How to bring your pets to France? Requirements, pet vaccines, paperwork and travel Tips

Moving to France is exciting, but the idea of flying your beloved pet across an ocean can feel overwhelming. 

Many future expats and long‑stay visitors worry about the same things: What if the paperwork isn’t accepted when we land in France ? Is my dog’s breed even allowed in France? And how early do we need to start all of this to avoid last‑minute panic?

The good news is that relocating with a pet from the US or another country to France is absolutely doable when you follow the official requirements step by step and plan ahead with a clear checklist. 

At EasyStart we helped hundreds of expats through their journey to France.

If you struggle with paperwork, a mobility partner can step in to handle the paperwork and logistics for you, so you can focus on your new life in France with your favourite travel companion.

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Moving or relocating to France with your pet from the United States or from a non-EU country is achievable with proper planning. You will have specific requirements to follow.

If you travel to France from a non-EU country:

• You need an EU Animal Health Certificate issued by an official/state vet within 10 days before entering the EU (and it remains valid for onward EU travel for up to 4 months in the conditions described).
  
• At entry, you may need to use a designated travellers’ point of entry where authorities can check documents and the microchip.
• France requires pets arriving from non-EU countries to be declared and presented to Customs for document and identity checks.

Do pets need a microchip to enter France?

Yes, a microchip is mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering France from any non-EU country (including the US).

• The microchip must be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination (if done at the same time, the vet must note it clearly on the certificate).
• A clearly readable tattoo applied before July 3, 2011 is still accepted as an alternative, but tattoos done after that date are no longer valid on their own.

Without a valid microchip (or qualifying pre-2011 tattoo), in case of control, your pet will be refused entry at the French border, even if all other documents are perfect.

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Dogs, cats and ferrets

The European Union and France have clear, harmonized rules for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets. The three species are covered under the standard pet travel scheme. These rules apply when you're relocating your family pet from the United States (a non-EU country) to France as part of a personal move, not for commercial purposes like sale or breeding.

These animals must meet specific identification, vaccination, and age-related requirements to enter without quarantine or major issues.

1/ Pet identification

Your pet must be identified with an ISO-compliant microchip (standards 11784/11785). This is the standard and most reliable method accepted across the EU.

2/ Rabies vaccination

A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs, cats, and ferrets entering France from the US, EU or a non-EU country.

• The vaccine must be administered after (or simultaneously with) the microchip implantation.
• After the first (primary) rabies vaccination, there is a mandatory 21-day waiting period before the pet can travel to the EU. This allows time for immunity to develop.
• Booster vaccinations must follow the vaccine manufacturer's schedule to keep the protection valid. This 21-day rule is the core of EU rabies prevention.

From non-EU countries (including the US and others): 

Rabies vaccination is always required, but additional rules depend on the country's rabies risk level as classified by the EU :

• For low-risk non-EU countries (e.g., US, Canada, Australia), it's similar to the US conditions: your pet needs vaccination after microchipping, with a 21-day wait after the primary shot, plus an EU animal health certificate. 
• For high-risk non-EU countries, an extra rabies antibody titration blood test

3/ Pet’s minimum age 

Under general EU rules, a pet can technically travel after the 21-day waiting period following vaccination , meaning a first-time traveler is typically at least 15 weeks old (12 weeks minimum for the vaccine + 21 days).

However, France applies a stricter national rule: dogs, cats, and ferrets under 16 weeks old are prohibited from entering the country, even if they meet the vaccination and waiting period requirements. 

This extra week of protection is a French-specific measure to further reduce risks. Plan your move so your young pet is at least 16 weeks old upon arrival.

4/ Maximum number of pets (non-commercial travel)

You can bring up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, and/or ferrets) per person under the non-commercial scheme. No additional proof is needed as long as the move is personal and non-commercial.

If you need to bring more than 5 animals:

• You must provide official proof that the extra pets are participating in a competition, exhibition, or sporting event (e.g., registration documents).
• The additional animals must generally be over 6 months old. Otherwise, the movement will be treated as commercial, triggering much stricter import rules, certificates, and potential duties.

These requirements are based on the latest EU regulations (as of 2026) and France's national additions. Always double-check with official sources like the USDA APHIS site for US export steps, the European Commission's pet travel page, and the French Ministry of Agriculture for any last-minute updates.

Dogs breed restrictions that can block entry into France

France restricts certain “categorised” dogs:

Category 1 : Attack dogs:

Category 1 are dogs categorised as “attack dogs” without recognised pedigree (including types similar to pit bull / boerbull / tosa) and are banned from import/entry. 

-> Total ban on import, introduction, acquisition, sale, donation, or cession (even free) into France. This includes from the US or any other country.

-> Violation can lead to severe penalties: up to 6 months imprisonment, €15,000 fine, confiscation of the dog, and possible additional bans.

-> Transit through France is also prohibited for these dogs.

The Staffordshire Bull Terriers (a smaller, distinct breed) are not included in this category.

