GOING ON CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR DOG OR CAT: TRANSPORT, LOGISTICS, AND SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE OF MIND!
The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, but traveling with your pet requires careful planning. Whether it's a short or long trip, the safety and well-being of your dog or cat during the journey are paramount.
ServicesPourAnimaux gives you the keys to a successful trip, from essential documents to alternative transportation options such as pet taxis or ride-hailing services that accept pets.
1. Prepare your pet and your paperwork
Anticipating your four-legged friend's needs is the first step to a stress-free trip, namely:
_ Veterinary consultation: Make sure your pet is fit to travel. The veterinarian can prescribe mild anti-stress medication or calming pheromones if necessary.
_ Animal Identification and Health: A European pet passport is mandatory for travel within Europe. Check that the microchip or legible tattoo is registered and that vaccinations, particularly against rabies, are up-to-date and valid.
_ Travel Kit: Pack water, a food bowl, treats, a favorite toy, and a blanket. A familiar scent reduces the animal's anxiety.
2. Choosing Your Mode of Transport
Each mode of transport with animals has strict rules that you must be aware of to avoid being refused boarding, namely:
A. Personal Car and Safe Transport
The highway code requires that the animal not be able to obstruct the driver.
_ Safety: Use a well-ventilated carrier, a divider, or an approved dog seat belt.
_ Breaks: Plan frequent stops (every 2 hours maximum) so the animal can relieve itself and stretch its legs. Never leave him alone in the car, even for a few minutes.
B. Train Tickets (SNCF) and Size Restrictions
SNCF imposes size and fare restrictions, namely:
_ Small animals under 6 kg: Must travel in a carrier bag or crate (maximum dimensions: 45 x 30 x 25 cm) and require the purchase of a specific ticket with a surcharge generally around €7.
_ Large dogs: Must be muzzled and kept on a leash. The ticket costs 50% of the full price of a 2nd class ticket.
3. The Alternative Solution: Pet Taxis or Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs)
For those who don't drive, don't have a suitable car, or need to get to the train station or airport, specialized services offer a valuable solution:
_ Pet Taxis or PHVs: These drivers are experienced in transporting animals. The vehicle is adapted, often equipped with carriers, and the drivers are trained to manage the animal's stress. As advantages, you don't have to worry about size restrictions imposed by public transport and your pet travels in a calmer, more controlled environment.
_ Long-distance pet transport: For long journeys, air travel, or the transport of specific species such as large exotic pets, use a professional, certified (Live Animal Transport) pet transporter.
ServicesPourAnimaux Tip: Plan ahead and book your pet taxi or pet-friendly private hire vehicle (PHV) in advance, especially during the Christmas season when demand is very high.
Looking for a pet taxi or pet-friendly PHV? Click on the link below:
Are you a pet taxi or pet-friendly PHV? You can post an ad and add your business on
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