Are you planning on coming to France with your pet? France is known for being a pet-friendly country, with many restaurants, cafes, and public spaces welcoming pets. However, traveling with a pet to a new country requires preparation.
In this guide, we walk you through the steps you need to take to ensure that coming to France with your pet is stress-free and safe.
Understanding the rules for importing pets
When coming to France with your pet, it’s essential to understand the entry requirements to avoid last-minute surprises. The rules vary depending on your country of departure and the type of pet.
Only the following animals accompanying a traveller are considered pets within the meaning of veterinary regularities and as such are tolerated under the conditions set out below:
- Dogs, cats, ferrets
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Invertebrates
- Rodents and domestic rabbits
- Ornamental fish
- Some species of birds
Health formalities for importing dogs, cats or ferrets
If you’re coming to France with your pet from outside the EU (a country not on the recognized list of countries with health status equivalent to EU countries), you must be able to prove that your animal meets all the cumulative health requirements imposed by the EU. The customs authorities will verify that all these health requirements are met.
Please make sure you comply with the following recommendations:
- Microchip: Your animal must be identified by an electronic transponder. The customs in the EU can read microchips that meet ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standards. If your pet’s microchip isn’t ISO-compliant, bring your own reader when traveling.
- Rabies vaccination: You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination.
- Rabies antibody test results: At least three months before travelling, you should ask for a rabies antibody titration test.
- Health certificate: Ask an official veterinarian of your country of origin to draw up a health certificate including: identification, anti-rabies vaccination and antibody titration test information.
We recommend you bring all these documents with you in hand luggage or cabin baggage as you will have to present the health certificate of your pet together with the documents relating to vaccination and the result of the rabies antibody test.
Ban on importing certain attack dogs
There is a ban on importing certain attack dogs into France. The dogs concerned are Category 1 dogs without a pedigree recognised by the French Ministry of Agriculture belonging to the following breeds: Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (pitbull), Mastiff (boerbull) and Tosa.
Other preparations
Besides complying with health formalities and France/EU regulations, traveling with your pet requires additional preparation.
Booking a pet-friendly flight
When coming to France with your pet, choose an airline that has pet-friendly policies. Depending on the size and breed of your pet, they may be allowed to travel in the cabin or must be transported in the cargo hold. Always check your airline policies and book early, as pet spaces are often limited.
Find and register with a veterinarian
To find a veterinarian in France, start by searching online using terms like “veterinarian in Paris” or checking listings on PagesJaunes. You can also ask for recommendations from neighbors, friends, or colleagues who already use local veterinary services. Finally, local animal shelters or rescue organizations, such as the Société Protectrice des Animaux (SPA), can guide you to a trusted veterinarian.
Upon registration, your veterinarian will provide advice on local healthcare requirements and administer any additional vaccines or treatments necessary for France.
Get insurance (civil liability)
In France, pet owners are legally responsible for any damage or injury their pets may cause, which is known as “civil liability.” This means if your pet bites someone, causes property damage, or creates an accident, you as the owner are liable for covering any resulting costs. Most home insurance policies in France include civil liability coverage for pets, but it’s important to verify the details and ensure your specific pet is covered.
Finding a pet-friendly accommodation
To find pet-friendly accommodation in France, start by using platforms that allow you to filter search results based on pet policies, such as HousingAnywhere or Uniplaces. These websites offer listings specifically for pet owners, making it easier to find rental properties where pets are welcome. It’s also a good idea to contact potential landlords or property managers directly to confirm pet policies, ask about any restrictions or additional fees, and ensure that the living environment is suitable for your pet’s needs.
Being transparent about your pet and providing information about their behavior or size can help reassure landlords. With careful searching and open communication, finding pet-friendly accommodation in France can be a smooth process.
For up-to-date and detailed information, we recommend visiting the following website: https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/travel-coming-france-your-pet
