Travel with your dog

 

Would you like to spend unforgettable dog-friendly holidays in France ?

Here are all the steps you need to take beforehand to make the most of your holidays in France.

 

 

Whether you plan to travel by Eurotunnel or cross-channel ferry, pets are allowed. Make sure to check the website of the company you wish to travel with to ensure a safe and legal trip for your dog.

If you are planning to travel in France by train, do not worry, it is possible. The French public railway company SNCF accepts dogs, you just need to buy a ticket for your pet. Make sure to check on the website whether your dog is small enough to travel in a dog carrier or too big and, therefore, needs to be kept on a short leash and wearing a muzzle.

If your dog is small and can be put in a dog carrier, most public transport will accept it. However, you should always check their websites to make sure you can take your dog with you.

Another option you can think of, is to travel with your own car or a hire car. This option gives you the freedom you want when travelling with your dog.

 

 

When you are travelling with your dog, there are a number of items you need to remember to pack to ensure you and your dog have a peaceful holiday.

 

Essential documents

Before making any plans, you need to make sure you have your animal health certificate, which includes rabies vaccination and a microchip. There is no need for a quarantine when you got your animal health certificate to travel from the UK to France.

 

Pet first-aid kit

In your luggage, do not forget to bring a first-aid kit for minor injuries. This should include tweezers to remove splinters or thorns, blunt ended scissors to cut the bandages, a tick remover, a nail clipper and a digital thermometer. You should also add gauze to disinfect wounds, non-stick bandages, cotton balls, saline solution to rinse your dog's eyes, wounds, ears and nose and an antibiotic spray. Don't forget to write down the contact details of the nearest vet and veterinary emergency services.

When taking your dog along with you

 

To travel in public transport

To travel in any public transport you need to bring a dog carrier if your dog is small or a short leash and a muzzle for a bigger dog. If you take your car or rent one, you need to bring a dog seatbelt. It is a must for your dog’s safety.

 

Going for a walk

To have the chance to enjoy walks with splendid views, you will need a collar and harness with your contact details. A long leash is also necessary to comply with the recommendations of dog friendly areas and to allow your furry friend to wander around.

Take your pet's travel water bottle and bowl with you too. It is important to keep your pet hydrated throughout the day during hot weather.

You'll always need to bring dog poop bags, out of respect for others and the beauty of nature.

We believe that if you pack all of these items, your dog will thank you at the end of the holiday! Your dog will also be very grateful if you remember to pack the things that make him happy.

That’s why it is important to remember to pack his favourite toys to keep him happy during walks in the forest or along the beach, a microfibre towel to dry him off after a swim and his favourite food and treats!

 

To take a rest

You should provide your dog a travel bed and a blanket to rest on.

Now that we’ve got all the necessary items to spend a lovely holiday, it’s time to remind ourselves of a few basic but fundamental rules to follow when travelling with a dog.

 

 

Insects’ stings

Dogs can be bitten by all kinds of insects, so check his paws and skin at the end of the day.

 

Dangerous plants

Our puppies also have a thing for running around and can, unfortunately, get stung by plants. The most important thing to watch out for is spikelets, which are dangerous spikes that get stuck in the hair and penetrate orifices. If your dog gets nosebleeds, limp, cries or sneezes repeatedly during a walk, it could be one of these plants. Contact a vet immediately.

 

Burning paws on roads

In summer, asphalt and sand can burn your pet's paws. Roads can reach temperatures of up to 50°C in very hot weather. The best advice is to avoid taking your dog out in the hot sun. Wait for a cooler temperature in the morning or at night to take him for a walk.

Taking walks in the forest, under the trees, on the grass is a good solution to avoid burning your animal’s paws.

Don’t forget to always bring your first-aid kit with you, to watch where your dog sets his paws and your holidays will run smoothly.

To ensure your dog enjoys his holidays as much as you do, make sure he is always hydrated, let him rest, away from the sun, after long walks and always keep an eye on your pet.

You now have all the information to spend peaceful and joyful holidays. We wish you the best holidays in France with your furry friend!

 

Another important point to have in mind is the phone number of the nearest vet and veterinary emergency.

The veterinary clinic “Bois Pigeonnier” in Saint Jean de Monts :

To make an appointment, call this phone number : +33 2 51 58 60 86

In case of emergency, call this phone number : +33 6 08 30 59 86 (open 24/24)