working holiday visas and the UK was our first choice since we have a common language. But we got discouraged when we thought we wouldn’t be able to bring our dog. So thank you so much for all of this info! Super helpful!

https://teaspoonofadventure.com/

Glad it’s helped you! Hope you have an amazing time on your trip, whether that’s in the UK or somewhere else. 🙂

dont forget that worming pil alot of people get caught out by that ,,i cant remember the name for the worm

How about taxis, most of the taxi drivers in London they refuse the journey when they see the pet, how about your experience. thanks for sharing

I’ve had both experiences with catching taxis in London – being refused or accepted (although I guess it helped that my dog is small and was in a carrier bag). It’s helpful if you can advise in advance that you have a dog.

With crossing the channel in a taxi, it’s a specific service offered by these companies that you book in advance, advising that you have a dog. I’m sure they wouldn’t refuse if it’s all been properly booked!

This is a great series but I’m really surprised that you haven’t once mentioned the banned dog breeds in Europe! As owners of the soppiest, softest, daftest, most laid back (breed indicative!) Bullmastiff, we were shocked to discover that we are unable to drive through France with her. We are however looking at options to take the ferry straight to Spain instead! The Caravan and Motorhome Club has some info, but we’ve found that this is not a widely publicised subject which could catch out unsuspecting owners. https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/overseas-holidays/useful-information/travelling-with-pets/

Thanks for sharing the informative post! I’ve recently written about this on my post about France ( http://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-france/ ), but will add further details to other posts as I read up further.

This is a concern of mine as well! I plan to tour Europe with my dog on an extremely extended trek, but she is a pit-hound mix. I think I am going to mostly rely on the fact she looks more like a hound dog and hope that saves us! If I could get her to howl on command, that would convince everyone. You can’t mistake the distinct hound baying xD

My final hope is that the muzzle that is required in many areas doesn’t ruin the illusion. Covering her very hound-y snout might draw more attention to her very pit-y ears. : {

As for crossing from France to England, I have half a mind to hitch hike, LOL!

Hitch hiking is an option! Not sure if Bla Bla Car operates in the UK, but I’ve heard of some people having success with it and a dog.

I’ve recently written more on the topic of dangerous dog rules here: http://www.travelnuity.com/travel-with-dangerous-dog-breed/

Fantastic resource! Struggling to get our toy poodle from Croatia/Italy back to the UK. Any advice???

It sure is tricky returning pets to the UK, unless you’re happy to have them travel as cargo (and pay the cost)! Probably my favourite recommendation (and that of many people I’ve spoken to) is flying to Amsterdam and then taking the Stenaline ferry to Harwich or the DFDS ferry to Newcastle. Alternatively, if you would prefer to travel by train, I recommend checking out Man in Seat 61 for the options.

I need to get my Brussels Griffon from Croatia to UK – have you any solutions?

I recommend flying to either Paris or Amsterdam, then taking the ferry or a pet taxi on the Eurotunnel. Alternatively, there’s companies that can provide end to end land transport from many countries to the UK

Such a great help. Thank you! We are getting the Eurotunnel to France with our dog and then driving up to Belgium. I’ve struggled to find anything about traveling between countries in Europe and can only assume that we don’t have to do anything between France and Belgium? Just the vet stop in France on the way back? If you can offer any advice I’d be ever so grateful. Thank you!

Georgia – Great to hear about your plans! For travelling with your dog between EU countries (and other countries like Switzerland), you’re required to have their pet passport and a rabies vaccine at least 21 days old, but this is rarely checked (except for UK and Malta, possibly Finland and Norway, that all requires the worming treatment). Expect to show nothing when travelling from France to Belgium, the same as regular passports are not checked. And yes, stop at the vet between returning to the UK for the worming treatment, at least 24 hours before returning to the UK.

Thanks for the clear and up-to-date information. This is an invaluable help as it can be hard to get clear information about pet-travel in one place, which can be very confusing. I really appreciate it !

Glad to help Neil!

Excellent information, thank you. I moved to Cyprus 2yrs ago with my dog in cargo and he was severely traumatised to the point that I thought he may die as he stopped eating. Then he got hit by a car and is now paralysed. I am desperately trying to get back to the UK but am struggling to find a way off the island without putting him in hold again. He weighs too much to go as hand luggage and i have to toilet him every 4hrs so cargo is not an option. Any suggestions? Thank you

Unfortunately I haven’t yet been to Cyprus, so I’m not fully across the transport situation. One option might be taking a ferry, then trains across Europe (see https://www.seat61.com/Cyprus.htm ). I know the ferries in Greece allowed dogs on the outside decks. But Greece has restrictions on larger dogs on trains, and Turkey may have the same. Not to mention this is a long journey.

I’d recommend looking into an animal transport company, who may operate vans where they transport dogs. I’ve heard of this before, but haven’t used it in Europe. Additionally, speak to your vet whether they can recommend something to help your dog, if you do end up resorting to cargo again. Sedatives aren’t usually recommended, but are an option if you work out a plan and trial it with your vet.

Can you tell me if you have to pay someone to go through customs at both the CDG airport if flying into France with your dogs, and then at either border, France or UK, when taking the on-foot ferry option or the overnight ferry option from Amsterdam?

Kelly – Sorry for taking a while to reply, I haven’t had decent internet access lately. The great news is that no customs fee is payable arriving in CDG or crossing the channel. The only customs fee in Europe I’m aware of is flying into the UK. Hopefully this doesn’t change with Brexit.

Hi! I am thinking of taking a small-sized dog, but I live in the UK. I travel to Sicily quite a lot (my home is there) and was thinking if you could suggest the best option to travel there. How expensive could that be?

It’ll be easier to travel to Sicily with your dog, as some airlines accept dogs flying out of the UK (perhaps Alitalia, I haven’t heard reports), but flying back into the UK dogs can only travel in cargo. Most people avoid this (and the high cost) by flying to a nearby city and then driving back across (on a ferry or the tunnel) or taking the ferry. I’ve covered these options in this post. I recommend contacting an airline directly for a cargo quote. The cost of driving or taking the ferry is trickier to estimate as it varies depending on your choice and has multiple components.

You are very helpful. I’ve spent about 20 minutes on your site and you’ve done a very good job responding to comments and being a presence in your community niche. Good job!

Hi, I am travelling from U.K. to Brazil with my pet in the cabin. However my flight has a connection of 1:30 hour in Amsterdam, where I will change the aircraft but won’t leave the lobby of arrivals and departures. I already have all the documents required by Brazilian authorities. Do you know if I have to apply for any additional document to present in Amsterdam or the health certificate issued by British authorities is enough?

