Dog Walking in Paris: what to know
Paris walkers usually combine a street walk with a stretch along the quays, a canal or one of the two Bois. Mention stairs, lifts and how your dog copes with scooters and crowds.
Where to walk dogs in Paris
- Bois de Boulogne — Woods, lakes and long paths on the west side — the classic place for a long dog walk.
- Bois de Vincennes — The large woodland on the east side, with lakes and quieter trails.
- Seine quays — Long riverside walks; keep dogs on a lead near traffic and cyclists.
- Canal Saint-Martin & Canal de l’Ourcq — Flat towpaths that are easy for senior dogs.
- City parks and gardens — Many now admit dogs on a lead in marked areas, others still do not — check the sign at each entrance.
Weather and seasons in Paris
Paris has mild, often grey winters with occasional frost and rarely much snow, and warm summers with increasingly frequent heatwaves above 35°C. Pavements and zinc-roofed top-floor flats heat up quickly during a canicule.
Planning around the seasons
During summer heatwaves, walk early and late, keep to shaded quays and woods, and make sure top-floor flats stay cool for pets left at home.
In the damp months, a quick towel-down after walks and regular paw checks help, especially after muddy walks in the Bois.
Before you book
Walkers can offer extras such as photo updates, a report card, pick-up from home or an extra 30 minutes — you see what each walker offers before booking.
Keep your pet's vaccinations and any local registration up to date and carry the records — providers may ask to see them before the first booking.
Dog Walking in Paris — FAQ
Is dog walking available in Paris?
Yes. OnlyPaw is available worldwide, including Paris. Because it's a marketplace, the dog walkers you can book depend on who has been approved near your address — the app shows who's available before you pay.
How much does dog walking cost in Paris?
Dog walkers in Paris set their own prices, so you see each provider's rate in the app before you book. At checkout OnlyPaw adds a service fee of 10% of the service price, with a minimum of USD 2 and a maximum of USD 20 (or the equivalent in your local currency), shown before you pay. Your payment is held and only released to the provider after the service is completed.
How are providers vetted?
Every provider submits a government ID and a selfie, passes a knowledge test with a 70% pass mark and uploads service-specific documents — home photos for sitting and boarding, driving licence and vehicle registration for pet taxi, certificates for grooming and training — before the OnlyPaw team approves them.
Are dogs allowed in Paris parks?
It depends on the park: the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are open to dogs, and many city parks now admit dogs on a lead in marked areas, while others do not. Check the sign at each entrance.
What if I need to cancel?
Each provider uses one of three cancellation policies. Under the default moderate policy you get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start, 50% if you cancel at least 2 hours before, and nothing in the last 2 hours. The flexible policy refunds in full up to 2 hours before the start; the strict policy refunds in full from 48 hours and 50% from 24 hours before.
What happens in an emergency?
Every active booking has an SOS button in the app. It alerts the other party and the OnlyPaw team straight away. If your pet needs urgent medical care, contact a vet or emergency clinic first.