Category 2 : Guard and defense dogs ‍

Category 2 are dogs categorised as “defense dogs”. 

-> Import/entry is allowed, but only if you provide proof of pedigree (e.g., official birth certificate or pedigree recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, FCI).

-> Without this documentation, the dog risks being reclassified as Category 1 and banned from entry.

-> Once in France, strict obligations apply: muzzle and leash required in publicspaces, permit de detention (detention permit) from the local town hall (mairie), owner training certificate, civil liability insurance, behavioral evaluation of the dog, etc.

Required vaccinations for pets traveling to France

As indicated above, the only vaccination strictly required for dogs, cats, and ferrets to enter France (from the US or any other country) is a valid rabies vaccination.

Other vaccinations (such as leptospirosis, bordetella, parvo, distemper, feline leukemia, etc.) are not required for entry into France or the EU.

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Step 1: Check if your pet qualifies 

Before starting any paperwork, confirm your pet meets France's entry rules for non-commercial travel from the US:

Eligible species: Primarily dogs, cats, and ferrets (other animals like birds, rabbits, or reptiles usually require special permits and are not covered by standard rules).

Age: At least 16 weeks old upon arrival in France (France's stricter minimum; puppies/kittens must be 12 weeks for rabies vaccine + 21-day wait, but entry is prohibited under 16 weeks).

Breed restrictions: As we mentioned previously, no Category 1 dogs (attack types like Pit Bull, Boerbull, Tosa without pedigree banned from import/entry). Category 2 dogs (certain pedigree guard breeds) may enter with proof.

Number: Up to 5 pets (more requires proof of competition/show and animals over 6 months old; otherwise treated as commercial).

Health: Pet(s) must be healthy, microchipped, and rabies-vaccinated (no active diseases).

Step 2: Anticipate to get the microchip and vaccinations done 

Start 4–6 months in advance for smooth timing:

• Microchip: Implant an ISO-compliant microchip (11784/11785) first. It must be done before or on the same day as the rabies vaccine. Test it to ensure it reads properly.
• Rabies vaccination: Administer after microchipping. After the primary (first) shot, wait at least 21 days before travel.
• Other vaccines: Not required for entry (e.g., leptospirosis, distemper), but recommended for your pet's health in France.

-> Schedule with a USDA-accredited vet early. Delays can push back your health certificate window (must be within 10 days of arrival)

Step 4: Arrange your travel : Airlines conditions and tips

From the US or non-EU country : Focus on transatlantic flights. Popular and pet-friendly airlines include Air France (direct flights from major US cities to Paris/CDG, in-cabin for small pets up to 8 kg/17 lbs including carrier, hold up to 75 kg including IATA-approved rigid crate).

In-cabin: Soft carrier fitting under seat (max dimensions ~46x28x24 cm typical).

Hold/checked: Climate-controlled, pressurized. Advance booking required (48–96 hours).

Fees: It can vary widely ($200–$500+ one-way). As an example, Air France pet fees are around ~$200 to $400 depending on the route.

Restrictions: Category 1 dogs are banned entirely.

Tips: Book direct flights to minimize handling; confirm your pet acceptance per route/aircraft (policies can change).

From other EU countries: Use an EU Pet Passport (no health certificate needed). Many European airlines allow pets: Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, Aegean, etc.

You can travel with small pets in-cabin (often up to 8–10 kg including carrier), larger in hold. Fees are around ~€30 to €200. Intra-EU travel is more flexible but be aware that some low-cost carriers limit or prohibit traveling with pets.

Step 5: What happens upon arrival in France?

Upon landing (such at Paris-Charles De Gaulle airport, at a designated entry point):

• Declaration & customs: Pets from non-EU countries (like the US) must be declared and presented at a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry/Customs. You go through the red channel (goods to declare) at customs.
  
  You will present the original EU Animal Health Certificate, microchip scanner ready.
  
  
• Checks: Officials verify microchip, rabies vaccination, certificate validity (issued/endorsed within 10 days), and pet's health/identity. No routine quarantine if compliant.
  
  
• Process: Often quick/minimal (many report no deep inspection). If documents are incomplete, you risk fines, quarantine, or return at your expense.
  
  
• Post-arrival: Within days upon your arrival, you will have to register your pet’s microship with the French system (ICAD) via local vet
  
  -> You can get an EU pet passport for future travel if you plan to stay long-term in France.

Transport conditions inside the terminal / upon exit :

• Dogs: Must be on a leash (short, non-extendable) and, for Category 2 breeds, muzzled in public areas (including the airport terminal). 
• Cats and ferrets: Must be transported in a secure, escape-proof carrier/cage (IATA-approved type if used for flight) at all times in the airport and public spaces until you reach your final destination.‍
• General rule: Animals must be under effective control and not pose a risk to people or other animals. Leash + muzzle (where required) or carrier is mandatory in transit areas, trains, public transport, taxis/Uber, etc.

Our EasyStart team has helped many travellers and their pets through their France journey.