Reader question: In lockdown areas of France, when can I walk my dog and how far can I go?
As any dog owner will tell you, walkies do not stop for a little thing like a year-long health crisis, so here are the rules on walking the dog if you live in one of the 16 areas of France now under 'lockdown light'.
Question: I live in Paris and I'm confused about the rules on dog walking - can I walk the dog at all after 7pm? And do I need a form if I'm going out during the day?
Under the more relaxed lockdown rules now in place in these 16 départements of France there are indeed new rules on dog walking, but it depends on what time of day you are going out.
6am-7pm
During the day people are allowed out of their homes for exercise - including dog-walking - for an unlimited amount of time, so you and your furry friend can head out to the park for a good long walk.
However, you must stay within 10km of home.
If you are out for any of the permitted reasons - shopping, exercise, going to an medical appointment etc - you won't need an attestation permission form as long as you are within 10km of home. You should however have ID and something to prove your address (eg a utility bill) with you in case of a police check.
7pm - 6am
In the evening, however, the rules are different as the curfew is still in place the rules here are stricter on leaving the home. Essentially you are only allowed to leave home for one of a short list of essential reasons.
A dog-walk does count as an essential reason, but you must stay within 1km of home.
An attestation is needed if you are walking the dog after 7pm.
So in short, your pet can get a nice long run out during the day and then a quick leg-stretch and final pee in the evening.
We try to help our members out with all aspects of living in France, so if you have a question on any topic, email us us [email protected]
Comments
See Also
Question: I live in Paris and I'm confused about the rules on dog walking - can I walk the dog at all after 7pm? And do I need a form if I'm going out during the day?
Under the more relaxed lockdown rules now in place in these 16 départements of France there are indeed new rules on dog walking, but it depends on what time of day you are going out.
6am-7pm
During the day people are allowed out of their homes for exercise - including dog-walking - for an unlimited amount of time, so you and your furry friend can head out to the park for a good long walk.
However, you must stay within 10km of home.
If you are out for any of the permitted reasons - shopping, exercise, going to an medical appointment etc - you won't need an attestation permission form as long as you are within 10km of home. You should however have ID and something to prove your address (eg a utility bill) with you in case of a police check.
7pm - 6am
In the evening, however, the rules are different as the curfew is still in place the rules here are stricter on leaving the home. Essentially you are only allowed to leave home for one of a short list of essential reasons.
A dog-walk does count as an essential reason, but you must stay within 1km of home.
An attestation is needed if you are walking the dog after 7pm.
So in short, your pet can get a nice long run out during the day and then a quick leg-stretch and final pee in the evening.
We try to help our members out with all aspects of living in France, so if you have a question on any topic, email us us [email protected]
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.