Home » Travel » Parisian Tourism » Pooches in Paris: A Dog's Delight

Pooches in Paris: A Dog's Delight

© Heather Stimmler-Hall

The French love dogs, and make them a part of their everyday lives. You'll see Parisians take their dogs to cafes, bars, restaurants, department stores, the bank, on bicycles and motor-scooters, and even at the office. The tiniest ones are seen peeking their heads out from the chic shoulder bags their owners carry them in (Louis Vuitton makes a nice one), and the large ones seem to follow their owners faithfully through the crowds without even wearing a leash. With the latest chic doggie decorations and even perfume, the pooch has become a real fashion accessory in Paris. If you're thinking of bringing your dog to Paris, or if you're a resident with a newly acquired pup, here are some handy tips to help you and you companion get the most out of Paris.

Allo Animaux is a service provided by the Mairie de Paris (Mayor's Office) where you can get information from a veterinarian about any dog-related issues you may have including health, kennels and boarding, requirements for bringing dogs in or out of France, and local rules and regulations. A good number to keep handy:

"Allo Animaux" 01-42-76-58-58 Open to the public from 10am-8pm Monday through Friday, and 11am-6pm on Saturday.

If you're looking for up-to-date info on bringing a dog into or out of France, including airline regulations, check out the Pets On the Go (For the Jet Set Pet) website. You'll find information about hotels that accept pets at Travel Pets.

When you're in Paris, be aware that even though you'll see dogs everywhere, there ARE rules to where they can and can't go. You'll see signs on supermarket doors, most parks, and on the metro. If your dog can be carried in a shoulder bag, you can usually get away with going anywhere legally. If you have a larger dog, be more aware and if you do go into a restaurant or small shop, don't get too offended if you're told that the dog must stay outside. You never can tell, so think of doggie entrance as a privilege and not a right. I remember how two ladies working at Galeries Lafayette wanted to take my puppies around the store (to show them to their co-workers), allowing me to try on sunglasses in peace for twenty minutes. You never know. Also, be aware that although you'll see doggie doo everywhere in Paris, it's the law to curb your dog (in the gutter), and if you can't, then take along some baggies and get scooping. In the past owners were seldom fined, but the tide is turning and more and more people are getting sick of sliding around the sidewalks. Maybe if enough foreigners start cleaning up, then the French will catch on. Maybe.

Lena

The copyright of the article Pooches in Paris: A Dog's Delight in Parisian Tourism is owned by . Permission to republish Pooches in Paris: A Dog's Delight in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.