Traveling with Your Pet During the Holidays: Which Transport to Choose?

Finding alternative care for your pet during the holidays can be a real headache—many pet-sitters are unavailable over the festive season. Pet-friendly hotels often book up months ahead, and the added expense is one we’re always happy to avoid. With peak season rates, costs can also spiral, making this a tricky option to navigate.

For many, the simplest solution is to make room in the travel bag—or better yet, take their furry (or feathered, or scaled) friend along for the holiday. But what are the travel requirements for our animal companions? Which transport option is the most economical, the most comfortable, or even allows a pet to travel alone?

Traveling by Train

If you plan to travel with your pet on the train in France, you’ll need to meet the same set of requirements as always. Your pet must:

• Travel in a carrier (bag or crate) that is well-ventilated and large enough for them to turn around

• Have their details clearly marked on the carrier (name, owner’s address and phone number, microchip/tattoo number, pet name)

• Be microchipped

• Be vaccinated against rabies

• Carry a European pet passport issued and filled in by a vet

• Have an up-to-date pet health record booklet

If you're traveling with your pet in Europe, research the specific rules for your destination—some countries have stricter policies. Regardless, the following conditions generally apply:

• Pets must be microchipped to EU standards and travel with a vaccination certificate.

• Small domestic animals must travel in carriers no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm and must weigh 10 kg or less.

• Dogs must travel leashed and muzzled.

• Only one pet is allowed per traveler.

Your pet will need its own ticket: you can book it via kiosk, ticket counter, or the SNCF website. Bear in mind there’s one key SNCF requirement: the “tacit agreement.” Cats, dogs, and other small domestics (hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.) are permitted only if other passengers don’t object.

Traveling by Car

Even when transporting your pet in your own vehicle, safety must come first—for your pet and for all passengers. Car travel for animals is governed by France’s highway code and often requires specialized equipment.

Secure your pet just as you would any other passenger. Carriers can include built-in belt loops; otherwise, loop the seatbelt around fixed points like car-seat bars or handles. Large dogs should ride in the boot in purpose-built crates, and those crates should be anchored with safety straps.

What about Carpooling?

Pets are allowed in shared rides—provided they travel with their owner and the driver agrees. Owners are responsible for providing their pet’s leash, health booklet, vaccination proof, and any required paperwork. Always message the driver first to confirm space and comfort for your companion—especially if your pet is large, in which case you might need to book an extra seat.

Traveling by Coach Bus

Regulations for pets on intercity buses vary by operator. Always check the policy of the specific company before booking (see BlaBlaCar Bus or FlixBus). Many long-distance bus services do not permit animals aboard at all.

Traveling by Plane

For more detailed guidance on airline pet policies, see our articles “What Are the Best Airlines for Flying with My Pet?” and “Quarantines and Regulations: What You Need to Know About Pet Immigration Rules.” Policies differ widely by airline, so always verify before you fly.

Can My Pet Travel Alone?

Sometimes circumstances mean your pet can’t join you on the same trip. In that case, consider these safe options for reuniting later:

• Post on travel forums, Facebook groups, blogs or other networks to find someone traveling the same route who can act as a responsible pet courier.

• If you have the option to drop off, the BlaBlaCar platform lets you connect with drivers who are willing to transport your pet for a fee.