If you’re not leaving the airport in Amsterdam, you don’t require anything. However, if you wish to leave the airport this depends on whether this is this year or next year after the end of the Brexit transition. At the moment, your dog would just need a EU pet passport, showing the valid rabies vaccine. However, this is often not checked.

Thank you so much for this post!! I have struggled so much in finding good information to take my pet from the Uk to Switzerland.

I am moving and I have also lots of luggage, do you recommend anything on this situation?

I was planning on renting a car but because I’m not 25 yet this is not an option for me unfortunately.

Once again thank you for taking the time on writing this post.

Thanks so much Mariana! There are some services that will deliver luggage for you, but I’m not sure of the costs involved. Alternatively, I’d recommend using a taxi to cross the channel (and loading it up with your luggage), plus investigating using BlaBlaCar (car pooling), specifying you have extra luggage.

Does BlaBlaCar work well? I saw this even searching for ways to cross but did not look into it heavily… I’ve been wanting to drive and hook up a dash camera to record to country side of France and England.

I haven’t used it, but have had it recommended by others online, although this was pre-Covid

You can send your luggage before you leave to where you’re going out have someone do it for you after. I’m going to see my mum and I’m going to Oxford flying into France from the USA. I spent £256 to send two bags at 72lbs and 60lbs from Oregon USA to Oxford England.

Hello, thanks for this very useful guide! I want to go from Paris to London with a cat, and I have one question: is there a way of renting a car to go from Paris to London (and drop the car in London) with my cat? I am from the USA, so I am not sure if there are any special restrictions I need to take into account, or if rental companies even let you have a cat in the car. Thanks!

Sebastian – I looked into this when I was travelling the same route, and found most car companies either didn’t permit a one-way hire or charged a fortune for it. Most car hire companies don’t have rules against pets in the car in France, although I would ideally keep your cat in a carrier (for their own safety, too) and remove any pet hair before returning it.

Did you end up paying a lot for a car rental?

Sorry, I’m not sure what car rental you’re referring to. We had multiple both in France and UK, but didn’t get a one-way rental

Hi, Shandos! I’ve been trying to look everywhere for the answer but I’m traveling from the USA to France where I’ll spend a few days. I’m traveling (likely flying) to the UK soon after and was wondering if I need two separate health certificates (one from France) even if I’d be traveling with a USA-endorsed certificate within the 10 days it’s valid.

If I need only one, do I need to have the health certificate for France or for the UK? Is either accepted by either country? Thank you so much for your help!

Unfortunately, you’ll need a 2nd health certificate – the GB pet health certificate. France only accepts the EU one, while England/Scotland/Wales only accept the GB one. It will be best if you have both completed in the USA, or else have the GB pet health certificate completed in France. For the UK, pets also need to be wormed within 5 days of arrival, but at least 24 hours in advance, which sounds like it’ll be easier done in France if you spend a few days there.

Have you gone yet? I’m doing the taking my cat to France CDG this month trying to book my tickets for the ferry or taxi across to England

Just wanted to let you know the link under Folkestone Taxi did not work. Thank you, hope all is well

Thanks, I’ll check it out.

In case you are not aware the rules post Brexit have changed at Eurotunnel. Generally for any pet there is a new requirement for travel from the UK to France to have a health declaration which is obtained at a vet and costs around £160 per pet. This is because France now does not recognise the UK Pet Passport. And at Eurotunnel there is a new Pet reception centre you have to visit to board the train with your dog.

Thanks for the information on the new pet reception centre! As I’ve mentioned elsewhere on my blog, yes a health certificate is now required to travel from the UK to France. This article is due to be updated soon.

Great website! Has anyone had experience travelling from Amsterdam to Newcastle by ferry as a foot passenger? The website gives conflicting info 🙁 Are you allowed to take a small dog with you on this route?

Many thanks!!

You should be able to take a small dog in the pet-friendly cabins, I know people who have done this. However, this may be impacted by Covid, so I recommend calling to confirm.

Air France, KLM and Delta allow flying out of the UK with a pet in cabin also.

Thanks for sharing!

Hi, I was looking at taking my dog on the plane from Uk to Kosovo which is possible but the return cost for the dog is very high. More than I paid for my family tickets. I would like to know if I can travel with my car from Uk to Kosovo with the dog. I have done this journey many times before without the dog but not sure what is required re: travel with dog in the car. Thanks

It’s quite easy to drive through Europe with a dog in your car. To travel from the UK to France, you’ll need to visit your vet to get an EU pet health certificate, within 10 days of your arrival in France. The price for this varies quite a bit. This can also be used to re-enter the UK, if your trip is under 4 months, plus you need to get a worming treatment recorded between 24 hours and 5 days before returning to the UK.

Once you are in France, keep the EU pet health certificate. You need this to cross borders within the EU (and Switzerland), but it is unlikely anyone will ask to view it. However, I’m not sure what is required to enter the non-EU countries, like Bosnia and Kosovo. I recommend checking the government websites in advance.

Actually, I just realised one other thing. If you travel to the EU after travelling to a few countries in Europe outside of the EU, including Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo, you pet will need a rabies titre test also. The list of exempt countries and territories is here: https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/listing-territories-and-third-countries_en . More information is here: https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/non-commercial-movement-non-eu-countries_en .

If you have this done before leaving the EU, there is no waiting period (normally there is a 3 month waiting period), but I am not sure what happens if you have this done in the UK, see such the UK is no longer part of the EU. I recommend speaking to your vet for advice.

Hi, my mum is moving to the UK with her dog from Malta. Planning to fly to France/Belgium then drive or ferry to UK. If paperwork and worming treatment is done in Malta (up to 5 days prior) is that enough or will she need to see a vet in France?

That should be fine, assuming she also has a valid EU pet passport to travel to France/Belgium.

Hi Shandos! Thanks for the blog post, very helpful. I just wanted to share for people that will need to travel between EU and UK regularly: every time you travel from the UK you will need a health certificate, as those expire, but if you actually register your pet with a Vet in an EU country (I did it in Barcelona, Spain) you can then get a Pet Passport recognised by the EU. This will allow you to travel back without needing to spend every time in a health certificate, which can cost £150+. The requirements to get the passport in Spain were pretty simple: they didn’t asked for min period of time (but this could be different depending on the practice apparently), show the vaccine records and the cost for my dog was around €50. I don’t know how this can be done in other countries or even regions of Spain, but worth checking. Hope it helps someone else!

