Taking Your Dog to France
Everything you need to know about travelling to France with your dog — paperwork, ferry options, French rules, and the tips that keep tails wagging.
France is one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. Dogs are welcomed in restaurants, cafes, many hotels, and of course in the thousands of privately-owned holiday gites across the country. Taking your dog on your French holiday is not only possible — it is genuinely easy once you know the rules.
The main thing to get right is the paperwork, and that means a trip to the vet before you travel. Everything else — the ferry, the driving, the French rules — is straightforward.
This guide covers every step, from the vet appointment to finding dog-friendly beaches when you arrive.
Pet Passport & Animal Health Certificate
Since Brexit, UK dogs can no longer use the old EU Pet Passport. You now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip.
Microchip
Your dog must be microchipped with an ISO 15-digit microchip. Most UK dogs already are, as it has been a legal requirement since 2016. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies Vaccination
Your dog needs a valid rabies vaccination. If this is their first rabies jab, it must be given at least 21 days before you travel — so do not leave this to the last minute. Boosters are valid immediately as long as they are given before the previous one expires.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
This is the official document you need to enter France. It must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) — not all vets are OVs, so check when you book. The AHC is valid for 10 days for entry to France, and for 4 months for onward travel within the EU and for re-entry to the UK. Expect to pay between £100 and £200 for the certificate.
Tapeworm Treatment (for return to UK)
Your dog must be treated for tapeworm by a vet 1 to 5 days before returning to the UK. This treatment must be recorded in your AHC. Many holidaymakers visit a French vet on the last day or two of their trip — it is quick, easy, and cheaper than you might expect.
Plan Ahead
Book your OV vet appointment at least 4 weeks before travel. Between the rabies vaccination waiting period (21 days for first-timers) and OV appointment availability, this is the thing that catches people out most. Do not leave it to the week before.
Ferry & Tunnel Rules for Dogs
Every operator allows dogs, but the rules vary. Here is what to expect on each.
Brittany Ferries
The most dog-friendly operator. On longer crossings, dogs can stay in your car on the vehicle deck or in pet-friendly cabins (book early — these sell out fast). On some routes, there are designated outdoor pet exercise areas on deck where you can walk your dog during the crossing.
P&O Ferries
On the Dover-Calais route, P&O provides onboard kennels where your dog stays during the 90-minute crossing. You can visit your dog during the journey. Kennels are free but must be booked in advance.
DFDS
On DFDS ferries, dogs must stay in your vehicle on the car deck for the duration of the crossing. You are not normally allowed to return to the car deck during the sailing, so make sure your dog is comfortable, has water, and the car is well ventilated before you go upstairs.
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
The easiest option for dogs by far. Your dog stays in the car with you for the entire 35-minute crossing. No separation, no kennels, no stress. You can even get out and walk along the carriage. This is why most dog owners prefer the tunnel.
Driving in France with Your Dog
French law requires that dogs are restrained in the car so they cannot distract the driver. An unrestrained dog in the front seat can earn you a fine. You have three options:
Travel Crate
The safest option. A properly sized crate in the boot keeps your dog secure and comfortable on long drives. Most dogs that are crate-trained at home settle quickly.
Dog Harness
A car-specific dog harness that clips into the seatbelt. Good for dogs that prefer the back seat. Make sure it is crash-tested — cheap harnesses offer no real protection.
Boot Guard / Barrier
A metal or mesh barrier between the boot and the rear seats. Gives your dog more space than a crate while keeping them in the boot area. Popular for larger breeds.
Motorway Rest Stops
French motorway service stations (aires) are excellent for dogs. Most have large grassy areas away from the car park where your dog can stretch their legs. Stop every 2 hours for a water and comfort break — the same advice that applies to drivers applies to dogs.
Dogs at Your Holiday Gite
Many gite owners in France welcome dogs — after all, the French love their dogs. However, you should always check with the owner before booking.
Check Before You Book
Even pet-friendly properties may have restrictions — maximum number of dogs, size limits, or rules about dogs on furniture. Always mention your dog when enquiring and ask about any specific house rules.
Cleaning Fees
Some owners charge a small additional cleaning fee for dogs (typically 20-50 euros). This covers extra cleaning for pet hair and is usually well worth paying for the convenience of having your dog with you.
