Parisians are serious pet owners. Dogs and cats are more often than not pedigree and bought at exorbitant prices from reputable breeders and pet specialists. The latter you will find among the plant vendors along the Quai de la Megisserie; conditions are decent though slightly cramped so visiting the litters of beautiful puppies in wire cages can be a little disturbing. There are also numerous websites dealing in sale of animals: try www.chien.com or www.chatdumonde.com to find the dog or cat of your dreams. There is some movement toward adopting animals, with billboards occasionally posted on the metro by animal rescue organisations promoting their work. You can adopt an animal at www.animal-services.com.

Whichever avenue of pet ownership you choose it is required that owners tattoo or microchip their dogs and have them regularly vaccinated (there are no dog licenses in France). Have your dog tattooed at the Fichier Central des Chien Tattoués (01 49 37 54 54).

Remember that owners of ‘defence’ dog breeds – mastiffs, pitbulls, boerbulls, rottweilers, Staffordshire terriers and Tosa breeds – must declare them at the Mairie or Préfecture de Police and must purchase Civil Responsibility insurance. They must also be muzzled and on a leash when in public.

Finding out about dog friendly parks is as easy as calling the Mairie hotline on 08 20 00 75 75. As for special pet services, there are plenty. Taxi Dog will transport both yourself and your best friend around Paris. Order organic dog food online and have it delivered from www.zooplus.fr, drop it off to doggie daycare at CaniCrèche, spoil them with a present from La Niche by BHV (the department store’s dedicated pet boutique) or take your animal for a grooming at Animalis in the 12th arrondissement. Mon Bon Chien in the 15th arrondissement is a specialist canine bakery and accessories shop where you’ll find doggie sweaters and fancy dress costumes. Fans of reptiles must visit La Ferme Tropicale, where you can even buy centipedes.