Thanks for sharing Julio, including how easy it was in Spain. Unfortunately France has been making it more difficult to get an Eu pet passport there unless you live in France, but with the high cost of pet certificates it’s worth trying.

Hi Shandos, Thank you very much for your great website! 🙏 Can you please help me, as far as I’ve read (e.g. https://heathfieldvets.co.uk/travelling-to-the-eu-post-brexit/ ), UK vets can no longer stamp raibies vaccines into EU pet passports. Which means, that if you are going to get an EU pet passport, you will have to take your dog back to EU *every year* for the vaccination. Did I get that right? Because if yes, it doesn’t seem cost effective to have a EU pet passport 🤔

Yes, that’s now the case, since the UK left the EU. Some rabies vaccinations are valid for 3 years, but it only makes sense to go down this route if you are planning on regularly visiting the EU with your dog, such as spending a few months each year there.

Thank you again! 😊

United allowed flying out of Edinburgh in cabin. Also note Stena Line Hook to Harwich now has pet cabins you can book for the night trip, and their day crossing at 14:15-19:45 looks to be shorter (our doggie is very old and I don’t think we could leave her in one overnight). We have done the DFDS to Newcastle several times. They looked at her EU passport when departing AMS but not when arriving in Newcastle both times. After finding it just as difficult to get to their bus in Amsterdam last time however we took a train to the closest point and then called and Uber. We also took an Uber on the Newcastle end the last time.

Thanks for the updates George, I’ll look into this!

Hi Shandos! Do you have any experience/suggestions for travelling to the UK from Portugal with a 20kg friend? It looked for a moment like British Airways might be a possiblility through the cargo handlers IAG but it seems they don’t list Portugal as an option…

Portugal to UK is a tricky one at the moment! Lufthansa might be able to do it on a flight via Frankfurt, but I heard a few weeks back that they temporarily were stopping transit flights for pets due to low staffing levels from Covid.

Alternatively, there’s multiple pet transport companies that will transport pets in vans from throughout Europe across to the UK. Perhaps ask in a Portuguese expat group on Facebook for recommendations, or else a Google search turns up multiple options.

Hi, thank you for sharing all this information. I actually took your advice at Christmas and went from London to Malaga with my cat: Newhaven -> Dieppe -> by ferry then caught the trains (nightmare so long) then flew Paris -> Malaga.

However, we are going again in a few weeks and we were accepted in March to fly in the cabin with Iberia Express from Heathrow to Madrid then doing the fast train to Malaga. However, I just noticed that you have said Iberia no longer accept animals in the cabin? I have phoned them up a few times and they have confirmed that my cat is on the ticket. I am a little nervous now that we may be refused at the airport?

The latest I had heard is that they weren’t accepting pets, but maybe they have changed this again? If you have the ticket and you have confirmed this with them, all should be fine.

Thank you for the information, apologies if I have missed this but what is the protocol for arriving to CDG with dog in cabin? Do I need approval from the airport before I fly, if so who do I contact?

There’s no airport approval required at CDG, just a booking with an airline.

Hi ans thanks so much. for all this info. I am dual nationality, British/Irish and my dog is a rescue from Romania and has a European Passport. My plan is to take Le Pet Shuttle, (Eurotunnel) to Calais and then a train to CDG and stay in a Pet Friendly Hotel at airport. Then next day fly her in cabin with me from Paris to Faro, Portugal. I’m gonna have a stroller for her and an airline approved cabin carrier. My question is, what pitfalls should I look out for? Im a bit nervous about the paperwork.

I was gonna try Transavia Airlines.

The main requirement is that your dog still has a valid rabies vaccine in the passport. (Future vaccines will need to be done in the EU to be entered in the passport.) The paperwork will be checked before leaving the Uk, then perhaps at flight check in, but it’s fairly straight forward. Enjoy your trip!

Great & informative blog! The comments have helped me work out that Eurotunnel is best option in returning to the UK.

I would just like to double check I’m up to date with info tho.

I would like to fly from london to Faro, Portugal with my 5 months old chihuahua for a couple weeks holiday. (I used to live there before getting my puppy & still have friends over there, I am a British (born here) citizen.) I have found that I can fly out of london fine but it’s returning I’m unsure on. Preferably flying with TAP.

My question is: Will I be able to fly back with my pup if I have flown out with him or shall I try the Portugal to Calais flight then get the Eurotunnel over to the uk?

I won’t have my car tho for the Eurotunnel part, what would be the best way to get on there OR if you know a better alternative in returning to the uk from Faro, Portugal I’m happy to hear all ideas.

(Apologies for the story ha, I just want to make sure all details are in)

Yes, it’s possible to fly out of the UK with a dog in the cabin, with a few airlines, but it’s not possible to fly back in, even if you flew out, except if the pet flies in cargo. As you won’t have a car, there’s a few taxi companies I have listed that will transport you and your dog.

Lufthansa no longer allow pets in cargo to the uk. They say you need to book space on a cargo plane in order to transport your pet to the uk. British airways and Austrian airlines have said the same thing. It’s become even harder now to bring my cat to the uk.

Thanks for the heads up!

Hi! Super useful information as it’s so tricky to travel to/from the UK! I just wanted to add that dogs can travel in the cabin UK to Spain with Iberia Express (not normal Iberia). As far as I know, you have to phone several times until you get someone who knows their own rules… but it’s possible!

I thought Iberia Express had recently stopped allowing pets in the cabin leaving the UK, but maybe it is still sometimes possible? Thanks for the info!

Thanks so much for this article! The information was very helpful but I have a couple more questions that are specific to buying a puppy from a certified breeder in the UK and bringing them back home into EU.

We have put down a deposit for a puppy from a UK breeder but we live in Slovakia. We have a car so there is an option of basically taking a road trip from Bratislava to the UK (15+ hours) and back for the pup but in the end we want to choose a way to bring them home that’s least stressful for them. Do you have any suggestions on what the process is like with a 8 week old puppy and what the best options are for transport?

Thanks a lot, Anna

Anna – I’m not fully across the rules for transporting puppies. Make sure you double check the rules for puppies for EU pet health certificates – there is a slightly different process as they are too young for a rabies vaccine. Additionally, many airlines have minimum age restrictions. An alternative option is to find a land transport option. I’ve heard many recommendations for Happy Saluki ( https://www.happy-saluki.com ). I recommend reaching out to them.

