The Expat Pet Guide to Paris

Bienvenue à Paris! The City of Light has long captured imaginations; golden sunsets over the seine, cafés buzzing with life, and weekend strolls through leafy boulevards. But when you’re moving here as a family, one question often lingers, will our pets feel at home too?

Our friends at Your Friend in Paris are experts at helping families handle the logistics of relocation, see their excellent guide on “How to move to Paris as a family”. At Pet Cheri, we take it from there, making sure your four-legged companions not only adjust but thrive in their new Parisian lifestyle.

First things First: Paperwork & Healthcare

Relocation with pets means a few administrative steps:

● Microchipping & ICAD registration- Every pet in France must be registered with the national database. If your dog or cat is already chipped abroad, a Parisian vet can update the records.

● Vaccinations- Make sure your furry friend’s vaccines are up to date, especially rabies, which is essential for international travel.

● Choosing a vet-Paris is full of amazing veterinarians and many speak English. At Pet Cheri, we curate carnet d'adresses of trusted clinics so you’re supported from day one.

Pet Cheri Tip: Book your first vet appointment soon after arrival. It’s not just for check-ups, it gives your pet a sense of routine and helps you start building trust with a local professional.
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For the human side of your relocation, there are a few more things to consider before you move. Here's a quick checklist of things you should have prepared before the big day:

● Your visa - There are seemingly endless kinds of visas, and plenty of misinformation online, so how do you find the right visa for you? The biggest things to consider when choosing a visa are how you will be spending your time in France (working or not, studying, or just enjoying la vie Française!), how long you will be staying in France, and your financial situation.

● Housing - Where will you be staying when you and your pets arrive? Finding housing as an expat is no small task, especially when you're bringing furry friends with you. Plan in advance and rent your new home before you arrive!

● Schools - If you are moving with children(not just your fur babies!), having your children enrolled in schools before you arrive helps them to know what to expect from this transition, and will be required for their visas.

Not sure which visa is best for you? Need help renting an apartment before you move? Not sure what schools in Paris are actually like, or how your child would do there?

This is where Your Friend in Paris steps in, guiding expats through visas, housing, schools, and more. With in-house teams of experts specialising in immigration & business set up, house search, and French administration, they make sure that no detail is overlooked. You can learn more about their full relocation services and how they can help you on their website, or just reach out to them directly via email at contact@yourfriendinparis.com!

Settling into PawrisianLife

Paris is a city that loves its dogs, over 300,00 live here but it’s also a city of etiquette. To help your pet blend in:

● Leashes are a must on sidewalks and in most public areas.
● Poop bags(sacs à crottes) are non-negotiables, fines apply otherwise.
● Polite behavior matters; Parisian dogs are famously calm in cafés, shops, and metro stations. Practicing “sit and stay” in busy environments will make life easier.

There are also a few things to consider for yourself when settling in to life in Paris:

● Getting your Carte Vitale - After living in France for 3 months, everyone qualifies for French social security and public healthcare.Stop paying for your travel health insurance, and get your Carte Vitale ASAP!
● Set up your French bank account - While online services like Wise or Revolut are good for the first few weeks of your stay in France, many processes and procedures in France require a French bank account.

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Parks & GreenSpaces

Not all Parisian parks allow dogs, but the ones that do are worth exploring:

●      Bois de Vincennes (12th) - Forest trails, lakes, and off leash zones.
●      Parc Georges Brassen (15th) - A local gem with shady spots.
●      Bois de Boulogne (16th) - Perfect for weekend adventures
●      Parc Martin Luther King (17th) - Modern, urban, and pet-friendly.

Good to know: Famous gardens like Luxembourg and Tuileries don’t allow dogs, even on leash, so follow local cues and signage.

Looking for a good spot to have a picnic? Our friends at Your Friend in Paris have an article telling you all about Parisian picnic etiquette, and their favorite spots!

Cafés, Shops, & Everyday living

One of the joys of Paris is how easily pets fit into daily routines:

● Many cafés welcome dogs, especially smaller breeds who can curl up on a lap or sit quietly at your feet.
● Independent boutiques, concept stores, and even some pharmacies often greet pups with a smile (and sometimes a water bowl)
● For larger dogs, its common courtesy to ask: “Est-ce que je peux entrer avec mon chien ?”

Getting Around

Paris public transport is surprisingly pet friendly if you know the rules:

● Small pets travel free in carriers (max 45 x 30 x 25 cm).
● Larger dogs can use the metro and RER with a leash, muzzle, and child-fare ticket.
● Buses & trams generally restrict bigger dogs, unless they’re service animals.
● Taxis/Ubers –Always ask first; most drivers will say yes for calm pets.

Little tip: Bring a small towel or mat for your dog to sit on — it shows respect for shared spaces and makes drivers more comfortable.

Community & Comfort

Relocating can feel lonely at first, but pets make it easier to connect. Dog meet ups, expat pet groups, and Instagram communities like PetFriendly Paris are wonderful ways to find your tribe. At Pet Cheri, our VIP Club offers events, round tables with animal experts, and regular meet ups so pets and humans can make new friends together.

Your Friend in Paris also knows that an essential part of relocating is finding your community. One of the ways they recommend meeting people and getting first-hand expat advice before you arrive is through Facebook groups! They also have a dedicated client experience & community manager to make sure you're fully settled in once you arrive.

Final thoughts

Paris is more than a backdrop, it’s a lifestyle. With its bustling markets, hidden gardens, and café culture, it has room for every member of the family, paws included.

For human logistics like housing, schools, or healthcare, we recommend turning to our trusted partners at Your Friend in Paris. For the furry side of your relocation, Pet Cheri is here to make every paw-step smoother, chic-er, and filled with joie de vivre.

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