{"id":64780,"date":"2026-02-10T05:30:45","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T04:30:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/?p=64780"},"modified":"2026-05-07T10:07:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T09:07:00","slug":"coming-to-france-with-your-pet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/blog\/coming-to-france-with-your-pet\/","title":{"rendered":"How to move to France with your pet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re planning to move to France with your dog or cat, there are some important rules you\u2019ll need to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this guide, you&#8217;ll find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>List of allowed and banned pets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Key entry requirements and documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical travel tips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to find pet-friendly services in France<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Official resources and links<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which pets can you bring to France?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most dogs, cats and domestic pets can enter France if you meet the EU\u2019s health requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, not all dogs are allowed in France. Dogs are usually grouped into two categories, category 1 and category 2, based on their breed. There is a ban on bringing certain attack dogs into France. <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Category 1 dogs without a pedigree<\/span><\/strong> recognized by the French Ministry of Agriculture are typically not allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Allowed pets<\/td><td>Banned pets (category 1)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&#8211; Dogs<br>&#8211; Cats<br>&#8211; Ferrets<br>&#8211; Rodents and domestic rabbits<br>&#8211; Ornamental fish<br>&#8211; Some species of birds<\/td><td>&#8211; Staffordshire terrier<br>&#8211; American Staffordshire terrier (pitbull)<br>&#8211; Mastiff (boerbull)<br>&#8211; Tosa<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Required documents for bringing dogs and cats to France<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re bringing your pet to France from outside the EU, you\u2019ll need to show proof that your animal meets all EU health requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to follow these recommendations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Microchip:<\/strong> Your pet must have an electronic microchip. EU customs can read microchips that meet ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standards. If your pet\u2019s microchip doesn\u2019t meet these standards, bring your own reader when you travel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rabies vaccination:<\/strong> Your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rabies antibody test:<\/strong> At least three months before you travel, ask your vet for a rabies antibody titration test.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Health certificate:<\/strong> Ask an official vet in your country to prepare a health certificate. It should include your pet\u2019s identification, rabies vaccination, and antibody test details.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the most up-to-date and official information about pet import requirements, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.douane.gouv.fr\/demarche\/vous-voyagez-avec-un-chien-chat-ou-furet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">French customs website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" src=\"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGF-blog-photo-watermarking-8.png\" alt=\"pet france\" class=\"wp-image-64840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGF-blog-photo-watermarking-8.png 798w, https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGF-blog-photo-watermarking-8-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGF-blog-photo-watermarking-8-768x420.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Book a pet-friendly flight to France<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When preparing to fly with your pet, it\u2019s important to research airline policies as early as possible since pet spaces are often limited and fill up quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take the time to compare different carriers and look for ones that have a reputation for good pet transport experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After choosing your airline, check their rules for your pet\u2019s size and breed. Confirm if your pet can travel in the cabin with you or must go in the cargo hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to find pet-friendly accommodation in France<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can use platforms like <strong>HousingAnywhere<\/strong> or <strong>Uniplaces<\/strong> to search for rentals that accept pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t need a guarantor when booking through Go! Go! France. Our partners simplify the process which means no need for income proof, no complicated paperwork, no guarantors, and no in-person viewings required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note that pets are not always allowed, it depends on the landlord. To see if pets are allowed, check the Rules section of each listing. If the pet icon is greyed out and crossed, then pets are not permitted in that property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/accommodation-in-france\/\">Find and book accommodation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to find a veterinarian in France for your pet<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a good idea to find a vet before you arrive, so you won\u2019t have to search in a hurry if your pet gets sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Veterinarians, like doctors, are listed in an <a href=\"https:\/\/extranet.veterinaire.fr\/annuaires\/veterinaires\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>official directory<\/strong><\/a>. The government maintains a directory of all registered veterinarians, and you can search for those in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also ask your school in France if they know any local vets, or contact local shelters like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.la-spa.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 Protectrice des Animaux<\/a> (SPA), which often have connections with professionals nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pet insurance in France: What you need to know<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In France, pet owners must have <a href=\"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/blog\/civil-liability-in-france\/\"><strong>civil liability insurance<\/strong><\/a> because they are legally responsible for any damage or injury their pets cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Along with civil liability insurance, you might want to get health insurance for your pet. Vet bills can be expensive, especially for emergencies or ongoing illnesses. Many French insurance companies offer plans that refund pet medical costs, sometimes up to 100%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" src=\"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGF-blog-photo-watermarking-3-2.png\" alt=\"Coming to France with your pet\" class=\"wp-image-64837\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGF-blog-photo-watermarking-3-2.png 798w, https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGF-blog-photo-watermarking-3-2-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GGF-blog-photo-watermarking-3-2-768x420.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770697248984\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What documents do I need to bring my pet to France?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You will likely need a health certificate, proof of microchipping, and up-to-date rabies vaccination records.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770697251009\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Are any pets banned from entering France?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, certain dog breeds classified as Category 1 (such as pit bulls) without proper pedigree papers are banned. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770697380801\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>I have a cat and a dog. How many pets can I bring into France?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You may bring up to 5 pets per person, unless you are attending a competition, exhibition, or sporting event (with supporting documents).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770697409168\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Can my pet travel with me in the cabin?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>This depends on the airline\u2019s policy, your pet\u2019s size, and species. Check with your airline before travel.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770697422684\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Where can I find official updates on pet import requirements for France?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>For the most up-to-date and official information about pet import requirements, visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.douane.gouv.fr\/demarche\/vous-voyagez-avec-un-chien-chat-ou-furet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">French customs website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770697482917\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>How can I contact French customs for assistance?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You can call them directly at +33 1 72 40 78 50, request a <span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.douane.gouv.fr\/web-callback\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">web call<\/a>, or write to them via<\/span> their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.douane.gouv.fr\/formulaire-infos-douane-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact form<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re planning to move to France with your dog or cat, there are some important rules you\u2019ll need to follow. In this guide, you&#8217;ll find: Which pets can you bring to France? Most dogs, cats and domestic pets can enter France if you meet the EU\u2019s health requirements. However, not all dogs are allowed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":123,"featured_media":64834,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1637],"tags":[1547],"class_list":["post-64780","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-helpful-guides","tag-travel-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64780","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/123"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=64780"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64780\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":87647,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64780\/revisions\/87647"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64834"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64780"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=64780"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogofrance.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=64780"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}