Travelling with your dog

Reunion Island with a dog: walks, hikes, requirements

Q: Can you bring your dog to the beaches in Reunion Island?

Yes, but under conditions. At most beaches, a municipal order allows dogs on a lead, outside swimming hours (often before 8am and after 6pm). Owners must clean up after their dogs. A few beaches ban dogs entirely, such as the Hermitage lagoon within the Marine Reserve zone. The west coast tourist office publishes the beach-by-beach rules.

Q: Are dogs allowed in Reunion Island's National Park?

Yes, in the outer zone (zone d'adhésion, covering most low and mid-altitude trails), on a lead. No, in the core of the Park (notably the Mafate cirque and certain sensitive areas), to protect endemic wildlife: Barau's petrels, Reunion harriers (papangues), the Manapany day gecko, endemic lizards. Before every outing, check the trail status on the signs at the trailhead and the downloadable Park map at reunion-parcnational.fr.

Q: Which hikes work with a dog in Reunion Island?

Shaded forest trails on firm ground with moderate elevation gain work best: Forêt de Bélouve (up to Trou de Fer), Forêt du Tévelave (Les Avirons), the Brûlé cryptomeria forest, Bassin Bleu in Sainte-Anne, the Cap Méchant coastal trail. Avoid: long outings exposed to full sun (the volcano trail at midday, crossing the Maïdo), where dogs quickly struggle with the heat. Also avoid: Mafate (the Park's core, off-limits to dogs). Always bring water for your dog (1.5-2L per medium-sized dog for a day out) and take regular breaks in the shade.

Q: Can you find gîtes that accept dogs in Reunion Island?

Several rural gîtes and guesthouses in the highlands accept dogs, sometimes for an extra fee (€5-15 a night). Some coastal hotels do too, notably in Saint-Gilles, Saint-Leu and Saint-Pierre. Many wild-camping spots allow dogs on a lead. Always check when booking: acceptance is at the owner's discretion and often depends on the dog's size and temperament. 'Pets allowed' filters are available on Booking, Airbnb and Gîtes de France Réunion.

Q: How do you bring your dog to Reunion Island from mainland France?

Reunion Island is a rabies-free zone: bringing a dog in from mainland France requires specific health procedures and some lead time. Five mandatory steps: 1/ identification (microchip or tattoo, for life, €50-80), 2/ rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel, €35-60), 3/ rabies antibody titration test (antibody level ≥0.5 IU/ml, €70-130, valid <12 months), 4/ veterinary health certificate (<10 days before travel, €50-100), 5/ booking an air-conditioned hold spot with the airline (€200-500). Allow 4 to 6 months of preparation for a first trip. These are the rules for dogs coming from mainland France; if you are travelling from another country, check the current requirements with the DAAF Réunion before you book.

Q: Which airlines accept dogs to Reunion Island?

All four airlines operating direct Saint-Denis-Paris flights accept dogs: Air Austral, Air France, Corsair, French Bee. Small dogs (under 8kg including crate) are accepted in the cabin on some flights (confirm with each airline). Larger dogs travel in the air-conditioned, pressurised hold. An IATA-approved travel crate is mandatory (check dimensions based on your dog's weight, €110-250 depending on size). Book at the same time as your ticket, as animal spots are limited per flight (usually 2-4 dogs in the hold per flight).

Q: What are the health risks for a dog in Reunion Island?

Three main risks. Heatstroke: the tropical climate is demanding for long-haired or short-muzzled dogs (pugs, bulldogs), so ensure constant hydration and avoid outings between 11am and 3pm. Ticks and fleas: the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick is present, so prevention is essential (Seresto collar, Frontline or Bravecto treatments). Leptospirosis: a higher risk in wetlands and stagnant water, annual vaccination is recommended (check that the vaccine covers tropical strains). Rabies is absent from Reunion Island (a disease-free zone), which is exactly why the entry procedures are so strict.