Garden & Grounds
Many gites have enclosed gardens, which are ideal for dogs. Check whether the garden is fully fenced — important if your dog is an escape artist. Rural gites often have large grounds where dogs can roam happily.
Dog Rules in France
France is dog-friendly, but there are rules you need to know.
Leads in Public
Dogs must be kept on a lead in all public areas — town centres, parks, markets, and public gardens. This is strictly enforced in most communes and fines can be issued. In open countryside, you have more freedom, but keep your dog under control near livestock.
Restricted Breeds
France classifies certain breeds as dangerous (Category 1 and 2). Category 1 dogs (including some pit bull types) are banned from entering France entirely. Category 2 dogs (including Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers) must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public at all times. Check the French government list if you are unsure about your breed.
Pick Up After Your Dog
French towns have cracked down on dog mess in recent years. Always carry bags and clean up after your dog, especially in towns and on paths. Fines of 35 to 75 euros apply in most communes — and some towns now employ dedicated officers to enforce this.
Dogs in Shops & Restaurants
France is famously relaxed about dogs in restaurants and cafes — many will welcome your well-behaved dog, especially at outdoor tables. Supermarkets generally do not allow dogs (except guide dogs). Smaller food shops vary — look for signs at the door.
Identification
All dogs in France must be identifiable — your microchip and AHC paperwork satisfy this requirement. Keep your AHC with you at all times, as vets, police, and ferry operators may ask to see it. A collar with an ID tag showing your French holiday address and phone number is also a sensible precaution.
Heat Awareness
Southern France gets extremely hot in summer. Walk your dog early morning and late evening, always carry water, and never leave your dog in a parked car. French law considers leaving a dog in a hot car to be animal cruelty — passersby are legally permitted to break car windows to rescue distressed animals.
Dogs on French Beaches
This is the one area where France is less dog-friendly than you might hope. Most popular beaches ban dogs during the summer season, typically from May or June through to September. This is a local decision, so rules vary by commune.
Restricted (Summer)
- Most supervised (surveilled) beaches ban dogs May-September
- Look for "interdit aux chiens" signs
- Fines of up to 450 euros for non-compliance
- The busier and more touristy the beach, the more likely dogs are banned
Dog-Friendly Options
- Unsupervised beaches often allow dogs year-round
- Some communes designate specific "dog beaches"
- Early morning and late evening are usually fine everywhere
- Out of season (October-April), most beaches welcome dogs
Finding Dog-Friendly Beaches
Ask your gite owner — they will know the local rules and can point you to the nearest dog-friendly beach. Tourist offices (offices de tourisme) also have this information. Look out for the term "plage autorisee aux chiens" in local guides.
Finding a Vet in France
French vets are called "veterinaires" and they are easy to find. Look for the green cross sign — similar to a pharmacy but usually with a paw print or animal symbol.
No Appointment Needed
Many French veterinary practices operate a walk-in service, particularly in rural areas. You may wait, but you can usually be seen the same day. In tourist areas during summer, vets are accustomed to treating British dogs.
Costs
Vet consultations in France are generally cheaper than in the UK — expect to pay around 30-50 euros for a standard consultation. The tapeworm treatment required for your return to the UK typically costs 20-40 euros including the vet visit.
Emergency Vets
For emergencies outside normal hours, call 3115 (the French veterinary emergency number) or look for "urgences veterinaires" followed by your department name online. Your gite owner can also help in an emergency — they will often know the nearest vet personally.
Remember Your Tapeworm Treatment
You must have your dog treated for tapeworm by a vet 1-5 days before returning to the UK. Do not forget this — without it, your dog could be refused entry at the UK border. Most people visit a French vet on the penultimate day of their holiday.
What to Pack for Your Dog
Documents
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
- Rabies vaccination record
- Microchip registration details
- Pet insurance documents
Health & Safety
- Tick and flea treatment (essential in rural France)
- Any regular medications
- Basic first aid kit
- Poo bags (plenty!)
Comfort
- Their usual food (French brands differ)
- Food and water bowls
- Bed or blanket
- Favourite toys
Travel Essentials
- Lead and spare lead
- Travel crate or car harness
- Portable water bottle
- Collar with ID tag (French address)
Find a Dog-Friendly Gite in France
Hundreds of pet-friendly holiday homes across France, all bookable direct with the owner. No booking fees. Just you, your dog, and France.