For dog parents who love to travel, France is a dream come true. And it’s no secret that France is an ultra dog-friendly country.If you’re planning to travel to France with your dog, these great tips from dog travel website, Wetnose Escapades, will help you:

Dog Import Requirements from the U.S. & Canada

For travelers coming from the U.S. and Canada, you’ll need to take your dog to an accredited veterinarian for the following:

*ISO-compliant 15-digit Microchip – Keep in mind that the rabies vaccination must be administered AFTER your dog is microchipped, NOT before. However, the vaccination can be administered on the same day as the microchip.

*Rabies vaccination (or proof of vaccination if your dog already has one) – Vaccination must be done at least 21 days before entry and your dog must be at least 12 weeks old.

Please note that if your dog was previously vaccinated for rabies but not microchipped, then he or she must be given the rabies vaccination again AFTER being microchipped.

*EU Health Certificate (non-commercial) – Be sure to print out the certificate and bring it to the veterinarian for completion. Get the forms for the U.S. or Canada.

*Besides acquiring the required paperwork for dog travel, it’s imperative that your dog gets a thorough examination from the veterinarian to ensure that he or she is healthy enough to fly.

Upon obtaining the completed EU Health Certificate from the veterinarian, you must then get the paperwork endorsed by your local APHIS Veterinary Services Office www.aphis.usda.gov (U.S.) or Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Canada). Your dog must arrive in France or the EU within 10 days from the date that the USDA Accredited (U.S.) or CFIA Accredited (Canada) Veterinarian endorses the health certificate. This step is very important!

Remember to bring the rabies certificate, copy of flight reservation, and the EU Health Certificate that requires endorsement.

Once it’s stamped, the EU Health Certificate is valid for travel within the EU for up to 4 months (or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first).

*Please note that the entire process also applies to assistance dogs.

OPTIONAL: If you plan on traveling frequently to France or EU with your dog, then you should take your dog to an accredited veterinarian upon arrival to Europe to exchange your existing EU Health Certificate for an EU Pet Passport. The passport is valid for 10 years.

**A European pet passport is required for travel between EU countries for animals. It contains a description of your pet, ownership contact, microchip information, vaccination records, and the issuing veterinarian’s contact. You can obtain a European pet passport for your dog from any authorized vet once you’re in the EU.

Dog Import Requirements from the UK

Starting January 2021 to reflect Brexit, the only new requirement for travel to the EU for first-time travelers is the use of an animal health certificate, rather than a pet passport issued in Great Britain. You can still use a pet passport that was issued in an EU country.

You’ll need to take your dog to an accredited veterinarian for the following:

You will need the ISO-compliant 15-digit Microchip and Rabies vaccination per US and Canada travellers.

*Animal Health Certificate (non-commercial) – Find an “official veterinarian” who can issue the certificate no more than 10 days before travel. The certificate must be signed by an “official veterinarian.” Upon endorsement, the paperwork is valid for 4 months (or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first).

Please note that the entire process also applies to assistance dogs.

OPTIONAL: If you plan on traveling frequently to France or EU with your dog, then you should take your dog to an accredited veterinarian upon arrival to Europe to exchange your existing EU Health Certificate for an EU Pet Passport. The Pet Passport especially comes in handy if you plan on returning to the EU with your dog in the future. The passport is valid for years on end – mine expires a whoppin’ 10 years from the date of issuance and I’ve read that the passport doesn’t expire as long as you keep up with the rabies vaccination. With an EU Pet Passport, you can kiss all the onerous paperwork goodbye!

Dog Import Requirements from another EU country

EU rules make it super easy to travel to another EU country with your dog with an EU Pet Passport.

For travelers from other countries in the European Union, you will need to take your dog to an accredited veterinarian who can issue an EU Pet Passport. You will need the You will need the ISO-compliant 15-digit Microchip and Rabies vaccination per UK, US and Canada travellers.

Please note that if your dog was previously vaccinated for rabies but not microchipped, then he or she must be given the rabies vaccination again AFTER being microchipped.

France dog culture

It’s no secret that the French love dogs. France has one of the highest ratios of dogs per person in the world. Several French cities have notable historic pet cemeteries, illustrating the French’s long history of animal companionship. The French just love taking their dogs everywhere. This is especially true for city dwellers who live in small apartments. Here’s a quick overview of where you can and cannot take your dog in France:

Eating & drinking places. Dogs are free to wine and dine with humans at many restaurants in France. Even the most upscale dining places may be dog-friendly with servers happily bringing a dog bowl to your table. Whether indoor or outdoor, dogs are welcome inside many drinking and dining establishments, Cafés, boulangeries, patisseries, brasseries, bouchons, bistros, restaurants, crêperies, and bars often allow dogs. Just ask if in doubt.

Markets & grocery stores. Although dogs are technically not allowed, some establishments may look the other way if you’re in and out quickly or if you put your small dog inside a bag.

