Traveling with a Pet: Challenges remain to be overcome

More and more Europeans are now choosing to travel with their pets rather than leaving them in the care of family members or professional pet sitters. But between transportation, accommodations, and regulations, organizing a “pet-friendly” trip still requires a fair amount of preparation. A recent study analyzed the percentage of pet-friendly hotels in major French cities.

Traveling with a pet is often a logistical and emotional challenge. Between transportation constraints, health regulations, and the search for suitable accommodations, many pet owners are still hesitant to bring their four-legged companions along on vacations or trips. However, a recent study on Europeans’ travel habits shows that nearly 6 out of 10 pet owners prefer to travel with their pet rather than leave it with a relative or at a boarding facility.

This trend can be attributed to a growing bond between owners and their pets, as well as a greater focus on animal welfare. The study highlights that pets also experience separation stress, with observable effects on their behavior and health. Conversely, traveling together is said to strengthen the emotional bond and reduce anxiety for both the pet and its owner.

French cities and accommodations: Notable progress

But this desire faces very real obstacles: additional costs, regulations that vary by country, and the still-limited availability of certain services. Airlines and rental platforms are nevertheless beginning to adapt, with an increasing number of “pet-friendly” options.

In France, several cities stand out for their pet-friendly policies, according to a recent study by Price Labs. Besançon tops the list with over 40% of hotels accepting dogs, followed by Metz (38.88%) and Grenoble (35.88%). Further south, Béziers (32.48%) and Toulon (31.77%) round out the top five. Among major cities, Lille, Nice, and Montpellier consistently rank among the top destinations for their dog-friendly infrastructure, parks, and pet-friendly transportation options. La Rochelle and Chambéry are also noted for their high percentage of pet-friendly vacation rentals, while destinations such as Annecy, Biarritz, and Brittany attract visitors with their wide-open spaces and opportunities for walks along the coast or in the mountains.

Public transportation: Rules to know

When it comes to public transportation, the rules vary by network but are generally well-defined. On subways, buses, and trams, small pets (usually weighing less than 6kg) travel for free if they are placed in a suitable carrier or bag. Larger dogs are often allowed on the metro and RER, provided they are kept on a leash and muzzled. On trains (TGV, Intercités, TER), a special ticket is required: €7 for animals in carriers, and up to 50% of the price of a second-class ticket for dogs kept on a leash. Assistance dogs (including guide dogs for the blind) always travel for free.

Toward more inclusive tourism

Beyond the practical constraints, traveling with a pet above all requires a new way of thinking about travel: slower, more planned, and often more authentic. This shift is part of a more responsible approach to tourism, where your travel companion becomes an integral part of the experience.

For more information: the full Pricelabs study is available here