Q: Can you take your dog to Piton de la Fournaise?

Driving up the forest road to Pas de Bellecombe (the viewpoint over the caldera) remains possible with a dog on a lead. The hike to the Dolomieu crater, however, isn't recommended: strong overhead sun exposure, scorching basalt ground, no shade over 12-14km of walking, no water available. If you're tempted anyway: set off at sunrise (leaving the car park at 5am), bring 3-4L of water for the dog, and turn back if the heat builds up. The Plaine des Sables at the base remains more accessible and just as spectacular.

Q: Are there vets across the whole island?

Yes, around 50 vet practices spread across the island, with a higher density along the coast (Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Paul, Le Tampon). Several emergency clinics offer 24/7 cover in the main towns. In remote areas (Mafate, accessible only on foot), there's no vet on site: pack a canine first-aid kit (dressings, disinfectant, anti-diarrhoea and anti-nausea medication). In a wilderness emergency, call 18 (fire brigade) or 112, who can dispatch appropriate help.

Beaches that allow dogs on a lead, dog-friendly trails outside the Park's core, gîtes that accept pets, health entry requirements (4-6 months of preparation), air travel: everything for a relaxed trip with your dog.

6 spots covered4-6 months entry preparation9 FAQ questions

The essentials

Reunion Island welcomes dogs, under conditions

Travelling to Reunion Island with your dog is entirely possible, but it takes planning: 4 to 6 months for the health entry procedures (a rabies-free zone), booking an air-conditioned hold spot with the airline at the same time as your ticket, and choosing accommodation among the still-limited number of pet-friendly places on the island.

Once there, dogs are allowed on a lead at most beaches outside swimming hours, on many trails in the National Park's outer zone, and in the shaded forests of the highlands. A few strict no-go areas: Mafate (the Park's core), the Hermitage lagoon (Marine Reserve), and certain beaches that get very busy during the day.

This page covers the topic from end to end: six suitable spots for a walk (with difficulty and specifics), a table of authorised beaches, the six-step health entry procedure, dog-safety tips for the tropical climate, and a detailed FAQ.

Where to walk

Six dog-friendly spots

Beaches, forests, a coastal trail, a lunar plateau: six dog-friendly playgrounds, with difficulty level and specific rules.

#	Location	Type	Difficulty	Notes
01	West coast beaches outside the lagoon (Boucan-Canot, Roches Noires, Étang-Salé)	Beach	Easy	On a lead, outside swimming hours (before 8am / after 6pm)
02	Forêt du Tévelave (Les Avirons)	Shaded trail	Easy to moderate	Ideal in the hot season, quiet on weekdays
03	Forêt de Bélouve / Trou de Fer	Forest trail	Moderate	Dogs allowed on a lead up to the Trou de Fer viewpoint
04	Cap Méchant coastal trail (Saint-Philippe)	Basalt cliffs	Easy	Sea spray, watch for gaps in the rock and waves. On a lead
05	Saint-Pierre / Saint-Leu seafront	Urban walk	Very easy	On a lead at certain times, mandatory to pick up after your dog
06	Plaine des Sables (at the foot of the volcano)	Lunar plateau	Easy (road + trails)	Open space, accessible by car, dogs love it

These six spots are spread across the island, from the west coast beaches to Cap Méchant in the far south. Bélouve is reached up a forest road and the Plaine des Sables by car, so stringing them together with a dog is far easier when you're driving. When you look through rental cars on Discover Cars, check directly with the company you pick whether it accepts an animal in the car, and on what terms, before you book.

Beaches

Which beaches allow dogs?

The general rule: dogs are tolerated on a lead outside swimming hours (before 8am and after 6pm recommended), with mandatory clean-up. A handful of beaches are strictly off-limits, to protect the Marine Reserve or keep supervised swimming areas calm. For the precise beach-by-beach breakdown on the west coast, see the official source from the west Reunion Island tourist office.

