How to Become a True Pawrisian Dog: The Essential Guide for Furry Expats

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Last Updated on September 15, 2025

This is a guest post from our trusted partners at Pet Cheri, who specialize in making pets (and their humans) feel right at home in Paris. We especially love working with them when helping families relocate here — their team knows the ins and outs of settling furry friends into city life!

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Bienvenue to the City of Light, where café culture, croissants, and chic strolls are not just for humans. If you’re moving to Paris with your pup, you’re not just starting a new chapter, you’re inviting your dog to become a Pawrisian.

While many of our clients come from the U.S., where houses are big, parks are sprawling, and “dog culture” often looks very different, navigating life in Paris as a pet owner can come with both surprises and joys. So we’ve put together this guide to help your furry best friend settle in like a true local.

In fact, with over 300,000 dogs calling the city home, Paris has one of the highest canine densities in the world. And yet, like so many things here, it’s a city of contrasts: deeply dog-loving, but still evolving when it comes to pet-friendly infrastructure. With a little preparation (and a dash of savoir-faire), you and your pup can absolutely thrive here.

First Things First: Registration & Vet Visits

Dogs in France must be microchipped (15 digit ISO certified chip number) and registered with ICAD (France’s national pet registry). If your dog is already chipped abroad, a local vet can help ensure the information is properly transferred into the French system.

Note: When paying the ICAD fee, you will need to pay by check and it must come from a French bank.

Choose a Local Vet

Finding the right veterinarian in Paris isn’t just about proximity; it’s about comfort, communication, and trust. Here’s how to make a smooth choice:

✅ Look for multilingual clinics, especially if you’re not yet confident speaking French
✅ Read recent reviews on platforms like Doctolib or Google Maps
✅ Choose a clinic familiar with international pet records and relocation protocols
✅ Check if they offer emergency or mobile services—handy when you’re just settling in

Need help navigating appointments or French pet paperwork? Pet Cheri offers administrative support for expat families and shares curated carnet d’adresses of trusted clinics, making it easier to find the care your pet deserves from day one.

Learn the Local Dog Etiquette

Parisians are famously fond of dogs, but they also expect them to behave with a level of poise that matches the city itself. Here are a few etiquette essentials to help your pup blend in like a local:

• Leashes are required in most public spaces, especially sidewalks and parks, though some areas have dedicated off-leash caniparcs.
• Always carry poop bags (sacs à crottes). Not picking up after your dog can result in a fine.
• Get used to tighter spaces. Elevators, staircases, and pavements can be narrow, so teaching your dog to walk calmly at your side is key.

Parisians also tend to socialize their dogs well. It’s common to see pups calmly navigating cafés, markets, and metro stations without fuss. Practicing good manners—especially around children, waiters, and other dogs—will help your furry friend feel right at home.

Explore Dog-Friendly Green Spaces

Not all parks in Paris are open to dogs, but there are several wonderful exceptions where your pup can stretch their legs (and sniff to their heart’s content):

• Bois de Vincennes (12th arrondissement) – Expansive and woodsy, with large paths and designated dog zones.
• Bois de Boulogne (16th) – Ideal for long weekend walks and forest trails.
• Parc Martin Luther King (17th) – Urban, modern, and welcoming (leash required).
• Parc Georges Brassens (15th) – A charming local favorite with plenty of shade.

Keep in mind that some famous gardens, like Jardin du Luxembourg and the Tuileries, do allow dogs — but only in specific areas and always on leash. Lawns and flowerbeds are off-limits. Look for signage at entrances, or simply follow the locals’ lead.

Looking for even more hidden gems? We regularly share park suggestions, cafés, and pet-friendly tips on our Instagram, come explore Paris with us!

Dog-Friendly Cafés, Shops, and Concept Stores

One of the joys of having a dog in Paris? Bringing them with you. Many cafés, bakeries, boutiques, and even pharmacies welcome well-behaved pups. Just ask politely: “Est-ce que je peux entrer avec mon chien ?”

Most shops will offer a smile, and often a water bowl too. For smaller dogs, it’s common to carry them in a chic tote, or simply let them curl up on your lap at a café.