Pharmacies. Since it’s the norm for the French to run errands with their dogs, it’s not uncommon to see a dog inside a pharmacy. Dogs are not allowed inside hospitals and medical offices.

Shops & boutiques. Whether it’s a big retailer or small boutique, some stores that don’t sell food will permit dogs on-premise. Since it is largely up to the store owner’s discretion, be sure to check for signs that indicate otherwise.

Public transportation. Dogs are welcome on public transportation in Paris, including Metro/RER trains and buses. Small dogs transported via carriers or bags can travel on all modes of public transportation, either for free or at a discounted rate. As for larger dogs who can’t fit inside a bag, they must have a ticket of their own (at a discounted price, e.g. a child’s fare). They must also be muzzled and leashed – well, at least in theory (it’s not always the case in practice).

In certain cities, dogs may only be allowed onboard if they fit inside a small bag or basket, which poses a problem if you’re traveling with larger dogs.

Taxis. Research a taxi app which welcomes pets. It could be challenging to find one that accepts dogs. It’s solely up to the discretion of the driver.

Parks. Many parks are off-limits for dogs. If allowed, dogs must be leashed, kept on paths, and stay away from children’s playgrounds.

Museums/tourist attractions. Dogs are not allowed inside museums or indoor tourist attractions, with the exception of certified assistance dogs.

Hotels/accommodation. Dog-friendly accommodation is plentiful. Some places may charge extra while others will welcome your furry traveler to stay for free.

The Poop Situation

You are required to pick up after your dog. Admittedly not everyone in France does, we all know the stories of pavement poop in Paris but it has definitely got better and there are hefty fines if you don’t scoop your dog’s poop.

Veterinarians

French veterinary care is generally cheaper than the U.S. and U.K.

Recommended Dog-Friendly Cities in France

Are you ready to explore France with your dog? Here are some of my favorite dog-friendly cities!

Paris. In Paris, you will find plenty of Parisian dogs alongside their humans shopping on the fashionable Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré or enjoying a long, leisure outing at Parisian cafés in Saint Germain or Le Marais. From canine chauffeur service to doggy boutique shops, the dog-friendly culture can be experienced almost everywhere. Even though dogs aren’t allowed inside any of Paris’ world-famous attractions (that’s right, even the Eiffel Tower is off-limits to dogs except for certified assistance dogs), your dog can explore the exterior grounds of these magnificent landmarks. Dogs can sniff out the stunning dog-friendly grounds of the Louvre Palace, the massive Luxembourg Gardens, and the enchanting Palais-Royal Garden among many other dog-friendly spots.

Lyon. The third largest city in France, Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France with a rich Roman past. Besides wining and dining with your dog, you can walk around the gigantic Place Bellecour and visit the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière. My favorite dog-friendly parks are the 8-hectare Parc des Hautefeuilles (with a special dog area), the ginormous 117-hectares Parc de la Tête d’Or (with two separate dog runs), and the 18-hectare Parc de Gerland (on-leash dogs are welcome). Be sure to take your dog to The Smoking Dog, which is a cool dog-friendly pub located in Old Lyon.

Marseille. A dynamic city in southern France, Marseille is known for its old port, alluring beaches, and sunny weather. In Le Panier, you can enjoy a bowl of tasty bouillabaisse, Marseille’s famous fish soup, with your dog by your side either indoor or outdoor. From the Old Port, you can make the hilly trek to Notre Dame de la Garde with your dog for some amazing panoramic views of the city. Or you can choose from a variety of dog-friendly trails along the Mediterranean Sea in Parc National des Calanques. For dogs who love a good swim, they can get their paws wet and their noses sandy on the beaches of Plage de Saint-Estève and Plage du Verdon, which are both dog-friendly off-season.

Carcassonne. Quietly tucked away in the south of France, the picturesque medieval city of Carcassonne is worth a quick day trip or a weekend getaway with your dog. At this secluded fairytale town in the Languedoc area, you’ll find some of the most intact old fortifications ever existed. For dog-friendly activities, you can hike up the hills to Cité Médiévale, explore the splendid double city walls, and cross the 14th century 300-meter old bridge, Pont-Vieux, with your dog. Lac de la Cavayere, an enthralling 40-hectare artificial lake, also welcomes on-leash dogs on the pathway and in picnic areas.

This is a guest post by Roger Wellington from Wet Nose Escapades: A Yorkie’s Guide to Healthy Dog Travel. 

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“Just borrow a dog for a few hours,” a Toronto friend once told me. I was trying to figure out ways to become more local – to connect more deeply – during the three-or-so months that we spent in the South of France each year.

I could see myself gliding through Antibes’ streets with little Fifi on a rhinestone-studded leash. I’d extract cordial ‘bonjours’ from real French folks on their morning errands and enjoy chit-chats with neighbouring diners at sidewalk cafés.