Hi. I want to travel with 4kg dog to Malaga and return. I can’t be separated from a “Velcro” dog as this would cause a great deal of trauma and suffering,

I have a doctor’s letter stating that she is a therapy dog – but don’t know if this carries any weight with the authorities.

Can you suggest the simplest way to travel – whilst noting that Uk authorities have stringent rules. Also, am partly disabled myself and would need some buggy or wheelchair assistance at both Uk and Malaga airports, A two week (or less) stay in July or September. Many thanks for your help. Fully realise this is a difficult request.

The only option to do this by air with your dog in the cabin is if your dog qualifies as a service dog. Here’s the details provided by British Airways, including their contact phone number: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/disability-assistance/travelling-with-your-assistance-dog I’m not sure if your dog qualifies.

The next simplest way to return to the UK would be to fly from Malaga to Paris, then take one of the pet taxis from Paris to London.

Thank you very much for this very helpful information source! I could not find any other more informative and clear source than this!

I will be travelling with my dog (Pincher) from Italy to UK by train and then via Eurotunnel by Le Pet Express minibus as I do not have a car.

Do you know whether my dog must stay in a pet carrier whilst on train in France or he can sit on my lap or on the floor next to me. If a pet carrier is needed, are there particular size requirements?

Do I need to book a ticket for my dog as well for a train from Paris to Calais Frethun?

Calais Frethun train station for trains arriving from Paris and Eurotunnel shuttle terminal are located in one and the same place?

Thank you in advance for your advise!

The rules for whether a pet should be in the carrier on the train and the relevant ticket depends on the size. I summarise the rules for the SNCF trains in my France guide: https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-france/ . Advance booking for pet tickets is not always possible – it’s fine to buy at the station. I haven’t been to Calais myself, but I’ve heard from other travellers that Calais Frethun is the station you want to alight at. Double check with Let Pet Express for their pick-up point. All the best with your trip!

I have just done the crossing above and here are my two cents: I have had the pet passport done in Germany already so I did not have to get the health certificate. But if you do need it, schedule enough time for this as some vets need to pre gather information and put together everything which can take a while. Secondly the cages are now fixed on the ferry, there were four cages in total. Besides my JRT there was another person with a dog on the ferry. They did not make us put him into the carrier at all we and a crew member just walked our dogs on leashes to the cages. The cages are large but quite disgusting I have to say. They smell like dog urine and the pads underneath are soaked with dog urine and water. I did not like leaving my dog there but had no choice. I would suggest to bring some pee pads and portable water bowls and cover the floor so your dog does not have to sit on top of the soaked pads. I visited him once as he got motion sick during the trip (sees are rough in the winter time so if your dog is motion sick take that into account) he was fine though and in general the dogs are located in a small enclave near the cars so it’s fairly sheltered. Once it was time to disembark they told us to deboard first before all foot passengers. We went down to get our dogs and went to the lowest levels where some crew were already waiting to leave the ship. A bus was waiting to drive us to the terminal where you go through passport control (just your passport). There are no taxis or busses to Dieppe train station so you might need to walk (25min). I took trains to Paris with my dog which were quite smooth. I think the journey is ok so you can do it but personally I will get a car and travel through thr eurotunnel next time.

Thanks for sharing your experience Lisa!

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Taxpayers to foot bill for majority of Jill Biden's Paris-Delaware trips for Hunter Biden trial

Dr. Biden made a round trip from Paris to Wilmington for an estimated $223,000.

Taxpayers will front the majority of first lady Dr. Jill Biden's travel between Paris, France, and Wilmington, Delaware, last week when she broke away early after D-Day commemorations to attend Hunter Biden’s trial , only to return to Paris a day later.

When officials travel, they fly on military planes, which are paid for by the government. But for personal, unofficial travel, they must reimburse the government for “the full coach fare for all flights,” according to U.S. Code.

According to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, the cost of the one-way trip from the airport in Paris to the airport in Wilmington, Delaware, is about $111,500, based on an eight-hour flight and the Air Force's hourly reimbursement rate charged to other federal agencies for use of a Boeing C-32 (the type of plane Dr. Biden usually flies in, for security reasons). Dr. Biden made a round trip from Paris to Wilmington for an estimated $223,000.

MORE: Exclusive: Biden tells Muir he wouldn't pardon son Hunter, says Trump got 'fair trial'

The Air Force lists the reimbursable rate for use of this aircraft at $13,816 per hour. It is unclear what percentage of the total cost would be covered by the reimbursable rate that the Air Force charges other federal agencies for the use of the aircraft.

The Democratic National Committee will reimburse the value of two first-class tickets for the two trips she made in between the two cities, according to a DNC spokesperson, although when asked by ABC News, they did not specify how much that would be.

The DNC spokesperson did tell ABC News what they will pay is in line with what they are supposed to by law at the "specified rate."

MORE: New Jersey's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control reviewing liquor licenses held by Trump's golf courses

The cost of a first-class ticket from Paris to Wilmington is $6,655, per a search on Google flights which would suggest the DNC will pay $13,310 instead of the full $223,000. That leaves an outstanding balance of around $209,690 to be paid for out of taxpayer funds.

Dr. Biden has been in the courtroom for most of Hunter Biden’s trial , missing only one day to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy last Thursday. That night she flew back to Wilmington to be at her son's trial on Friday. She flew back to Paris in time for a state visit on Saturday. President Biden remained in France for the 80th anniversary commemoration.

The White House and the First Lady's office did not respond to a request for comment.

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17 Useful Products For Anyone Who Plans To Take Their Dog With Them To As Many Places As Possible This Summer

If your dog will be your plus one all summer, keep 'em (and you) happy with these handy doodads.

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1. A jar of paw protectant that's made from natural waxes, so you can protect your adventure buddy's paws from hot concrete. This balm is also 100% more likely to stay on their feet than dog booties.

Promising review: "My dog will not go out in the snow or ice, but when I apply this, she does. I purchased it last year but needed time to evaluate it. I highly recommend it! And don’t forget to use it during the summer! It protects her paws when we walk on hot days, and I can tell she loves it. Before using this product, she would stop and raise her paws like they were burning or immediately jump onto grass. So protect your babies from the heat and cold!" — JMR

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

2. A package of calming treats so your puppy doesn't get so worked up on the airplane. Treat them to a delicious lil' bite anytime you'd like to kick back and relax — they will too.

Promising review: "These are absolutely wonderful — take about 45 to an hour to kick in for our 3-month-old pup and do not make him groggy or put him to sleep. I will continue to purchase these!" — Jen

Get a bag of 60 treats from Target for  $15.79.  