Beach	Commune	Dogs	Timing
Boucan-Canot	Saint-Paul	Allowed on a lead outside supervised areas	Before 8am and after 6pm recommended
Roches Noires (Saint-Gilles)	Saint-Paul	Tolerated on a lead outside the swimming area	Outside peak tourist season
Plage de l'Hermitage (lagoon)	Saint-Paul	Banned within the Marine Reserve zone	No exceptions
La Saline-les-Bains	Saint-Paul	Tolerated on a lead outside swimming hours	Before 8am and after 6pm
Étang-Salé-les-Bains (black sand)	Étang-Salé	Allowed on a lead, watch out for very hot sand at midday	Early morning or late afternoon
Grande Anse (Petite-Île)	Petite-Île	Tolerated on a lead outside the supervised area	Outside peak hours
Plage de Manapany (Saint-Joseph)	Saint-Joseph	Tolerated on a lead	A quieter beach
Cap Méchant coastal trail	Saint-Philippe	Allowed on a lead	All day

Bringing your dog over

The six-step health procedure

Since Reunion Island is a rabies-free zone, bringing a dog in from mainland France requires specific health procedures. Allow 4 to 6 months of preparation for a first trip. The steps below apply to dogs coming from mainland France: from any other country, check the current rules with the DAAF Réunion.

#	Step	Timing	Details
01	Identifying your dog (microchip or tattoo)	Before anything else	Mandatory in France and for travel. Done at the vet (€50-80). Registration in the i-CAD database.
02	Rabies vaccination	≥ 30 days before travel	Mandatory vaccine to enter Reunion Island (a rabies-free zone). Valid for 1 to 3 years depending on the vaccine. Vet fee €35-60.
03	Rabies antibody titration test	≥ 30 days after vaccination, < 12 months before travel	A vet blood sample sent to an approved lab (Anses Nancy in France). Results within 15 days, validity varies. Fee €70-130. Antibody level of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml required.
04	Veterinary health certificate	< 10 days before travel	An official document issued by the vet after a clinical exam. Certifies the dog is fit to travel. Consultation fee €50-100.
05	Booking an air-conditioned hold spot with the airline	When booking your ticket (4-6 months ahead)	Air Austral, Air France, Corsair, French Bee: a limited number of animal spots per flight. An IATA-approved travel crate is mandatory (€110-250 depending on size). Transport fee €200-500.
06	Preparing your dog (crate, travel, fatigue)	1-3 months ahead	Gradually get your dog used to its travel crate. Book a vet check-up a month ahead to assess fitness for the long-haul flight (11 hours).

Detailed information and the list of approved labs for antibody testing: DAAF Réunion (Directorate for Food, Agriculture and Forestry), at daaf.reunion.agriculture.gouv.fr.

Frequently asked questions

The most common questions

Can you bring your dog to the beaches in Reunion Island?

Yes, but under conditions. At most beaches, a municipal order allows dogs on a lead, outside swimming hours (often before 8am and after 6pm). Owners must clean up after their dogs. A few beaches ban dogs entirely, such as the Hermitage lagoon within the Marine Reserve zone. The west coast tourist office publishes the beach-by-beach rules.

Are dogs allowed in Reunion Island's National Park?

Yes, in the outer zone (zone d'adhésion, covering most low and mid-altitude trails), on a lead. No, in the core of the Park (notably the Mafate cirque and certain sensitive areas), to protect endemic wildlife: Barau's petrels, Reunion harriers (papangues), the Manapany day gecko, endemic lizards. Before every outing, check the trail status on the signs at the trailhead and the downloadable Park map at reunion-parcnational.fr.

Which hikes work with a dog in Reunion Island?