Borrowing a dog may have been the practical solution. But a few years ago, when I realized it was possible to welcome a dog into our family and to maintain my family’s longstanding tradition of summering in the Côte d’Azur, I offered to take on the related bureaucracy. In a moment of weakness, my husband Philippe acquiesced. At long last, Lolo, our pet-obsessed, tween-aged daughter, began researching puppies.

Ferrying Fido from Canada to France

Our miniature poodle Yoko arrived on Bastille Day. Ten-and-a-half months later at the tippy end of May, I found myself hunched over the kitchen counter in Toronto, in the wee hours in an attempt to complete Yoko’s paperwork for our upcoming flight to France. Reams of instructions and governmental forms littered the cool marble.  A blazing internet screen led me deeper and deeper into the abyss of official regulations.

The critical, 10-day window before our French arrival loomed. During this period, our vet needed to pronounce Yoko A-OK health-wise. She needed to sign off on a sheaf of bilingual, governmental documentation completed to perfection. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (bizarrely) also needed to add its stamp. To throw in a tad of French humour: We couldn’t be certain that our 10-day window would end when we expected it to end. We were heading to France. The country’s air traffic controllers were on strike.

Facing the forms

The paperwork had to be ship-shape for our abbreviated 10-day span. A phrase from one set of instructions wallowed in my bleary brain: “If the above-mentioned health requirements are not complied with, the officials in charge of checks can have the animal sent back to the country of origin… have it put into quarantine or have it put down.”

Put down.  Blimey.

How could a smart, spirited, apricot miniature poodle puppy cause so many headaches? As the clock on my laptop spun forward, I unearthed silly error upon silly error in our vet’s preliminary attempt at the bilingual, European Union document entitled Non-Commercial movement of five or less dogs, cats or ferrets.

The next morning I rang the CFIA with questions as pernickety as the bureau’s requirements.  Actually I rang three times.

Yes, the authoritative-but-friendly man said, the vet had to do all strikeouts with a ruler and to initial each one. Yes, it was true that we might cross out 2/3 of the document (or put another way, that we might have to understand three times the regulatory minutiae before realizing that most of it didn’t apply). Ditto for the French translation that (more than) doubled the length of the English document. On the initial attempt at Yoko’s form, there were no lines, ruled or otherwise. Yes, the man said, the block printing had to be in black ink – but not the signature. The signature had to be in blue. Yoko’s form was all in blue.

I had one last question: Did the attachments (the vet’s rabies and health certificates, both considered intrinsic parts of the bilingual form) need to be completed in French as well as English? The CFIA official was unsure.  He advised that I check with the French consulate.

I charged Philippe, our family’s native French speaker, with this job. The local French consulate told Philippe to call French Customs in Washington, D.C. An automated message at French Customs advised callers to visit their website. The site was useless. My husband rang the French Embassy in Ottawa. The receptionist jamais – never, not ever – had received this question about a French translation. Attendez, she told Philippe, and off she went to discuss the matter.

When the receptionist returned, she was très desolée for keeping Philippe so long, but it was a very deep question. When we arrived in France, she said, we simply must tell French Customs that the French Embassy in Ottawa couldn’t find the right form. They would have to deal with English. This ingenuity from the French Embassy was a breathtaking insight into how the French deal with their own, legendary bureaucracy.

A few days into the do-or-die 10-day window, we were set. Philippe offered to drive to the governmental inspectors with our precious paperwork, properly completed in its black-penned, blue-signed, struck-out-with-a-ruler-and-initialed, semi-bilingual ecstasy. Inside the compact bureau, an officer reviewed Yoko’s paperwork.

“This is the most comprehensive application I have ever seen,” he said. Of course he still had a couple criticisms, mostly relating to having too much information, but once Philippe paid the requisite fee, he was sailing out the door.

The rest of Yoko’s initial immigration story went off a little too smoothly for my liking. The French air traffic controllers showed up for work. Yoko managed to hold it together. The burly French customs agent gave us perfunctory glances, stamped our passports, and waved us through.

Vous voulez voir les papiers du chien? I asked, waving a manila envelope in front of the customs official. Surely he wanted to see Yoko’s perfect papers.

Non. French shrug.

I was stunned. Non, il faut regarder les papiers! I cried, pleading in my transatlantic grogginess. You have to look at these papers! I worked so hard on them!

We’ve repeated the same routine for several years now. Repetition has made the paperwork easier, but it remains as nit-picking as ever. Minute changes crop up in the regulated pen colours, for instance, creating an effective way for the government to ensure that I’ve reread the instructions every year. The CFIA official still finds the annual problem or two and extracts his governmental fee.  Meanwhile, no French customs officer has even laid a finger on my paperwork or chatted with me about my adorable pooch.