3. A travel water bottle because dogs get dehydrated too — they just can't *tell* you. Keep them feeling their best without the hassle of a flimsy silicone bowl.

Promising review: "We take a lot of road trips with our two dogs. This makes it so easy to keep them hydrated when they need it! No more worries about spilling bowls, and where to dump unused water. I can give them the perfect amount, see the level, and make sure any undrunk water goes back into the bottle . It sits nicely in the cup holder and is easy to use. Both dogs can drink at the same time, to my surprise. It’s very easy to reach out to them without spilling. Worth every penny!" — McNeeley Family

Get it from Amazon for  $16.99+  (available in two sizes and four colors).

4. A spray-on sunscreen  — yes, dogs need sunscreen and no, you can't just use the human kind. If you should be wearing it on sunny days (which you should), they need to as well.

And while it can be used on all dogs, dogs with white or thin coats or light-pigmented noses and eyelids are more at risk for sunburn. Read more about why dogs need sunscreen at American Kennel Club .

Promising review: "This stuff works. I've tried several other dog-safe 'sunscreens,' but none were effective. My dog has a scar on his snout from before he was rescued off the streets as a puppy, and because he has no fur covering that section, it easily turns pink and blisters and bleeds when he's in the sun. Plus, my vet was concerned that he could develop skin cancer with all the constant sun exposure. But all of the pet-safe sunscreens I could find didn't have any ingredients that would actually block UV rays, and all the ones with effective sun-blocking ingredients weren't pet-safe, so it seemed like a catch-22. 

"It took me a long time to find one that both worked effectively and was safe. This is it! It doesn't irritate his skin at all. We can go to the beach for a couple of hours, and his skin looks just as good as it did at the beginning of the day, whereas in the past it would have burnt. So glad to have found this product." — sknappy1

Get it from Amazon for $17.28 .

5. A tasty wellness supplement to help keep your best friend nice 'n' healthy for your big adventures. Your dog will get a much-deserved treat, and you can rest easy knowing you're doing something every day to keep your fur kid at their best.

Promising review: "My dogs loved them, and they are really picky when it comes to food/treats." — Target Reviewer

Get a jar of 90 chews from Target for  $29.95.  

6. An airline-approved dog carrier for when it's time to travel the friendly skies. It has plenty of breathing room for a small pup, and the shoulder strap disconnects and doubles as a leash.

Roverlund is a small business creating design-forward gear for pets and their owners. The small size fits dogs up to 12.5 lbs and the large size fits pets up to 20 lbs. 

Promising review: "Absolutely love this dog carrier. Extremely high quality and though it was a tad on the expensive side, it looks and feels even more expensive that it really is. I would definitely purchase this again, and it fits my miniature Schnauzer perfectly!" — Quietstorm80

Get it from Amazon for $159+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

7. A stylish treat pouch so you always have everyone's most important stuff at the ready. It has space for pup supplies *and* human necessities; wear it as a crossbody or a fanny pack and be the most well-stocked one at the park.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this purse and wear it whenever I take my dogs out. I love the little poopy bag compartment and the zipperless closure. Super stylish also!" — Pippa

Get it from Amazon for $43.99 (available in three colors).

8. A waterproof blanket because you shouldn't have to sacrifice clean furniture for cuddles. Add this throw on top of the VRBO couch and voila — it's a dog couch.

Promising review: "Very nicely made throws! So very soft. Look nice on furniture, and [it] definitely protects. " — Carol

Get it from Chewy for $11.99+ (originally $24.95+; available in three sizes and three colors).

9. A practically indestructible Kong chew toy that your power chewer won't destroy in five minutes. You'll be able to leave your hotel room to grab a quick bite without your bored pup ripping up your bedsheets.

Fill the hole in the bottom of the durable rubber toy with a dog treat of your choosing and your pup will be occupied!

Promising review: "I love this product! I got it to keep my dogs occupied for a bit, and it works amazingly! I put in peanut butter and small treats and freeze them. It keeps them busy for 30–60 minutes!" — Target Reviewer

Get it from Target for $8.99+ (available in four sizes).

10. A  car seat cover  to keep your back seats protected when your wet and dirty dog jumps in after a beach day. Take more day trips with your best friend this summer with this machine-washable cover.

Promising review: "Just bought a new car and needed something quick to take my dog to the vet. This fits perfectly and is durable enough for two large dogs. " — Melissa LaCroix

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 .

11. A 100-piece pet first aid kit  to help put your mind at ease knowing that you can handle the unexpected. Keep your canine at their best even when their vet is 1,000 miles away.

This 100-piece kit comes with helpful essentials, including an emergency dog thermometer, a collar, a tick kit, and more!

Promising review: "It has everything I need for my dogs in the event of emergencies, and it's the perfect size for travel or hiking. Highly recommend it." — Jack & Molly

Get it from Amazon for $34.49+ (available in two colors). 

12. A pack of hygienic waste bags that are thick, puncture-resistant, and fit your hand, to prevent unwanted contact with your pet's "organic materials," ahem . You *cannot* trust just any old plastic bag.

Promising review: "These are the bags we use and love. However, for my last order, I found some cheaper ones, so I thought I would try them. Big mistake that resulted in getting a mess on my hands a couple of times (YUCK!). The two-ply construction and being able to place your entire hand inside the mitts and protect your hand from yucky messes, is invaluable. Worth every penny!" — JulieBR

Get a pack of 100 bags from Chewy for $29.99 .

13. A swivel seatbelt tether  for keeping your excited dog under control while you're driving. You won't be distracted by their cuteness and they'll be safer for it.

Promising review: "The Kurgo has strong components and is easy to use. It snaps into the car’s seat belt receiver. The other end has a sturdy carabiner-type latch that I find easier to use and more secure than other clips. It’s also adjustable, so you can limit how far your dog can move." — AR_RattyDad

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in four styles, three colors, and two package sizes). 

14. A space-efficient  pet food travel system  that holds up to 6 cups of kibble. Even better, the top and bottom serve as bowls, so you can enjoy an on-the-go meal with your dog.

Promising review: "I really like this travel food and water container. The bowls nest nicely on both ends, and the handle is easy to take off/put on. So easy to take along in the car, easy to carry, and holds enough food for a weekend trip for my furry kid. I love how convenient and portable this is, and it's compact enough that it doesn't take up much space at all. It's also well-made. Very happy with this purchase." — Dessum Huddles Parker

Get it from Amazon for $8.61  (available in two package sizes)

15. A nonslip portable sleeping mat  — well, where else are they supposed to sit? Give 'em some of the comforts of home with this foam bed.

