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.
Your dog needs a ticket
It all starts there: the ticket. Your dog, like you, needs a ticket to board the train. Whatever the size of your dog, your destination or the type of train: he must pay for his place and have a valid transport ticket.
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 pets placed in a carrying bag (there is a wheeled transport backpack !) 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 a cute labrador and these travel conditions and the price make me jump! I often travel by train for work: it's uncomfortable as can be. I never have room to put my computer down, have my purse with me, put my coat away and keep an eye on my suitcase. So I would like someone to explain to me how I am supposed to keep Musher, my labrador, under my seat??? It'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?
The equipment to provide for your train trip with your dog
Before boarding a train ride with the dog, make sure he is identified by a tattoo or a microchip. L'identification of your animal is obligatory. Also check that he is up to date with his vaccines, especially the one against rabies. Embark with you his vaccination record and his European passport in case of control especially if you cross borders during the trip.
As you will have understood, small dogs must travel in a transport bag or an transport container. Add a toy and his blanket to make him feel at home during the trip. The best thing, if he is not used to traveling in a transport box, is to get him used to it a few days before. Open the crate and offer him to enter it and let him get used to it without locking him in at first...
For dogs over 6 kilos, consider taking:
-
A muzzle : absolutely mandatory to board. Even Musher, the most docile of female dogs, had to carry her all the way or face a fine.
-
His leash and his collar of course to “steer” the dog on the train and in the station. Musher rather wears a necklace but when she takes the train, I put her on a harness. She hates and has developed a panicked, moronic fear of anything manhole cover or steel plate on the sidewalk and is capable of swerving and violently backing up to avoid them. If I don't have my eyes glued to the ground and I don't anticipate obstacles, it quickly escapes me. With le harness, I am less afraid of this kind of reaction. And it allows me to hoist her on the train. Musher is dizzy and hates heights. Jumping from the platform into the train crossing the void gives him shivers. We don't often take the train so she's not used to it. This is the adventure for her.
-
A billy and water for the hydration break during the trip
Little ones poop bags if ever doggy leaves a “souvenir” on the station platform
Tips for a serene journey by train with your dog
The very first thing to do to travel by train with your dog is to buy your ticket and that of your dog. To easily buy your “dog” ticket, I advise you to go through the SNCF website. You will be able Create your account and add your dog as a passenger. Thus, it will be taken into account in your next trip 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.
Watch out for stressed dogs. During rush hour, there can be a lot of people in a station or on a train. Many stressed people and not always very attentive to the presence of a dog. Be careful that he doesn't get jostled or stepped on his tail... be careful for him. If doggie is stressed or sick in transport, seek advice from your veterinarian who will give you advice and perhaps treatment to help the dog. You will also find some good advice 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 on Eurostar trains, except assistance dogs.