Once back in Antibes, though, Yoko has introduced my family and me to loads of locals, many of whom grasp their own leads. On one evening walk in the sultry Côte d’Azur, Yoko received a marriage proposal (a request to breed her). Our poodle, though, has fallen for another guy, a fluffy, white bichon frisé. His name is Gucci.

My Toronto friend was right. Borrowing a dog definitely would’ve been easier. But bureaucracy and all, I’d still not change a thing.

Find details of how to take your pet from Canada to France here on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.  http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/exports/live-animals/health-certificates/pets/eng/1321265624789/1321281361100

Jemma Hélène is a writer, find out more at frenchlessonsblog.com

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Social media remains awash with post Brexit scaremongering! ‘They’re going to abolish the pet passport system’ is just one headline I’ve read recently, although it doesn’t appear to have any foundation in fact.

For those of us who now regularly travel with our pets (I’m predominantly talking about dogs, but I have met a few cats and even the occasional holidaying ferret while I’ve been on my travels), there are potentially big changes a foot. In my experience, few pet owners seem to know what’s going on, and even fewer vets. In fact, my vet told me my dog needed a £170 blood test. On any reading of the DEFRA guidelines, it’s clear that he didn’t.

A little bit of revision

I’ve heard quite a lot of references to the fact we’ll “revert to the old Pet Passport rules” after Brexit. When asked, not many people seem to know what this means but it is important to understand if you want to make sense of the current DEFRA advice and gossip!

The first Pet Passport scheme

The Pet Passport scheme was first introduced in February 2000. Your dog could now travel without going into quarantine, provided they were microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and had had a rabies blood test 4 months after the vaccination. You then had to wait another 6 months from the blood test before they could arrive back in the UK. Your dog also had to be treated by a vet for tapeworm 1-5 days before its arrival back in the UK and the treatment recorded (with exact times) in the passport.

The time frame of these rules was eventually relaxed so that a blood test could be taken (at least) 30 days after your pet was vaccinated and you only had to wait 3 months before you could travel.

The most recent Pet Passport scheme

In 2014 some important changes were introduced which relaxed the time frame even more.

The main provisions were:

• a new minimum age of 12 weeks before a pet can be vaccinated against rabies
• but you only had to wait 21 days from the date of vaccination before travel.

All pets under this scheme are still required to have a microchip which confirms the animal’s identity, but tick treatment was no longer a legal requirement.

So, what’s going to happen after the 29^th March?

It’s a good question and it’s nothing short of amazing that DEFRA’s most recent advice is dated November last year! They did issue updated guidance in December but withdrew it in January. And brace yourself – the existing guidance is vague, confusing and in some instances, doesn’t seem to make any sense!

Broadly speaking after the 29^th March, one of three things will happen:

In the event we secure a deal. The UK will probably be given something called either Part 1 or Part 2 status. Part 1 status should mean the Pet Passport scheme will remain pretty much the same as it is. If we’re given Part 2 status, the current rules will probably be modified and pets will now require a Health Certificate to travel (see below) but other than that, no major changes.

We leave the EU on a no deal basis. This is the worst case scenario. It changes the UK’s status to something called Part 3 and means the rules for pet travel could change roughly as follows:

You’ll still need your dog to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. The blood test will then need to be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Provided the test is successful, the rules will go back to requiring you to wait 3 months from the date of the successful blood sample before you travel. But this is for first time dog travellers only, provided your dog’s rabies vaccinations are kept up to date with boosters.

A new Health Certificate provision

An additional provision will require you to take your dog to a vet, no more than 10 days before travel to get a Health Certificate. Your pet will need a Health Certificate for each trip to the EU.

Your certificate would be valid for:

10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU

4 months of onward travel within the EU

Re-entry to the UK for 4 months after the date of issue.

“Pet passports issued in the UK would not be valid for travel to the EU.”

The guidelines clearly state pet passports issued in the UK will not be valid. In my opinion, this makes absolutely no sense! I have been unable to find any clarification of what this means and am left asking whether it’s me or DEFRA being stupid.

Return to the UK

Your pet must have one of the following documents when returning to the UK:

An existing EU pet passport (both for UK and EU citizens)

The EU Health Certificate issued in the UK used to travel to the EU

A UK pet Health Certificate (issued outside the UK for travel into the UK only).

Clear as mud?

The long and short of it appears to be that first-time travellers and young dogs will have to wait longer before they can travel, and the new Health Certificate requirement is going to be onerous and expensive for regular travellers. As for UK issued passports? Watch this space.

And what of those of us determined to travel? Well, I’m due to travel with my two Leonbergers respectively aged 4 and 5 months on the 30^th March. Interesting choice of timing I know but I’ve lined all my ducks up in a row as far as I’m able. Will I be able to get back into the UK? Who knows? But if you see me parked up somewhere near Calais, feel free to throw me a bone!

