This year, you are planning to leave for a few days in France or Europe for the holidays and you want to take your pet with you on board a TGV. As it is the first time for him and for you to travel together on a train, you are a little anxious and you wonder if you should not leave him at home. Don't worry! Your pet can travel with you on a train, but only under certain conditions. So here are the rules to follow when you take your pet with you on a train.
The pet's ticket
Recently, taking the train with a dog has become very convenient because you can book your ticket and your doggie's ticket directly online. Indeed, the time when you had to get up early in the morning to get a ticket for your pet is now a thing of the past. Therefore, be aware that the price of the pet's ticket varies according to its weight. In the event of a last-minute change, you can exchange your pet's ticket free of charge until the day before your departure.
The animal's weight
If your dog weighs less than 6 kg, he must travel in a bag or crate whose dimensions are around 45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm maximum. If your dog weighs more than 6 kg, a muzzle must be worn and he must be kept on a leash throughout the journey. For your information, please note that the price of a dog's ticket varies according to its weight.
Some instructions to be respected
Here are a few things to know when you're considering taking the train with a dog. First, you are not allowed to travel with more than two dogs. Second, although dogs are allowed on a train, you will need the approval of other passengers before your pet is allowed on board. However, guide dogs for disabled or blind people travel free of charge and without a ticket on TGV trains. For these assistance dogs, wearing a muzzle is not compulsory. However, they must still be tied up. Finally, for your dog to be allowed to travel on a train, it must have an electronic chip that allows it to be identified. He must also be vaccinated against rabies, have an up-to-date health record and have a European passport provided by his vet.
In short, travelling by train with your pet for the first time can be a challenge, but as long as you plan ahead, you'll be fine. So take along a small first-aid kit in case of sores, small plastic bags to collect excrement and finally, give him water in his bowl if the journey is long enough. All you have to do now is enjoy your train journey together.