Promising review: "We travel for a living and take our dog with us. Soooooo many times, his water bowl tips over, or the water sloshes over the side onto usually my bedding. I am 100% pleased with my purchase . This is a game changer when traveling with animals. My only wish is that it becomes available in smaller sizes." — BSlaugh84078

Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in two sizes). 

16. A  pop-up kennel  so you can leave your dog alone in an AirBnB without them trashing it. And hey, sometimes your dog just needs to be alone in their own space — nothin' wrong with that.

Promising review: "I needed this for traveling with my small dog. He loves it; I guess it feels like a den for him. And it folds up into a tiny piece that goes anywhere in a suitcase." — Dana2 S.

Get it from Amazon for $25.55+ (available in three sizes and nine colors). 

17. A flea and tick collar that'll let your dog join you anywhere and everywhere. This collar releases small doses of medication onto their coat for up to eight months, keeping them itch- and bite-free.

Promising review: "I have used these collars for years on various dogs. Before Seresto, flees and ticks were a constant worry, especially ticks. I would not let my dogs in the house until I went over them and removed the ticks. With Seresto, it was just plain never a problem. No ticks. " — Laurie

Get it from Chewy for $59.98+ (originally $67.98+; available in sets of one or two and two varieties).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Money blog: 'My anxiety levels are rocketing' - the mortgage chokehold facing old-age Britons

Welcome to Weekend Money. Growing numbers of Britons face being forced to work past their pension age to pay off long-term mortgages - share your story below if this affects you. We'll be back with the latest consumer and personal finance news on Monday.

Saturday 22 June 2024 08:32, UK

Weekend Money

• 'My anxiety levels are rocketing' - the mortgage chokehold facing old-age Britons
• The bad news buried in the really good news - what you need to know from Money this week
• Holiday money tips, Airbnb fears and 'shocking' ticket prices - what you've been saying this week
• Tourists urged to avoid car hire company over 'serious issues'

Best of the week

• Why frozen fruit and veg can be better for our health - and our wallets
• Ian King analysis: Door still open for August rate cut - though one thing could get in the way
• 'One guy wanted to rent my room for a few hours to meet a friend...' What I learnt from putting my home on Airbnb
• Women in Business : 'How I went from mum with no qualifications to owner of big law firm'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

By Katie Williams , Money team

Many of us envisage retirement as a peaceful winding down after several decades of hard work.

But an increasing number of mortgage holders face having to put their relaxation on ice as they're left with no choice but to work past their pension age to pay off long-term mortgages.

Homeowners are still reeling from painful interest rate increases by the Bank of England (BoE) that pushed high street mortgage rates as high as 6.8%. Those who have taken out or renewed their mortgage in the past year have likely had their monthly payments rocket.

A recent BoE report revealed nearly half of all mortgages issued in the past three months of 2023 were for 30 years or longer, while two in five were issued to borrowers who would be past state pension age at the end of their mortgage term.

Different figures from UK Finance show 41,580 first-time buyers took out mortgages with terms of 30 years or more in the last quarter of 2023, of which around 15,700 (38%) were longer than 35 years.

'I'll be paying until I'm 75'

One single homeowner from Hove, who asked not to give her name, said even though she had a "healthy deposit" for the flat she bought a year and a half ago, the mortgage was still a "big stretch" and she will be paying it off until she is 75.

"I can't get it down, I need to keep working," she said.

"When I'm older I will have no other source of guaranteed income other than company pension and state pension, they won't cover my mortgage and other expenses."

Stephen Eblet's mortgage is set to run until he is 68 - one year past his pension age. He says he has enough in his private pension to pay it off, but doing so will impact his finances in retirement.

The 62-year-old self-employed plumber, who lives in Gristhorpe, near Scarborough, suffers with musculoskeletal pain and is worried about "making the finish line" at 67, a retirement age he says is "far too high" for manual labourers.

"My anxiety levels are rocketing," he said. "I'm terribly worried about having to finish work early because of back problems and where that will leave me with a mortgage and how it will impact my lifestyle should I have to retire."

Inheritance, downsizing and interest rate falls - how Britons are planning to make their mortgages shorter 

Taking out a long-term mortgage doesn't necessarily mean you're locked in. 

There is the option to shorten the term at the end of your fixed-rate period or move to a less expensive home to cut off some of the debt.

This is the case for Danielle Steele, 39, from Swindon, who has a mortgage with her husband that is currently set to end when they are 71.

They plan to downsize once their two daughters leave home in around a decade or so, meaning they're not too concerned at this point.

Father-of-four David Clarkson, 41, who lives in Flintshire, said he and his wife recently opted for a mortgage that will take them to 75, with a rate fixed for three years. It kept his payments within £150 of what they were paying before.

He is hoping interest rates will drop in the next three to six years to allow them to pay it off in time.

"So far we've not had to change too many aspects of daily life, but this will change in the coming years if wages don't go up or prices continue to rise," he said.

Steve, 51, from Scotland, said his mortgage goes three years past his pension age - but it's a "calculated risk".

"We hope we'll get inheritance to pay off our mortgage sooner. Not that you want older relatives to die, but it seems a lot of people need to rely on that these days," he said. 

Long-term means high interest

Gerard Boon, managing director of online mortgage broker Boon Brokers, says staff have seen a rise in clients reporting that they'll have to worker longer and later in life to settle their bills.

"We always ask how long people are willing to work. Five or six years ago or even just pre-COVID… people would normally say their retirement age [is] 66 or 67 years old and that was fairly standard. But now, more often than not, people are saying [they'll] have to work until 70 or maybe 75," he said.

He noted that some lenders have "cottoned on" to this fact and are raising the age cap on their mortgages as a result. Others remain more cautious, such as Halifax, which recently cut the cap from 75 to 70 years for some of its products.

Mr Boon said his advice to clients is always to opt for a shorter term if possible, as they will pay "far more" interest over the course of a longer-term deal - but for many it's just not feasible.

"I would say the vast majority of applications, especially for first-time buyers in the age range of 20 to 25, they've opted for the longest time period," he said.

" People are trying to get their costs down... I think a lot of people are taking these longer mortgage terms with the hopes that they'll be able to refinance at a later date to shorten the term."

What are lenders' rules around retirement age?

UK lenders will have age limits for mortgage lending - one being a cap on the maximum age you can take one out, and another for paying them off.

Different lenders will have different rules on what age they require the debt to be paid by.