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The first time I took my long-haired mini-dachshund, Ellie, to France, we spent two months traveling from Paris to Brittany and Normandy. Our last stop was the seaside resort of Agon-Coutainville, on the Cotentin peninsula which juts into the English Channel. There Ellie feasted on raw milk Camembert and prė-salė lamb. When we returned to New York, I offered her a supermarket cheese and she glared at me, as if to say, “what is this crap?” My dog had become an epicure.

Paperwork for taking your dog from the US to France

That first trip with dog in tow was worrisome because I didn’t know what to expect. Small dogs (under 8 kg, including the travel case) are permitted on most international flights from the US, for a fee. The airlines also require, as per EU entry requirements, that the animal have an implanted chip and a recent vaccination document, attested to by the US Department of Agriculture(USDA). This involved going to the vet no more than 10 days before departure; the vet then messengered the documents to and from the USDA. The fee for this service was over $300.

Inmore than 20 trips from the US to Europe, no European official has ever asked to see the documents, although US Customs has demanded them on return. After the trouble and expense for this attestation over numerous trips, I discovered that a European pet passport, renewed annually, satisfies both EU and US requirements. The cost: about €40 for the annual booster vaccine.

Beyond the paperwork, traveling with a dog has both disadvantages and advantages.

Disadvantages of taking your dog to France from the US

Dogs are not permitted in many parks, particularly in Paris but they are permitted in many restaurants.

My dog freaks out when left alone in a strange place. Which means I cannot leave her alone in a hotel room for fear her barking would disturb other guests (and have me thrown out). I arranged for dog sitting with a server at my hotel in Pauillac while I attended a concert at chateau Lafite Rothschild. I returned to find the entire staff entertaining the dog on the terrace. In Madrid, I engaged the services of a young American woman during the days while I went to museums and restaurants. In the evening, Ellie and I were both exhausted from our sorties and happy to have a light bite for dinner in our hotel room.

There is a set charge for dogs on trains in France. To go from Nice to Cannes round trip by train cost €8 for me and €14 for the dog. Busses do not charge extra. One long distance bus driver objected to transporting the dog but was mollified when I put her in my shopping bag. The rule on the Paris metro is that dogs must be in a carry case. In Nice, dogs on public transport must be small enough to sit on one’s lap.

Many low-cost intraeuropean airlines (e.g., Ryanair, Easyjet) do not carry animals at all. No commercial airline flies animals into Britain. If you are taking your dog to England, plan to drive.

Advantages of taking your dog to France from the US

The practical and financial hazards of traveling with a dog are more than outweighed by the companionship and cultural benefits:

Dogs make friends. Ellie’s best friends in Nice are Theodore, a bichon owned by an Italian lady, and Caesar, a Jack Russell with a Swedish owner, both of whom (the owners) have become friends of mine as well. Ellie also made good friends for both of us with our human neighbors in Basque Country, not to mention soliciting conversations wherever we go.

A dog brings you into the culture. Shopkeepers all know me as the American who owns Ellie. The tabac gives her treats, as does the charcuterie. The local merchants all know and chat with us. I’ve had long conversations with the vet about politics and with other dog owners about potential health hazards, such as the pine processionary caterpillars that throw poisoned stingers.

You are not viewed as a tourist. An American living in France will always be seen as a foreigner but with dog in tow I am regarded as someone committed to living in France. Once, in Paris, I stopped for lunch at a well-known brasserie, also known for being snobbish about tourists. The hostess hesitated about whether to admit me until I said “J’ai un chien” and pointed out Ellie in her carry case. We were not only given a choice table but received friendly service. It was Ellie who was invited in and I was permitted to join her.

Evelyn Ehrlich lives happily in Nice with her dog.

Top tips for taking your dog on a ski holiday to France
What to do if your dog goes missing in France
Expats in France offer new life for old dogs
Pet friendly car hire in France
Volunteering with animals in France

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Get the low down on why home owners in France should consider house sitters for all sorts of reasons.

How can house sitters benefit home owners in France?

Minimise stress for pets: If you’re a pet owner, when you’re on holiday, keeping pets to their routines in their own home when you go away minimises their anxiety. It will also reduce your worry too, knowing your beloved extended family member is well taken care of.

Keep your home secure: When you’re on holiday and your home is empty, your property may be more vulnerable. Hosting housesitters means your home is occupied and better protected.

Ensure your insurance is validated on long holidays: Some of us like to long holidays or leave property empty for long periods. Beware, many insurance companies will not uphold your insurance if the property is empty for longer than 30 days. House sitters in your home means your insurance remains valid.

What can I expect of a house sitter?

Pet care. This is a flexible arrangement agreed between homeowners and house sitters.

Home care. House sitters will at the very least keep your home clean and tidy.

Garden care. You might want your house sitters to care for their gardens, watering indoor plants and outdoor plants.

Pool care. Swimming pools need a watchful eye and homeowners can expect sitters to maintain the pool cleaning and monitor PH levels

Do I have to pay for a house sitter?

