Traveling by train with your dog

If the car is the most used means of transport to go on vacation with your dog, some of you may choose the train to take your dog on vacation. Here are some smart tips for organizing your train trip with the dog. Travel conditions, prices, obligations, practical tips: let's take stock together.

It all starts here: the ticket. Your dog, just like you, needs a ticket to board the train. Regardless of your dog's size, your destination, or the type of train, they must pay for their seat and have a valid ticket. You can book your dog's ticket here , at the same time as you book your own.

Let's take a closer look at the SNCF travel conditions for your dog:

• In terms of numbers, you can travel with a maximum of 2 animals or a maximum of 2 containers per passenger.

• They specify that the animals allowed on board are small domestic animals placed in a carrier bag (there are also wheeled carrier backpacks !) or closed basket, muzzled dogs and guide dogs for the blind with lots of little asterisks….

• If you take a closer look at the small lines, you will be surprised to find that category 1 and 2 dogs are not allowed to travel by train.

On the price side, since June 23, 2022, tickets for your pet have a single price, for small dogs as well as for larger dogs. Now train tickets for pets are 7€ regardless of their size! Too wow, isn't it?

This price seems more reasonable and fair, although no particular space is reserved for your dog and no service or facilities are dedicated to it on board or in the stations...

I have an adorable Labrador , and these travel conditions and the price are outrageous! I often travel by train for work: it's incredibly uncomfortable. I never have enough space to put my laptop, keep my purse with me, store my coat, or keep an eye on my suitcase. So I'd really like someone to explain how I'm supposed to keep Musher, my Labrador, under my seat??? She's not a "suitcase"!

So, for reasons of comfort for both of them, I regularly find myself making the trip to the inter-compartment area in front of the toilets and with the doors that open at each stop. What a foot! And all that for tickets that cost an arm and a leg. I'm not sure that the SNCF really wants us to travel on their lines… or that they have already done the test of traveling with their dogs on board. I'm not used to bitching, please excuse me for these negative vibes; how can I be in a bad mood when I spend my day talking about dogs and holidays with you Wouafer's?

Before boarding a train with your dog, make sure it is identified by a tattoo or microchip. Identification is mandatory. Also, check that its vaccinations are up to date, especially the rabies vaccination. Carry its vaccination record and European pet passport with you in case of checks, particularly if you are crossing borders during your trip.

As you've probably gathered, small dogs need to travel in a carrier bag or crate . Add a toy and a blanket so they feel at home during the journey. Ideally, if they're not used to traveling in a crate, get them used to it a few days beforehand. Open the crate and let them go inside, allowing them to get comfortable without confining them at first.

For dogs over 6 kilos, consider taking:

• A muzzle : absolutely mandatory to board. Even Musher, the most docile of dogs, had to wear it for the entire journey under penalty of a fine.

• Her leash and collar, of course, are for "guiding" the dog on the train and in the station. Musher usually wears a collar, but when she takes the train, I put a harness on her . She hates and has developed a silly, panicky fear of anything resembling a manhole cover or a steel plate on the sidewalk, and is capable of making huge swerves and violent reverse maneuvers to avoid them. If I don't keep my eyes glued to the ground and anticipate obstacles, she can quickly escape. With the harness, I'm less worried about these kinds of reactions. And it allows me to lift her onto the train. Musher is afraid of heights and hates open spaces. Jumping from the platform onto the train, crossing the gap, gives her chills. We don't take the train often, so she's not used to it. It's quite an adventure for her.

• A bowl and water for hydration breaks during the trip

Small poop bags in case your dog leaves a "souvenir" on the train platform

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Dog food, supplies, grooming, vacations… the cost of a dog can quickly add up. So, with Musher, we created the Advantage Card : the very first card that brings together useful discounts to save you money all year round, on everyday expenses or vacations. 💸 See the 34 available discounts

The very first thing to do when traveling by train with your dog is to buy your ticket and your dog's ticket. To easily purchase your "dog" ticket, I recommend using the SNCF website . You can create an account and add your dog as a passenger. This way, your dog will be included in your future travel searches.

Whatever the size of your dog, before the journey, I recommend a good long walk: he can do his business and, tired, he will be happy to be able to rest during the journey.

Be careful with stressed dogs. During rush hour, train stations and trains can be very crowded. Many people are stressed and not always very attentive to the presence of a dog. Be careful that your dog doesn't get jostled or have its tail stepped on… be vigilant for its safety. If your dog is stressed or sick during travel, consult your veterinarian, who can offer advice and perhaps prescribe treatment to help your dog. You will also find some helpful tips for your dog in the article " Traveling with a Stressed or Anxious Dog ."

You may be traveling with passengers who do not like dogs, are very afraid of them or are allergic to them… You will have to deal with this. If the passengers in your car refuse your dog on board, you may be asked to travel elsewhere...

PS: No dogs allowed on Eurostar trains, except assistance dogs.