The upper age limit for paying off a mortgage typically ranges between 70 and 85, while most will not let you enter a new deal past the age of 80.

Individual circumstances, such as income, employment status and credit history, will also affect eligibility as they would for any borrower.

Holidaymakers are being urged to avoid a car hire company ranked last in a customer satisfaction survey.

Goldcar, which operates in countries like Spain, Portugal, France and the US, achieved an overall score of 52% in the annual report by consumer group Which?

It was awarded two stars out of a possible five for value for money, car description matching reality, record given of damage to car, and customer service.

One fifth (20%) of respondents who used Goldcar said they had issues with the condition of the car, and 23% reported being charged extra either when they picked up or returned the car.

The car hire company with the second-lowest overall score was Dollar (56%), followed by Record Go (57%), Budget (61%) and Sixt (64%).

"Booking car hire should be straightforward, but all too often it feels like the wild west, with travellers lamenting fraught experiences, poor customer service and spurious fees," said Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel.

"Goldcar in particular is best avoided, with customers repeatedly reporting serious issues from pressure selling to poor customer service."

A spokesman for Goldcar, which is owned by Europcar Mobility Group, said: "Goldcar is of course disappointed about the results of the Which? report.

"The company takes customer care very seriously with a code of ethics for counter sales and a guide of good sales practices, both of which are reviewed annually based on customer feedback.

"We are committed to investigating any incidents where a customer believes they have received a service that does not match expectations for a low-cost brand and continue to invest in staff training and best practices."

Throughout the week, lots of our readers send in comments on the money stories that have caught their eye, and every Saturday we bring you a selection of them. 

Our analysis of the best ways to make your holiday cash go further garnered some attention.

Experts explained the benefits of using plastic overseas, what type of cards are best to use and how to avoid a common mistake that can cause you to spend more. 

They were also quizzed on when and where holidaymakers should get cash, and what exchange rates to look for.

Money blog readers said:

Instead of carrying cash, why not use a gift card instead? And if you use the taxis or minicab, check the prices first. And why not get a weekly or monthly bus pass if you can? Marc Ricketts

We used a Halifax clarity card on a recent holiday to Thailand. It's a great holiday card but it's a pain using it online. They want a text confirmation - a problem if you're using a local sim. Card is locked and there's no way to unlock it without phoning home. Gareth Rona

Our  cost of living specialist Megan Harwood-Baynes shared her experience of putting her home on Airbnb, making £700 from a spare room in two months.

But she advised prospective users of the app to make sure they have a good radar for vetting people. 

Not everyone was convinced...

Before boasting about being an Airbnb host, people should know about the damage they do to local areas. Because of them rents keep going up. People who grew up locally are forced to move away.  Tissiam

The majority of leasehold flats don't allow short-term lets.  Why does the UK allow Airbnb to operate if they don't secure copies of leases to confirm leasehold properties have the permissions required for those hosts either unaware or too arrogant to comply with terms of leases?  Als

Pearl Jam fans were left upset after paying for tickets to see the band - only for the price to be cut in half less than two weeks before the show. 

Readers took the opportunity to share their concerns about the industry.

It's shocking how much ticket prices have doubled in the last few years. Its making concerts as much as a holiday when you include transport.  Holly

Why aren't the tickets for gigs broken down to see where the money goes, i.e. taxes, VAT, and actually to the artist . Fees are getting out of hand. Ian

Two interlinked stories dominated the money world this week - inflation and interest rates.

As expected, the Bank of England held the base rate at a 16-year high of 5.25% on Thursday.

The nine-person Monetary Policy Committee voted 7-2 in favour of holding them - the same split as the last time it met. 

Our  economics and data editor Ed Conway said: "Everyone now is kind of in a holding pattern until August when the next meeting takes place. 

"That is the moment where people think there could be a cut. We're going to potentially be waiting until August and maybe even November - it really depends on what happens with the data." 

Rates have been elevated over the last few years to reduce consumer spending and encourage saving - when that happens, price rises (inflation) usually slow.

Now inflation is down to 2% (May's figures were released on Wednesday), isn't the battle won?

That's certainly the interpretation Rishi Sunak wants you to believe - and there's no doubt inflation falling is massive after three years of spiralling prices instigated by the Ukraine war and subsequent energy crisis.

It's worth noting too, as the government did, that the UK is faring well internationally when it comes to inflation...

But there was bad news buried in the good news. Services inflation was expected to drop much more sharply - instead it remained at 5.7%.

Business correspondent Paul Kelso explained: "While the headline rate has been reined in, primarily by food prices rising more slowly than a year ago, inflation for all services remains at 5.7%. 

"This is precisely the sort of 'sticky' above-target domestic inflation the Bank has always feared would linger after energy price shocks fell away, and the reason it forecasts the rate will actually rise in the second half of the year."

Economists are also concerned about this - analysts at Pantheon Macroeconomics see inflation creeping up to 2.9% by November.

Wage growth also remains high and, while this is great for workers, it is inflationary.

Setting all the economics aside, there was also a school of thought the Bank will not move during an election campaign - to make sure it does not influence the polls, which we saw on Wednesday. 

After the rate decision, the most likely date for a cut was pushed back from August to September, according to market forecasts.

This is bad news for borrowers - though savers may enjoy higher rates on their cash for longer.

Some savings rates have been rising, and others have been falling, but the top five easy access accounts are still paying more than 5%. 

It's also worth reiterating, as always, that inflation falling doesn't mean prices are - for that, we'd need negative inflation.

Conway focused on overall inflation over the past three years - rather than annual inflation - to see how much prices have gone up.

His charts, as always, are eye-opening...

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

Around 1,500 workers at Tata Steel are to hold an "all-out indefinite strike", the Unite union has announced. 

The industrial action at Port Talbot and Llanwern, Newport, will begin on 8 July and is expected to "severely impact" the company's UK operations, the union said.

It comes in response to plans to close Tata Steel's blast furnaces in South Wales, putting 2,800 jobs at risk, according to the union.

Unite said it would be the first time in more than 40 years that steelworkers in the UK have gone on strike.

Industrial action, including staff working to rule and a ban on overtime, began earlier this week.

The union's general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The strikes will go on until Tata halts its disastrous plans.

"Unite is backing Tata's workers to the hilt in their historic battle to save the Welsh steel industry and give it the bright future it deserves."

The UK's biggest trade union has officially backed the campaign to introduce a four-day working week. 

Unison has argued the flexible working pattern could help employers recruit and retain staff, and has demanded the next government take action to make sure more businesses adopt it. 

