Les règles varient d'une ville à l'autre
Contrairement à ce que l'on pourrait croire, il n'existe aucune réglementation nationale sur les chiens dans les transports en commun urbains. Chaque réseau fixe ses propres règles, ce qui crée un patchwork de réglementations parfois déroutant. Une constante toutefois : les petits chiens en sac de transport sont acceptés presque partout et souvent gratuitement. Pour les grands chiens, c'est une autre histoire.
Comparatif des grandes villes
Voici un tableau comparatif détaillé des règles dans les principaux réseaux de transport urbain français. Vérifiez toujours sur le site officiel du réseau avant de voyager, car les conditions peuvent évoluer.
| Réseau | Petit chien (sac) | Grand chien | Tarif | Restrictions | Correspondance TGV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris — RATP | Accepté (sac fermé) | Métro + RER : muselière + laisse | Gratuit (petit) / demi-tarif t+ (grand) | Heures creuses recommandées | Gare de Lyon, Montparnasse, Nord |
| Lyon — TCL | Accepté (sac fermé) | Muselière + laisse courte | Gratuit (petit) / gratuit (grand) | Aucune restriction horaire | Gare Part-Dieu, Perrache |
| Marseille — RTM | Accepté (sac fermé) | Muselière + laisse, hors pointe | Gratuit (petit) / 1 ticket (grand) | Éviter 7h-9h et 17h-19h | Gare Saint-Charles |
| Bordeaux — TBM | Accepté (sac fermé) | Muselière + laisse | Gratuit (petit) / gratuit (grand) | Aucune restriction | Gare Saint-Jean |
| Toulouse — Tisséo | Accepté (sac fermé) | Muselière + laisse, limité | Gratuit (petit) / 1 ticket (grand) | Refus possible si rame bondée | Gare Matabiau |
| Nantes — TAN | Accepté (sac fermé) | Muselière + laisse | Gratuit (petit) / gratuit (grand) | Aucune restriction | Gare de Nantes |
- Petit chien < 6 kg en sac fermé = accepté et gratuit dans quasiment tous les réseaux de France
- Grand chien muselé + en laisse courte = accepté dans la majorité des réseaux, avec des conditions variables
- Sac de transport : dimensions maximales généralement 45×30×25 cm, le chien ne doit pas dépasser du sac
- Muselière : obligatoire pour tout chien hors du sac, quel que soit le réseau — c'est la règle la plus universelle
- Responsabilité du maître : vous êtes responsable de tout dommage ou nuisance causé par votre chien dans les transports
Taking transport with a large dog
Large dogs are entitled to a seat on most urban transport, but this requires more preparation and attention.
Consult the official website of the transport network of your destination city. The rules sometimes change: the RATP relaxed its conditions in 2020 for large dogs. Also check if a ticket is necessary and where to buy it (some networks offer a dedicated ticket, others use the classic ticket).
The muzzle is compulsory in 100% of networks for out-of-bag dogs. Get your dog used to the muzzle before the big day (ideally several weeks in advance). Use a basket muzzle that allows panting and drinking, not a cloth muzzle that closes the mouth. Short leash of maximum 1 meter.
Even when the regulations do not require it, travel outside peak hours (7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.). A crowded subway is stressful for your dog and annoying for other travelers. In the middle of the day or at the weekend, the trains are much more spacious and your dog will be more relaxed.
Choose the last carriage, which is generally less crowded. Place your dog against the wall, between your legs or next to you on a seat (if the train is empty). On the bus or tram, sit at the back, near the door. Your dog must never block the way or disturb other travelers.
If a ticket is required for your dog, purchase it before boarding. In the event of an inspection, you will have to present the ticket, the dog's identification card and prove that the muzzle and leash comply. Without a ticket, the fine can range from €35 to €68 depending on the network.
A dog without a muzzle, without a ticket or in violation of the network's internal regulations exposes its owner to a fine of €35 to €68 (2nd or 3rd class fine depending on the network). The controller may also ask you to get off at the next stop. In the event of a repeat offense or refusal to comply, the fine may be increased. For category 1 and 2 dogs, the absence of a muzzle constitutes a more serious offense, punishable by a fine of €150 and potential confiscation of the animal.
Mandatory equipment for urban transport
Frequently asked questions
Can my dog ride in an Uber or a VTC?
Legally, VTCs and taxis are not obliged to accept animals (except assistance dogs). In practice, it is at the discretion of the driver. Uber does not offer an “animal” option in France (unlike “Uber Pet” in the United States). Tip: warn the driver by message after booking, and have a blanket to protect the seat. Some specialized VTC companies offer an "animal accepted" service - search for "animal VTC" in your city.
Can you take the self-service bike with your dog?
Share-share bikes (Vélib', Vélô, V'Lille...) are not suitable for transporting a dog. No regulations explicitly prohibit it, but the dog cannot be in the basket (too small) nor run next to it (dangerous). If you want to travel by bike with your dog, invest in a suitable bike trailer (from €80) or a reinforced handlebar basket for small dogs (< 8 kg).
How to manage the TGV connection to the metro?
Most large TGV stations are connected to the metro. Plan for 30 minutes minimum of connection with a dog (elevators, crowds, ticket purchase). Your dog must be muzzled and on a leash as soon as you enter the urban network. In Paris, buy your ticket from the ticket machine before leaving the train. Consider taking your dog out for a pee break between the two transports — identify green spaces near the station in advance.
Are assistance dogs subject to the same rules?
No. Assistance dogs (guide dogs for the blind, assistance dogs for people with disabilities) benefit from a special legal status (law of February 11, 2005). They are accepted free of charge and without a muzzle on all public transport, including taxis and VTC. The dog must wear its harness or identification vest. No carrier can refuse them under penalty of sanction for discrimination.
