Covid19 – Taking your dog out during curfew
On December 15, 2020, we come out of this second confinement. But due to the Covid-19 health crisis, and the number of new cases of Covid-19 which has not fallen below the threshold of 5000 cases per day, new measures have been taken by the government in order to fight against the virus. Indeed, from the Saturday, April 3, 2021, curfew will be extended at 19h all over the territory and will apply for the entire French population, every day, for at least 4 weeks. But with this curfew, is it possible to take your dog out after 19pm?
Covid-19: Taking your dog out after 19 p.m. during curfew, is it possible?
Emmanuel Macron and his government have implemented a curfew throughout France, active since Tuesday, December 15, 2020. The objective of this measure is to avoid the confinement of the French population while trying to limit gatherings on evening, which could again increase the number of new cases of contamination.
Outings are therefore prohibited. between 19 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the morning, under penalty of a fine ranging from €135 to €3 in the event of a repeat offence. So to travel between 750 p.m. and 19 a.m. in France, you will need to bring a derogatory travel certificate.
From Saturday April 3, 2021, the curfew will be effective from 19 p.m. throughout France.
So for us, dog owners, an essential question arises: can we walk our dog after 19 p.m.? Is this part of the authorized exemptions such as travel for health reasons, visiting a dependent person, going to their place of work, etc.?
The answer is as follows: you can indeed take your dog out after 19 p.m. but under certain conditions. To be able to take your dog out during the curfew, between 19 p.m. and 6 a.m., you must complete the form available on the government website : This is a new certificate, specific to outings during the curfew.
You can download it and print it, or fill it out directly online and have it on your phone during your outing. In any case, to be in good standing, you must have the form with you while walking your dog in order to be able to justify your exit during a possible police check.
But beware, that's not all! It is allowed to walk your dog after 19 p.m. by filling out the form, but you must also respect two other conditions: as indicated on the exit certificate, the trip must be brief and your dog must leave within a radius of 1 kilometer around your home.
So don't worry, our dogs have the right to relieve themselves despite the imposed curfew! All you have to do is respect the exit conditions and fill out the form.
The same is true if you have to rush your dog to the vet during curfew. This is part of the authorized exit exemptions.
And as during the confinement last spring, there are certain common sense rules to observe between masters and dogs during walks. I tell you below.
Before putting a paw outside, you will have to equip yourself a little. At 19 p.m. it starts to get dark so to walk around safely, there are some essential accessories for your dog. I equip Musher with a luminous necklace and a reflective leash so that it is clearly visible to cars, bicycles and other walkers. To know everything about how to walk your dog safely at night, see our article on this subject. Also remember to equip your dog if you live in cold or windy regions, because it is still cold there for our dogs and us. When it's too cold or bad weather, I equip Musher with her favorite down jacket or its kway.
Covid 19: group dog walks, authorized or not?
The curfew is not the only measure put in place by the government to fight against Covid-19 in April 2021.
Containment is extended to the entire metropolitan territory. The duration of isolation for cases positive for Covid-19 is extended to 10 days, announced the Minister of Solidarity and Health.
Telework is systematized and schools close for at least 3 weeks. It is forbidden to gather so prefer to walk your dog alone or with a person who lives with you on a daily basis.
Of course, as you already know, exit means mask. When you take your dog out, two accessories are now necessary: a mask for you, and a poop bag for your dog!
Despite these restrictions, continue to walk your dog as much as possible. He needs it, and it will do you good too. Let's keep our spirits up and stay united in the face of Covid-19.
Musher and Sophie : “To know thenews on Covid-19 and dogs, you can consult our article in which we tell you everything you need to know, in order to destroy false rumors or information about dogs and the Coronavirus. "
The positive in all this is that we can still go on vacation with our dog, because, outside the confined regions (Hauts de France and Ile-de-France), there is no travel limit in France. Of course, I advise you to choose quiet places, far from crowds to avoid places of contamination of Covid-19. For this I advise you 7 destinations for holidays with your dog far from the crowd.