Shaded forest trails on firm ground with moderate elevation gain work best: Forêt de Bélouve (up to Trou de Fer), Forêt du Tévelave (Les Avirons), the Brûlé cryptomeria forest, Bassin Bleu in Sainte-Anne, the Cap Méchant coastal trail. Avoid: long outings exposed to full sun (the volcano trail at midday, crossing the Maïdo), where dogs quickly struggle with the heat. Also avoid: Mafate (the Park's core, off-limits to dogs). Always bring water for your dog (1.5-2L per medium-sized dog for a day out) and take regular breaks in the shade.

Can you find gîtes that accept dogs in Reunion Island?

Several rural gîtes and guesthouses in the highlands accept dogs, sometimes for an extra fee (€5-15 a night). Some coastal hotels do too, notably in Saint-Gilles, Saint-Leu and Saint-Pierre. Many wild-camping spots allow dogs on a lead. Always check when booking: acceptance is at the owner's discretion and often depends on the dog's size and temperament. 'Pets allowed' filters are available on Booking, Airbnb and Gîtes de France Réunion.

How do you bring your dog to Reunion Island from mainland France?

Reunion Island is a rabies-free zone: bringing a dog in from mainland France requires specific health procedures and some lead time. Five mandatory steps: 1/ identification (microchip or tattoo, for life, €50-80), 2/ rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel, €35-60), 3/ rabies antibody titration test (antibody level ≥0.5 IU/ml, €70-130, valid <12 months), 4/ veterinary health certificate (<10 days before travel, €50-100), 5/ booking an air-conditioned hold spot with the airline (€200-500). Allow 4 to 6 months of preparation for a first trip. These are the rules for dogs coming from mainland France; if you are travelling from another country, check the current requirements with the DAAF Réunion before you book.

Which airlines accept dogs to Reunion Island?

All four airlines operating direct Saint-Denis-Paris flights accept dogs: Air Austral, Air France, Corsair, French Bee. Small dogs (under 8kg including crate) are accepted in the cabin on some flights (confirm with each airline). Larger dogs travel in the air-conditioned, pressurised hold. An IATA-approved travel crate is mandatory (check dimensions based on your dog's weight, €110-250 depending on size). Book at the same time as your ticket, as animal spots are limited per flight (usually 2-4 dogs in the hold per flight).

What are the health risks for a dog in Reunion Island?

Three main risks. Heatstroke: the tropical climate is demanding for long-haired or short-muzzled dogs (pugs, bulldogs), so ensure constant hydration and avoid outings between 11am and 3pm. Ticks and fleas: the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick is present, so prevention is essential (Seresto collar, Frontline or Bravecto treatments). Leptospirosis: a higher risk in wetlands and stagnant water, annual vaccination is recommended (check that the vaccine covers tropical strains). Rabies is absent from Reunion Island (a disease-free zone), which is exactly why the entry procedures are so strict.

Can you take your dog to Piton de la Fournaise?

Driving up the forest road to Pas de Bellecombe (the viewpoint over the caldera) remains possible with a dog on a lead. The hike to the Dolomieu crater, however, isn't recommended: strong overhead sun exposure, scorching basalt ground, no shade over 12-14km of walking, no water available. If you're tempted anyway: set off at sunrise (leaving the car park at 5am), bring 3-4L of water for the dog, and turn back if the heat builds up. The Plaine des Sables at the base remains more accessible and just as spectacular.

Are there vets across the whole island?

Yes, around 50 vet practices spread across the island, with a higher density along the coast (Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Paul, Le Tampon). Several emergency clinics offer 24/7 cover in the main towns. In remote areas (Mafate, accessible only on foot), there's no vet on site: pack a canine first-aid kit (dressings, disinfectant, anti-diarrhoea and anti-nausea medication). In a wilderness emergency, call 18 (fire brigade) or 112, who can dispatch appropriate help.

Go further

Keep reading

→ Animal welfare in Reunion Island: the situation, how to report it, associations.
→ Planning a trip to mainland France: travelling with your pet to mainland France.
→ All the news from Reunion Island.