Usually nothing. House sitters generally pay their own travel costs to get to your home and buy their own food. They offer their services as house sitters and pet sitters entirely for free, in exchange for free accommodation – it’s a win win!

How do I know I can trust a house sitter?

Can I speak to a potential house sitter before they arrive to make sure I like them?

Yes, a house sitting company should it, it’s good to chat to all the applicants before you commit to any of them. It is important that you build a relationship in order to get to know them and be comfortable that they will suit your situation and housesit assignment.

What sort of people do house sitting?

A wide range of house sitters from diverse backgrounds. Most of them fall into one of these categories:

Retired professionals. Retired and semi-retired singles and couples who enjoy working holidays like house sitting to make the most of travelling opportunities on a fixed budget.

Pet lovers. People who like pet sitting and house sitting while they discover a new country and location.

Living like locals. Some people love to travel by living in real homes and neighbourhoods for a more authentic experience. House sitting can help them achieve this goal.

Full time house sitters. Some people travel full time around the world, taking their work with them. They will need good Wi-Fi to undertake a housesit assignment.

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Artist Susan Faye, a British expat in France, has always been passionate about animals, especially dogs.  As a child she says she would bring home any dog she found roaming the streets but wasn’t allowed to keep them until at the age of 16, when her parents agreed she could  bring home ‘Shonti’, a  Collie/German shepherd cross. Abandoned at a local farm, she was led to her new forever home with a lead made of string from a hay bale. She became Susan’s much loved pet and when Susan moved to France, Shonti went too.

Shonti passed to doggy heaven in France at the ripe old age of 17.  “Losing her was agonizing” says Susan. She went on to welcome Nell, Ryan and a little cat called ‘Titi’. Each time one of them left this world, “I felt my heart being ripped out” says Susan. And, she decided to look into ways of keeping her much loved, departed pets close to her again.

Perles Des Souvenirs

Perles des Souvenirs was born after much research into working with glass. Susan creates memorial jewellery in the form of beads that can be worn on a chain. The beads contain a tiny memento of your much missed pet, fur, a single hair or even ashes. “I treat them with the utmost respect” says Susan “I feel that when someone entrusts me to create a lasting memory, it’s an honour and a privilege…”

“I’ve found that these beads help with the bereavement process.  They bring comfort for those wishing to hold onto a special keepsake”.

Susan has helped many people come to terms with their loss “One of my very first customers lost her lovely Labrador Suzie and requested a golden bead to be made.  A little of Suzie’s fur is now infused in her own souvenir pearl to keep forever”.

The ethereal looking beads are coloured blue and green with mysterious looking squirls captured inside the glass, though customers can choose a colour that reminds them of their pet.

Susan says clients always have a special story to tell about their pet and she really understands the need to create something special in their memory. She can design a bead to suit or create something bespoke.

If you’re looking for a way to keep a souvenir of your pet forever, Susan’s Perles may be just the thing.

Website for Perles des Souvenirs

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These days, taking your dog on holiday with you is fairly simple. Plenty of B&B, gites and even hotels are dog friendly. But what if you want to take your dog on a ski holiday in France? It’s not that common but it’s perfectly doable – we tried it!

Taking your dog on a skiing holiday in France

We drove to Saint Gervais in Savoie. It was straightforward and took a little over 8 hours from Calais (including stops). The last hour up the Autoroute Blanche is guaranteed to build the excitement. Saint Gervais is an easily accessible but pretty mountain village in the Chamonix Valley. It’s a short distance from Mont Blanc.

2017 was an exceptionally mild spring and usually you can expect quite a lot more snow. The upside to that was that driving was easy and although we packed snow slippers for the tyres, they weren’t needed. It also meant the resort was pretty quiet and we had many of the slopes to ourselves.

Do not forget, you must take your dog to the vets and get their passports indorsed before you return to the UK. There are strict rules about this and about timing and if you don’t comply, they will not let you travel. On our return, two families were being refused passage at Calais for non-compliance. Shouting at the customs officials or pleading with fellow travellers really won’t help one little bit.

Accommodation 

Bearing in mind how many people take their dogs to France, there is still not that much dog friendly accommodation available. Peak Retreats and Lagrange were brilliant and didn’t bat an eyelid at my outsized request. You’re allowed two dogs per apartment and the floors are tiled so its very easy to keep it clean. As you need to leave your accommodation as you found it (and they will check before you leave), I would recommend taking an old sheet to throw over any furniture just in case.

We’re a large and rowdy family with two enormous dogs (one of whom is still very young). We coped well in our accommodation and if your dog is a sensible size an apartment is fine. We certainly weren’t the only ones with dogs in our block. If, like us however, you have giant breeds, a chalet or at least a ground floor apartment, will make your life easier. Our early morning canine “ablutions” were a little complicated.