Campaigners have argued that research shows business performance and productivity increases when staff are able to work a four-day week.

Unison's general secretary Christina McAnea said the COVID pandemic proved people could do their jobs from home and, with the use of AI on the rise, the move was inevitable. 

"What's needed is a rethink on how workplaces are organised, as well as progressive policies that future-proof people's livelihoods and protect their wellbeing," she said. 

Last year, 61 companies across the UK took part in a four-day working week trial, and 56 of them agreed to stick with it. 

The Great British summer could finally be arriving, with some forecasts suggesting there could be a heatwave next week.

But as temperatures creep towards 30C, technology in your home, including mobile phones and broadband routers, can overheat.

Placing a router in the coolest room, away from direct sunlight is the best way to ensure you stay connected to the internet, experts at Uswitch.com have recommended. 

Mobile phones are also designed to work up to 35C.

Putting devices in direct sunlight can put them under additional strain.

Uswitch.com says by closing down unused apps, checking non-official chargers, and avoiding putting mobiles in a fridge or freezer, can keep them cooler for longer. 

As thousands of Taylor Swift fans descend on Wembley Stadium for the blockbuster Eras tour this weekend, parents who are set to endure the clapping, screaming and crying have the chance to bag themselves a freebie. 

Tech retailer Curry's is giving away free JBL noise-cancelling headphones to the first 50 parents or guardians who show a valid concert ticket.

"Taylor Swift's tour in Wembley will be a musical moment like no other," Stuart Taylor, store manager at Curry's in Wembley, said.

"But we know she isn't for everyone. 

"We have already seen so many videos of social media of parents taking their kids to dates on the tour so far, so we wanted to give something back to parents doing their duty - whether they're going with their kids or playing taxi driver."

The deal only applies to the Wembley store in northwest London.

Government borrowing was less than expected in May , new figures have revealed.

Net borrowing - the difference between public sector spending and income - was £15bn, an increase of £0.8bn on the same time last year, the Office for National Statistics said.

The amount is below the £15.7bn forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility and less than expected by economists.

However, it's still the highest amount for the month of May since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retail sales rose by a better-than-expected 2.9% in May as increased footfall, better weather and deals saw shoppers return to high streets, according to officials.

It comes following a poor performance during the previous month as days of heavy rain dampened demand across much of the country.

Economists polled by news agency Reuters had been expecting a rise of around 1.5%.

Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics also revised its retail sales figures for April.

It previously estimated that they fell by a worse-than-expected 2.3%, but now it says the drop was 1.8%.

Microsoft has regained the title of the world's most valuable public company , just days after it was overtaken by one of its rivals.

Computer chipmaker Nvidia lost its hold on the top spot after its shares slipped by 3.5% in the US yesterday, leaving the company valued at $3.2trn (£2.5trn).

Nvidia, Microsoft and Apple are now in a three-horse race for the top spot, while they are also battling to become the world's first $4trn (£3.2trn) firm, analysts say.

A key factor to watch is whether Nvidia can maintain its dominance in AI, or if its market share will be eroded by its rivals as they invest heavily in the field while racing to catch up.

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• Arts & Entertainment

Review: ‘Crazy for You’ serves up romance, dazzling tap moves in Ogunquit

Chockablock with Gershwin songs, the show is now at the Ogunquit Playhouse. The 'inimitable' Sally Struthers plays 2 comedic parts.

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Taylor Aronson, center, and the ensemble in “Crazy for You” at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Photo by Nile Scott Studios

“Who could ask for anything more?” is a famous line from “I Got Rhythm,” a classic tune by George and Ira Gershwin that’s included in the latest show at the Ogunquit Playhouse. It’s not a bad question to ask.

Theater review

WHAT: “Crazy For You”

WHERE: Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main St., Ogunquit

REVIEWED: June 16 (matinee); continues through July 13

TICKETS: starting at $40.

CONTACT: 207-646-5511; ogunquitplayhouse.org

You’ve got two solid stars up front, dozens of attractive singers and dancers behind them, and a wealth of both clever and romantic Gershwin songs. And, as if that weren’t enough, the inimitable Sally Struthers comes onstage to fill two comedic roles that supply some of the best laughs in the show.

Chalk it up to a production still coming together, but “Crazy For You” showed a few seams in terms of pacing in its first performance after opening night. But the impeccably performed vintage music and the let’s-put-on-a-show spirit of the book by Ken Ludwig carried the 2½-hour show through for an entertaining afternoon at the venerable summer theater on the southern coast of Maine.

The dynamic Max Clayton sang and danced like a veteran performer who knows where the audience-pleasing theatrical goodies are hidden. His banker character Bobby soon became a faux showbiz master as he falls for a girl and decides to revive her father’s theater in Nevada rather than foreclose on the property.

Clayton’s tap talents are many and were all smoothly executed with whirling flourishes that truly dazzled. His voice sold such long-time Gershwin favorites as “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” and “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” the latter accompanied by an impressive chorus of lovely, talented female singer/dancers.

Max Clayton (Bobby Child) and Taylor Aronson (Polly Baker) in “Crazy for You” at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Taylor Aronson plays Bobby’s love interest Polly, adding her own very natural-sounding delivery to such classics as “Someone To Watch Over Me” and “But Not For Me.” Aronson also held her own in romantic song and dance duets with Clayton on such tunes as “Shall We Dance” and “Embraceable You.” Director Angelique Ilo’s take on the show’s original dance moves, choreographed by Susan Stroman, fit the pair well in both upfront showy and more elegantly flowing moments. Advertisement

The 76-year-old Struthers again proved her brilliant comedic timing in scenes with Clayton and Jim Borstelmann, the latter as a companionable British twit. Her double takes and little exclamations were hilarious as were some timeless bits of physical comedy performed by others throughout the show.

Angie Schworer and Peter Kendall got hot and heavy on “Naughty Baby” while a Cowboy Trio and a group of layabout ex-miners spiced up several pieces. Alexandria Van Paris, Delaney Bailey, Jack Doyle and Tony Roach also stood out in secondary roles. All were backed by a jauntily swinging offstage band led by Ken Clifton while some occasional onstage percussion from the players, tapping feet and more, served to bring things forward.

The sets by Adam Koch and costumes by William Ivey Long mix old-style Broadway flash and rustic cowboy folksiness, placing the audience in a world closer to an earlier, 1930s incarnation (The Gershwin brothers’ “Girl Crazy”) on which this award-winning 1992 show was based.

Steve Feeney is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.

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