Rules look clearer on paper than on the pavement. Between helpful stickers and hard stops at doorways, what you meet depends on the place, the time and the person at the door. Here is what changes your day, and where your dog truly gets in.
Where the lead stops: the places that open — or close — their doors to your dog
Streets and parks: calm walks or strict conditions
On public streets, a dog on a lead is broadly accepted. Keep your lead short in busy zones and pick up immediately or expect a fine. The mood shifts the moment you step towards green space. Many city parks still restrict access, especially around children’s areas, ponds and formal gardens. Paris, for instance, allows dogs only in designated sections of certain parks, and always on a lead. Some councils have set up fenced canine zones, but they remain patchy and often small.
Signs decide your route: park rules vary by city and by gate, and wardens do check in autumn when footfall rises.
Shopping centres and small shops: rules change by trade
Large shopping centres, supermarkets and hypermarkets generally say no to dogs for hygiene reasons, with an exception for assistance dogs. Independent retailers take a different approach. You might spot a “dog friendly” icon on the door, especially at grooming salons, pet concept stores and some neighbourhood boutiques. Staff remain within their rights to refuse access if the shop is crowded, the dog is wet or the aisles are tight.
When in doubt, ask before you step inside. A quick check prevents stand-offs and saves you from tying a lead to a bollard in the rain.
Offices, restaurants and venues: red zones with rare exceptions
Public offices and most administrative buildings block pets at the entrance. Restaurants and indoor food service venues tend to do the same, again with assistance dogs as the standing exception. Cinemas and museums usually refuse dogs as well. A minority of cafés and bars allow small, calm dogs under the table or on terraces, but the staff call the shots. If you plan an evening out, arrange care or bring a trusted friend to wait outside.
Food shops, public services and many cultural venues remain no-go areas in 2025, assistance dogs excepted.
On the move: transport that accept dogs and the habits that spare you fines
Metro, bus and train: what is allowed and the rules to remember
City transport networks now accept dogs under clear conditions. In Paris, small dogs travel free in a carrier on the Metro and RER. Larger dogs can board on a lead with a muzzle and usually need a paid ticket, often sold at a reduced rate. Regional rules differ. Some bus networks take only dogs in carriers; others decline larger breeds entirely during peak hours.
On national rail, a ticket becomes compulsory from 6 kg with the SNCF. Small dogs in bags travel for a flat fee; big dogs require a muzzle and must stay at your feet. Conductors do check paperwork and equipment during busy periods.
Small dog in a carrier: often free on city networks. Over 6 kg on trains: ticket required, muzzle for larger dogs.
Car, taxi and ride-sharing: safe setups and realistic expectations
In a car, secure your dog. Use a crash-tested harness clipped to the seatbelt, a crate placed in the boot or a dog guard. Leaving a dog loose risks fines and turns a sudden stop into a hazard for everyone.
Taxis and private-hire vehicles choose case by case. Drivers may accept a calm, clean dog with a blanket to protect the seat, or decline if they have allergies or a full diary. In ride-sharing, message the driver before booking and state the size of your dog. Offer to sit in the back and bring a towel if the weather is wet.
Going further: planes, ferries and special routes, step-by-step
Airlines demand a recent health certificate, an approved carrier and fees for cabin or hold. Many refuse large dogs in the cabin outright and limit the number of pets per flight. Book early and confirm requirements 48 hours before travel to avoid a last-minute refusal at the desk.
Ferry policies vary widely. Some lines assign kennels on deck, some allow dogs in specific cabins, and others restrict pets to outside areas only. Pack a collapsible bowl, water, familiar bedding and a spare lead. Keep identification tags and vaccination documents at hand.
Quick glance: where dogs usually stand in 2025
| Place | Typical rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Pavements and streets | Allowed on a lead | Short lead, pick up, avoid crowd pinch points |
| Parks and gardens | Varies by sign; zones for dogs in some cities | Check gates, keep on lead, avoid children’s areas |
| Supermarkets and malls | No, assistance dogs only | Plan a split shop or choose click-and-collect |
| Independent shops | At owner’s discretion | Look for stickers, ask first, keep dog close |
| Restaurants and cafés | Mostly no indoors; terraces vary | Phone ahead; pick quiet times; bring mat |
| Museums, cinemas, venues | Generally no | Secure care or choose outdoor culture |
| Metro and RER | Carrier free for small dogs; lead, muzzle and ticket for larger | Carry bag, soft muzzle, off-peak travel |
| Trains (SNCF) | Ticket from 6 kg; muzzle for large dogs | Book both seats and pet, choose quiet coach |
| Buses and regional lines | Policies differ; some ban larger dogs | Check the network rule before you set off |
| Taxis and ride-share | Driver decides | Message first, bring cover, offer tip for cleaning |
| Car | Dog must be restrained | Use harness, crate or guard |
| Ferries | Kennel or deck; cabins sometimes limited | Pack water, bedding and spare lead |
| Planes | Health certificate, approved carrier, fees | Confirm rules 48 hours before flight |
Smart planning: tools, etiquette and a 60-second checklist
Apps and local groups that actually help
Digital maps and dedicated pet apps now log cafés, hotels and shops that accept dogs, with filters for size and indoor seating. The data can be hit and miss, so verify recent reviews and call if you have a large dog. Neighbourhood social groups remain gold for real-time tips after a policy change or a new manager.
- Create a “dog day” map with toilets, bins and quiet cut-throughs.
- Save a carrier-friendly route for wet days and rush hour.
- Keep a note of three nearby sitters in case plans change.
Rights, duties and behaviour that keeps doors open
Leads on public streets and many transport networks remain the norm. Food retailers, indoor dining and public offices largely stay off-limits. That leaves nuance and manners to do heavy lifting. Tell staff you have a dog before entering, keep slack out of your lead, and park your dog away from narrow aisles. Reward calm behaviour and practise a settled “down” on a mat so your dog can relax under a table when permitted.
Good kit wins access: short lead, soft muzzle that fits, absorbent towel, poo bags and a roll-up mat cover most scenarios.
Your autumn toolkit: avoid refusals and reduce stress
Weather complicates everything. Wet fur makes floors slippery and raises hygiene concerns. Carry a microfibre towel, a compact grooming brush and a spare collar tag in case one snaps. Use a drying coat after rain so your dog arrives at the door tidy and warm. In leaf fall, keep to the path edge to avoid hidden hazards and glass under piles of leaves.
If you plan a weekend away, run a quick simulation. List every doorway you will cross: station, metro gates, hotel lobby, breakfast room, museum, lunch stop, shopping street. Mark the definite no-go doors and pencil an alternative for each. For trains, check whether your dog crosses the 6 kg threshold and price the pet ticket. If you are relying on an evening meal indoors, arrange a sitter or pick a terrace with heaters.
Extra pointers that pay off all year
Practice makes city life easier. Teach your dog to settle on a mat for fifteen minutes in a café-style setting at home. Desensitise to muzzles with short, positive sessions using food. Socialise around trolleys, lifts and wheeled suitcases so your dog ignores them in queues. These small steps turn strangers’ wary looks into nods, and keep you moving rather than negotiating at every door.
Finally, carry proof where it helps. Keep vaccination records and, if relevant, assistance dog documentation handy. Add a phone number to the tag and ensure the microchip registration is current. Calm, clear information opens more doors than any app when staff feel responsible for a busy space at peak time.
