Paris, the City of Lights, is a dream destination for many travelers. And what could be better than exploring the city’s charming streets and iconic landmarks with your furry friend by your side? Traveling to Paris with a dog can be a memorable experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for both you and your dog.

In this guide, we will walk you through all the essential information you need to know before embarking on your Parisian adventure with your dog. You might also like to check out our article on everything you need to know before traveling to Paris.

We spent a full week in Paris with our cute Labradoodle Nala. She loves traveling with us an we have been on many adventures together. We were able to drive to Paris from the Netherlands, so it was easy for her to join. We never take her on an airplane. Being stuck in a cage between all the suitcases would be too stressful for her.

We wrote this article to share all the important information for your Paris visit with your dog. We had to find out on our own, since we didn’t find that much information on forehand. So let’s go to Paris and we will share lots of useful information to make your trip easy! At the end of the article we will share our thoughts and personal experiences as well.

What you need to know about traveling to Paris with a dog!

Preparing your Visit to Paris with a Dog

Consult with your Veterinarian:
Before traveling, schedule a visit to the vet to ensure your dog is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, and fit for travel. Discuss any specific concerns you may have and ask for advice on managing your dog’s well-being during the journey.

Microchip and ID Tags:
Ensure your dog has a microchip with updated contact information and wears a durable ID tag. In case your dog gets lost, these identification measures will greatly increase the chances of a safe reunion.

Research Dog-Friendly Accommodations:
Look for hotels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals that are pet-friendly in Paris. Many establishments have specific policies and may require advance notice or have restrictions on the size or breed of dogs they allow. Book your accommodations well in advance to secure a suitable place for you and your furry companion. Click Here to find a great Hotel or Apartment in Paris for you and your dog. Use the filter “pet-friendly”.

Check the specific documentation requirements for traveling with dogs to Paris. Typically, you will need an updated health certificate issued by your veterinarian and proof of vaccinations.

Practical Tips for Visiting Paris with a Dog

Public Transportation:
Dogs are allowed on the Paris Metro, buses, and trams. However, they must be kept on a leash and muzzled from when you enter the station or the vehicle. However, we found out that they don’t follow these official rules very strictly. We asked around and they let us enter without muzzling Nala. Of course this can change at any time. So bring a muzzle in case anyone asks you to put it on your furry friend. We saw many dogs on the Metro, none wearing a muzzle.

Dog Parks and Exercise:
Paris offers several dog-friendly parks and green spaces where your furry friend can stretch their legs and socialize with other dogs. Popular options include Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Bois de Vincennes, and Jardin du Luxembourg. Remember to bring waste bags and clean up after your dog.

We will list some of the best parks to visit with your dog later on in this article. This will be very useful since it took us quite some time to find some nice parks for Nala to play on the grass.

Besides the parks that we will mention below, in most other parks in the city dogs are not allowed. This made it very hard for Nala to find a place for a quick number 1 or number 2 before going to sleep. So be prepared that your dog will need to do its thing in the streets of Paris and schedule your day so will at least visit one or more of the few parks that do allow dogs.

Outdoor and Indoor Dining:
Many Parisian cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating areas welcome well-behaved dogs. Check for dog-friendly establishments in your desired neighborhoods and enjoy a meal or a coffee break with your four-legged companion.

We have been to many restaurants in Paris and Nala was welcome inside (and outside also) all the times. We have never heard a “no”. We talked to some Parisians with a dog and they all said that most restaurants are very easy with accepting dogs.

Water and Food:
Carry a portable water bowl and provide fresh water to your dog regularly, especially during hot summer months. Pack enough dog food for the duration of your trip, as familiar brands may not be readily available in Paris. Many of the parks in Paris have a fresh drinking water tap free to use. Not only for dogs, but also for when you yourself want to refill you water bottle.

Veterinarian Services:
Familiarize yourself with local veterinary clinics and emergency services in Paris, just in case your dog requires medical attention during your stay. Carry a copy of your dog’s medical records, including vaccination history, in case of emergencies.

Climate Considerations: Paris experiences different weather patterns throughout the year. Take into account the seasonal temperatures and pack appropriate clothing, paw protection, and cooling accessories for your dog, if needed. Check the forecasts before you travel so you bring the right accessories.

How Dog Friendly is Paris?

When it comes to dog inclusivity, Paris proves itself as more than just a fashion capital or gastronomic haven. The City of Light has embraced a four-legged friends, and let’s just say, it’s nothing short of charming. Picture this: your furry companion lounging with you at a quaint café, the aroma of fresh croissants mingling with the joyous barks echoing through cobblestone streets. Yes, you read that right – Paris is dog-friendly, and it’s a delightful trend that’s here to stay. But…. and there is always a but, there are also some negatives about taking your dog to Paris. Let’s discuss the level of dog-friendlyness of Paris.

