Are dogs allowed on public transport in France or are they banned?
Rules differ depending on the type of transport used
In most cases, pets need to be kept in containers
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Reader Question: My local bus service in Antibes did not allow me to get on board with my dog, a border collie. Is this common across France or am I unlucky?
When it comes to accepting pets on public transport, local authorities are able to implement their own regulations.
In Antibes, local rules state that dogs are not permitted, with the exception of ‘small pets that are properly confined’ or if they are guide dogs.
Similar rules apply on bus services in nearby Nice and Cannes.
In Paris dogs are generally allowed on buses provided they are carried in a pet-friendly bag (which also implies small size).
If you want to find the rules in other cities, you can search online – the official city website usually provides an overview.
Consider trains or trams
Rules are generally less strict for tram services, which sometimes allow dogs that are in pet-friendly travel containers or on leads.
The same applies to metro systems, with dogs allowed on the Paris, Marseille, and Lyon metros.
The website Emmènetonchien has an overview of the rules on each of France’s major tram and metro systems.
France’s national train network accepts dogs – and cats – on all trains (TER, high-speed TGV both OuiGo and InOui, Intercités, etc).
Dogs need to have their own ticket (costing no more than €7, or €19 for a night train) which can be purchased at the online checkout or on ticket machines when buying your ticket.
Smaller dogs and cats (under 6kg) are not charged for on TER local trains. They need to be in a pet-friendly travel container, with larger dogs muzzled and on a lead for the journey.
Note that ticket inspectors will be on these trains, particularly TGV and Intercités services, so will pick up on those travelling without the correct tickets.
Note that there are two exceptions to any of the above rules:
Guide dogs are always permitted on public transport free of charge, as long as the owner can prove their disability with an invalidité or priorité disabled person’s card. The dog should have a harness and a lead at least 80cm in length.
Category one ‘attack’ dogs are always banned on public transport regardless of local rules.
Category two ‘guard and defense’ dog breeds must always be accompanied by an adult.
