Where can I go with my guide dog in France? Can I use public transports?

The Law of 11 February 2005 guarantees free access for guide dog users to all places and facilities open to the general public: public buildings and transports, shops, hotels, restaurants, museums, etc. Sanitary restrictions limit access to rooms and care units in hospitals, kitchens in catering facilities, etc. It may also be requested that guide dogs be muzzled in air transports.
You can be required to show your disability card and a document identifying your dog as guide dog. The French Federation can deliver a temporary card in French to guide dogs from IGDF Members upon request. Puppy walkers and instructors enjoy the same rights but the legislation is relatively recent.

Free access does not mean absence of rules. You could be denied access if he/she does not behave. Do not let him/her run all over the place in restaurants or on the beach, jump on the seats in taxis or sleep on your bed in hotels!

However it may happen that your interlocutors are unaware of guide dogs access rights. The best attitude is to inform them, a smile being your best advocate! Guide dogs are usually welcome and much admired. If negotiation proves unfruitful, call for the police (dial 17) so the trespassing is recorded and report the case to the French Association of Guide Dog Users. Refusing access to a place open to the public is repressed by a € 305 fine.

What are the requirements to bring my guide dog to France?

This actually depends where you come from, but you should be aware that in some cases, you should prepare your first journey to France at least 4 months in advance.

See complete information at: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/nocomm_third_en.htm

What will be required?

In any case:

• A microchip ( complying with ISO Standard 11784 or capable of being read by ISO Standard 11785) must identify your guide dog. A clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 is acceptable.
• Your dog must have been vaccinated against rabies (primary and booster vaccinations) and the vaccine be valid. Within the EU a first vaccine is considered to be valid after 21 days.

If you are coming from a EU country or from Andorra , Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and The Vatican:

3a. You must have the EU passport for your pet certifying its identity and rabbies vaccinations.

If you come one of the following countries listed below as Appendix 1: (eg Australia, Canada, Japan, Russia, USA etc.)

3b. You need a health certificate executed by a certified veterinarian in your country. English version: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/sanco10767r4_en.doc

If you are coming from another non EU country:

3c. Your guide dog must have a rabies neutralising antibody titration test (a blood test) by a EU-approved lab (http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/approval_en.htm) at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before arrival. The result of the test must be equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml.

Once performed, there is no need to renew the test if booster vaccinations have been made ever since as prescribed by the vaccine producing laboratory. If the booster rules are not respected, the pet will have to be tested again after a new vaccination and will again be considered to be in conformity with the rules only three months later.

• You need a health certificate executed by a certified veterinarian in your country.

We advise you to check whether specific requirements apply to come back to your own country 

That’s it! Don't forget to bring your guide dog's health certificate or passport and the documents proving rabies vaccinations and the titration test results with you!

Appendix 1:

Ascension Island, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Netherlands Antilles, Argentina, Australia, Aruba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Bahrain, Bermuda, Belarus, Canada, Chile, Fiji, Falkland Islands, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Japan, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia, Montserrat, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Russian Federation, Singapore Saint, elena, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan, United States of America (including GU — Guam), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Wallis and , Futuna Mayotte

What can I use the Eurostar to get to France with my guide dog?

Yes. The Eurostar Company has eventually accepted allowing guide dogs on their trains, including those to and from Britain. The measure has been implemented since August 2003.

What can I do if access is unduly refused?

If negotiation proves unfruitful, call for the police (dial 17) so the trespassing is recorded and report the case to the French Association of Guide Dog Users. Refusing access to a place open to the public is repressed by a € 305 fine.

Where can I get the address of a school in Japan / Portugal / etc?

The information is available on the International Federation Website : www.igdf.org.uk