More and more dog-friendly spaces are popping up around the city, from concept stores to canine cafés. A few favourites locals love:

• Casa del Doggo – Coffee, accessories, and events for cool dogs & humans
• Le Bone Appart – Home goods meets dog lounge
• Frankie & Suzie – Playful, stylish, and always dog-welcome

Getting Around With Your Dog

Paris is surprisingly pet-friendly when it comes to public transport—if you know the rules.

Small dogs (and cats): If your dog fits in a bag or closed carrier (max 45 x 30 x 25 cm), they can ride the metro, RER, bus, and tram for free. The carrier must remain closed at all times, and your pet must not disturb other passengers.

Medium and Large dogs: Bigger breeds are allowed on the metro and RER as long as they are leashed and muzzled. They travel free of charge in Paris (no ticket required), though outside the city on national trains different rules and fares may apply. Certain breeds (such as certain guard and attack breeds) do face stricter regulations, so be sure to do your research before jumping onto public transport.

Buses and trams: Only small animals in carriers are accepted — larger dogs are generally not allowed, except certified service dogs.

Taxis, Ubers, and Rideshares

Drivers are not required to accept dogs, so always ask first via the app or when hailing. Many will say yes, especially for small or calm pets, but it’s best to be courteous and prepared. You can also try using Bolt, which has a pet rideshare option for an extra fee.

Tip from Parisian pet parents: Carry a small towel or mat for your dog to sit on during public transport. It shows respect for shared space and often makes drivers more comfortable too.

Join the Community

Moving to a new city can feel isolating, especially when you’re adjusting routines for both you and your dog. Fortunately, Paris is full of friendly faces (and wagging tails) just waiting to connect.

Here’s where to start:

• Paris Dog Meetups – Find breed-specific or expat-friendly gatherings via Facebook or Meetup
• Fur Passport – An app-based hub to discover dog-friendly services, spaces, and social groups around the city
• Pet Cheri’s Very Important Pet (VIP) Club – Enjoy exclusive invitations to events, special gifts, round tables with animal experts, and regular meetups with fellow pet lovers. Join Pet Cheri’s VIP Club here!

Find a trustworthy service provider

From groomers and dog walkers to pet-friendly cleaners and emergency vets, Paris has it all, but finding someone reliable (especially in a new language) can be daunting. That’s where we come in!!

At Pet Cheri, we don’t just recommend any provider, we carefully select and vet each service based on professionalism, compassion, and international experience. Our network includes English-speaking vets, accredited trainers, and boutique businesses that understand the needs of global pet families.

Whether you’re looking for daily support or something truly bespoke, we’re here to help your pet thrive in their Parisian life, with peace of mind for you, too.

Bonus tips for apartment living with a dog

• Pet-friendly rentals are often labeled “animaux acceptés”, but the rules vary depending on the type of lease. In unfurnished long-term rentals (bail d’habitation), a landlord generally cannot forbid pets unless the animal causes proven problems (damage, danger, or nuisance). However, for furnished or short-term rentals, landlords can impose restrictions. Always check the lease carefully and confirm terms directly.
• Keep a towel by the door for muddy paws, Paris weather has a mind of its own.
• Look for courtyards or shared green spaces; many buildings have small garden areas that are perfect for quick relief breaks.

Dogs adjust surprisingly well to apartment living in Paris, especially with consistent daily walks and a calm, cozy indoor setup.

Becoming a true Pawrisian is about more than where you walk your dog—it’s about slowing down, savoring everyday routines, and embracing the rhythm of life with your pet. Whether you’re popping into your neighborhood boulangerie or strolling along the Seine, your dog isn’t just along for the ride—they’re part of the story.

Need help making the transition smoother for your pet?

Pet Cheri offers bespoke support for international pet families settling in Paris. From relocation prep to local paperwork, vetted service providers to boutique recommendations, we’re here to make every paw-step a little easier, and a lot more joyful.

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A big thank you to Pet Cheri for sharing this valuable guest post with us! While they ensure a smooth transition for your pets, Céline Concierge is here to support every other aspect of your move. From cross-ocean relocations and packing assistance to home utilities set-up, contract terminations, and shipping logistics, we provide comprehensive relocation services designed to make your move to Paris as effortless as possible. Contact us today to learn about our comprehensive relocation packages!

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