Café Culture Unleashed
You might have heard about the iconic Parisian café culture, but did you know it extends its warm embrace to our furry friends too? Many of the city’s charming sidewalk cafes are more than happy to host your pup as you savor that strong espresso. Imagine leisurely mornings, your faithful companion contentedly at your feet, as you indulge in a croissant or two. It’s a quintessential Parisian experience, redefined by the wagging tails and canine camaraderie. And the same goes for taking your dog inside a bistrot or restaurant.

Parks, Pups, and Play
Green spaces in Paris aren’t just reserved for humans seeking respite from the urban buzz. Dog-friendly parks are scattered across the city like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. And hidden they can seem. We bumped into many parks that were not open to dogs. Making it hard to find a small bit of grass for Nala to do her #1 and #2. We ended up finding some great parks that did allow dogs. We will list them in the next section. Remember to have your pup leashed – it’s all about sharing the serenity with fellow dog lovers.

Shopping with a Tail-Wagging Twist
Parisian chic extends its embrace to pet boutiques that encourage you to bring your furry co-shopper along. Picture strolling through charming boutiques with your dog by your side, admiring stylish accessories and gourmet treats that rival the finest patisseries. It’s not just shopping; it’s a bonding experience that encapsulates the harmonious relationship between Parisians and their beloved pets.

Etiquette is Key
While Parisians adore their dogs, a sense of etiquette is crucial in this canine-loving city. Leash manners are a must, ensuring your dog’s curiosity doesn’t interfere with fellow pedestrians’ strolls. And, of course, the golden rule: always have a bag handy for those necessary clean-up moments – a small price to pay for being a responsible pet parent.

What dog parks are there in Paris?

Paris boasts an array of beautiful parks and green spaces where you can enjoy leisurely walks or playtime with your dog. These areas provide a refreshing break from the bustling city streets. Here are a few notable dog-friendly parks in Paris:

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Situated in the 19th arrondissement, this expansive park features picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and a serene lake. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, but they should be kept on a leash.

Jardin des Tuileries (near the Louvre Museum): Half of the Jardin des Tuileries is opened to dogs. Some owners even let their dogs off leash to chase after a ball or have fun with a furry friend. We didn’t see anyone object. The second half of the Jardin des Tuileries, the part with all the trees and fountains, is closed for dogs. So focus on the part that is closest to the square with the Glass Pyramid.

Jardin Nelson Mandela: Behind the indoor shopping center “Forum des Halles” is a nice green park where your dog can play (leashed) on the grass. There is a tap with fresh drink water and even more perfect, right next to it is a fenced space for dogs to play with each other off-leash. Nala loved this spot and we went here ever day (after we had discovered it) so she could have some fun. Since this is right in the center and close to the popular “Le Marai” area in Paris, this quickly became our go-to park.

Clos des Blancs Manteaux: This is not a park but more a little communal garden. We bumped into this spot by coincidence while we were exploring Le Marais. Many locals come here with their dogs, since there are not that many parks around. We talked to some friendly dog-owners and Nala got to play with some new friends. Since it was a very closed off space, we could let Nala run around off-leash. Of course be aware of other people visiting the little park.

Bois de Vincennes: Located on the eastern outskirts of Paris, this sprawling forested park offers numerous walking trails and open spaces for your dog to explore. It also includes dedicated dog areas where your canine companion can roam off-leash and socialize with other dogs.

Jardin du Luxembourg: In the heart of the city’s Left Bank, this historic park offers a tranquil retreat with well-manicured gardens, fountains, and lawns. While dogs must be leashed, they can enjoy the beautiful surroundings alongside their owners.

Our Final Thoughts on Paris with a Dog

We had a great week in Paris. But would we take our dog Nala with us the next time? To be honest… no we wouldn’t. Nala is so used to having lots and lots of grass around to do her #1 and #2 in, that it was very hard for her to get used to having to do in on the streets or sidewalks, like all the dogs in Paris.

The other option was walking for quite a bit to get to one of the green parks that she was allowed in. So it took quite some planning and we could tell it was harder for her to find a rhythm. She did learn to do her thing on the concrete or cobble stones, but it was not very easy for her.

The second reason for not bringing her along the next time was the amounts of people roaming the streets. Of course there were quieter areas, but all the mainstream hotspots were very crowded. While she is used to big cities, we could tell she was overstimulated quite a few times. However, traveling in the Metro was only a bit stressful the very first time. We walked a lot, but the times we did use the Metro she was fine.

We have been to many big cities with Nala, like Zurich, Copenhagen, Malmo, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Vienna etc. She was fine in all of these cities. Many little spots of grass around for her. Paris was the first city we felt was not that suitable in general. Besides the bigger parks, which need some planning to get to, the city didn’t have any little spots of green and was too crowded (we visited in May, so not even peak-season yet).

Of course every dog is different, so you can definitely go ahead and give it a try. Making sure you note down the parks we mentioned in this article. It will make your life so much easier than having to search for some green. Let us know how your trip went. Enjoy Paris!

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