Is Paris finally becoming Dog Friendly? The groundbreaking Parc Monceau experiment

Since September 2025, dogs have been allowed to run off-leash in Parc Monceau from 7am to 9am. A first for Paris, this initiative marks a turning point in the way canine well-being is taken into account.

Dog-friendly lawns

Until now, dogs had to remain on a leash and confine themselves to rare areas. Entering a lawn exposed their owners to a fine of 135 euros. Now, for the first time, dogs are allowed to roam freely, bonding and exercising. After an initial test phase in the spring, the experiment was extended from September to mid-October, just before the annual closure of the lawns for the green season.

The key role of the Monceau Dog Club

The project originated with the Monceau Dog Club, a citizens’ collective with over 1,000 members and 4,000 followers on Instagram. Born in 2024, this group campaigns for more space and freedom for dogs. Its founder Vincent reminds us, “Dogs, like their owners, need to socialize and exercise for their well-being.”

The club defends strong values: inclusion, respect for nature, safety, cleanliness, and above all a real sense of community in the heart of the park.

Why it matters

Paris is home to over 100,000 dogs. Yet it lags far behind other European cities in terms of dog-friendly policies. The Parc Monceau experiment is therefore a laboratory, already observed by other town halls and associations in France. It responds to a growing social demand, particularly among the younger generation, who often see their dogs as real members of the family.

Beyond animal welfare, it’s also a public health issue. Studies show that dogs help reduce stress, anxiety and isolation. They create social bonds, bring people together and provide positive energy.

Practical info

• Location: Parc Monceau, 8ᵉ arrondissement of Paris
• Off-leash access hours: daily from 7am to 9am, until mid-October 2025
• Conditions: lawns only; respect for rules (safety, cleanliness, conviviality)
• Follow the project: @monceau.dog.club on Instagram

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