Eating out in Saint Gervais

As you’d expect there are lots of restaurants and bars in Saint Gervais or further up the mountain if you want to eat out. They serve hearty and traditional fodder including the local Reblochon cheese, tartiflette, raclette and fondue. But it can get expensive. If you’re on a budget, bring the staples with you – tea, coffee, pasta, porridge etc. or stock up in Super U at the bottom of the mountain. We even brought our dog food with us. We raw feed ours and brought enough meat frozen in a box to last most of the week.

One very charismatic restaurant is Le Galeta tucked away down the back streets (Impasse des Lupins). It’s full of charm, with slabs of meat and giant prawns cooking on the open wood fire and original wooden skis and alpine tools on the walls. It’s not cheap but if you want to warm up and indulge somewhere cosy after a day on the mountains, it’s perfect.

However, our top recommendation has to be l’Affiche (Avenue du Mont Paccard) where we sat outside, enjoyed great service, great food and great value for money. I’m always amazed how accepted dogs are in France, even when they don’t fit in a handbag, and ours were welcomed (and admired) in all the bars we visited.

Walking and skiing with your dog

If you are a serious skier who plans to ski all day, I wouldn’t recommend you take your dog with you because they’ll be left for long periods of time in a strange place. Equally, for the serious hikers and walkers, a little later in the season is better, when the snow has gone and they’ve opened up all the walking routes.

And if you’re out to relax and put your feet up…well skiing with dogs is probably not for you. Having skied all morning, we rushed back down to resort pretty quickly each day to let the dogs out and have lunch in the apartment, before going out for some canine exercise.

However, if you just want to enjoy family time (that includes your pooch) and some light skiing, a late skiing break is perfect. With young, inexperienced children, we knew a full day’s skiing was probably over ambitious, as would be 3-hour mountain hikes. As it was, we enjoyed balmy temperatures in resort of 18 degrees, short, snowy walks, and drinks outside with our hounds and kids, as well as some daily skiing. Really the best of both worlds and a great Alpine taster holiday.

The tourist office in Saint Gervais provided us with some walking routes that came with maps and directions. The maps weren’t brilliant but the directions were clear. You can take your dogs in the cable car right up to Mont Arbois and walk back down if you wish. It’s a smallish cable car and a long walk so we decided against it.  And do bear in mind, your level of fitness. What one map described as moderate, involved a long and very steep walk!

Details

We stayed with Peak Retreats and Les Arolles (Lagrange) in Saint Gervais. You can book ski hire, ski passes and insurance with Peak Retreats or buy/ hire them in resort on arrival.

The famous thermal baths of Saint Gervais

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Leeanne and Mike, animal lovers and soul mates, have in their part of France, made their home into a rescue centre for old dogs. Not just local dogs, but their dogs sometimes travel great distances to spend their last hours, days, weeks, months or if they are fortunate years, with this amazing couple, and the volunteers who are an essential part of this haven.

I had heard of Twilight before reading this book, but living a great distance away had never visited them, now I have the overwhelming wish to do so. That so many dogs, with such a diverse range of illnesses and/or disabilities have found peace here is amazing enough, but that they ALL get to feel loved, genuinely cared for, and live as part of an enormous pack, is fantastic.

However, it is not just the dogs lives that Leeanne and Mike have enriched, they seem to have their own special magic which draws people to them and, and the dogs. It’s the ‘Twilight Effect’ so I have read, and it is absolutely lovely! To know that there are such special people in this world is heart lifting, people who care for the dogs, raise funds to make their lives better, pick up and transport them, and of course do all the essential little daily tasks which come with owning dogs.

This book is a wonderful celebration of Twilight and inside you will find incredible stories about dogs with all sorts of problems who thanks to the dedication and love of Leeanne, Mike, and an army of volunteers young and old, live their twilight years safe, warm and loved.

The stories of Leeanne, Mike and many of the helpers are also told, as they are integrally entwined together. This book is one every animal lover should own, it is humbling, inspiring, and just simply wonderful. Twilight, in all its guises is a place which all animal lovers wish they were brave enough to have ourselves, but we haven’t, and I for one am full of admiration for this amazing couple and their helpers who have been brave enough to help these elderly, ill and sometimes very disabled dogs.

On a personal note, I have had dogs all my life my Border Collie Toby, is now 8 years old, and the years pass so quickly. Leeanne and Mike say in the book that they hope people will consider rescuing an old dog when the time comes for them to have another canine friend, and I will do so.

I loved so much of this book, even though at times I could barely read it through the tears, but this passage will stick in my mind forever, ‘That magical Twilight Effect has encouraged both the French and the English community to step up and take on the oldies, and instead of being afraid of death, to celebrate the life that the dogs have. Old dogs do not go to retirement homes to die. They go to live.’

So please buy this book, for yourself, your friends, for birthdays, Christmas, by doing so you will not only be supporting Twilight, you will also have the privilege of allow the wonderful characters in it, both canine and human to enter your soul and enrich your life.

You can order the book from the special Twilight Book Line: twilightdogsbook@gmail.com and find more details on the www.twilightchiens.com website

Read our interview with Mike and Leanne of Twilight Dogs

The post Paws Before Bedtime The story of Twilight: the retirement home for dogs appeared first on The Good Life France.

If you’re planning a holiday or long trip and you have a beloved pet – you may well want to take them along for the ride. If you’re hiring a car for your trip, then these helpful tips about pets and hire cars will help you…

Are dogs allowed in hire cars?

We know that your pet is part of your family and you may want them to join you on your travels. The majority of car hire agents will allow pets in their vehicles, as long as you adhere to their terms and conditions, largely related to keeping the car clean and looked after. For the majority of responsible pet owners this is not a problem.

Often the car rental agents that allow pets in their hire cars rarely advertise the fact, so it can be hard to find the information you are after. The best advice is, when making your booking – check with the specific agent’s terms and conditions.

The main concern a car rental agent will have is in relation to the cleanliness of the car when you return it. An additional valeting fee could be applied if the car requires more than a reasonable amount of cleaning after your rental. Be aware that if your dog, or any pet, causes “unreasonable damage” to your hire vehicle then an excess fee will be charged and you will be liable for any costs to repair the car. With that in mind we have compiled some top tips to help look after your vehicle when travelling with a pet.

Top tips for looking after your rental car when travelling with a pet:

Use a seat protector, or a blanket, to stop excess dog hair on the seats.

Take care when getting the dog in and out of the vehicle to avoid damaging the paintwork.

Make sure your dog is carefully strapped in a safe position such as a crate. Smaller pets should also be placed in a suitable transportation box.

Thoroughly vacuum the car after use.

Ensure the car smells fresh for the next user.

The post Pet Friendly Car Hire in France appeared first on The Good Life France.

Helping out at your local animal refuge in France is a great way to help the animals, get involved in the local community and make new friends…

Producing 160 promotion posters for 160 dogs in one weekend is water off a duck’s back (or should we say, dog’s?) for Emma Lee, one of LAARF’s finest. This is what we found her doing when we contacted her.

Emma lives in the Charente in a house full of dogs. When she’s not walking or caring for them, she is either writing, teaching or volunteering at her local dog and cat refuge. That’s how she got involved with LAARF – Les Amis des Animaux des Refuges en France.

LAARF was formed by a group of people who care deeply about the plight of animals in France. The point of the group is infiltrate, if you will, the refuges of France with volunteers who, amongst other things, walk dogs, cuddle cats, knit coats, collect bedding, help promote the animals for re-homing and perhaps most importantly, support each other in doing so.

Emma is arguably one of the hardest working “LAARFers” as they call themselves. Of the 200 or so dogs at her nearest SPA (refuge) in Angoulême, where she volunteers and sits on the committee, Emma knows them all. Ask her anything, and she will either know the answer, or she’ll find out within minutes. Emma falls in love with every single dog and that is manifested in the promotional adverts that she produces for them, an effort which has significantly increased their adoption rates. And this is on top of holding a full time job.

How does she do this? Let’s find out:

Emma, you are clearly a very busy person. How do you find time to devote to your activities within LAARF?

I treat the refuge as my social event of the week and meet up with my friends there. I do what I can from home as well, as there are a lot of jobs that don’t require me to be on site. When you are determined, you find a way. A small commitment of time can and does have a massive impact.

What motivates you to volunteer?

I make promises to the refuge dogs and cats. I say to each one that I will do my best by them. Last year, one of my favourites, nine-year-old Leonberger cross, Lou, died at the vet’s of a stomach torsion. He’d spent four years at the refuge. I’d just put together a video montage to show everyone what a great dog he was, but I was too late. I knew there and then that it wasn’t acceptable to me to allow dogs to spend four years in limbo or for dogs to die without a home.

What’s your advice to anyone thinking of volunteering at their local refuge?

Stop putting it off. Stop thinking that it doesn’t matter if you don’t go. Stop thinking that your lack of French will hold you back. There are hundreds of things you can do if you can’t walk dogs or pet cats. So much happens behind the scenes that once you realise how much there is to do, you want to help out as best you can.

If you’d like to get involved, contact LAARF on: Email: info@laarf.com; Website: www.laarf.com; Facebook – LAARF SPA Volunteer Network

Jane Hunt lives in The Dordogne with her husband and two rescued dogs where she runs her own advertising and communications agency. In her spare time Jane volunteers at her local dog and cat refuge and provides public relations and fundraising support to Hope Association and Twilight, the retirement home for older dogs. 

Read about the expat couple who have taken in hundreds of unloved dogs in France – Twilight, the retirement home for older dogs, an incredible story of love

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