France
France is a Western European country bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps, and the Pyrenees. As an EU member state, it follows the EU’s harmonized framework for pet entry, though requirements differ depending on whether the pet is coming from a high-risk rabies country.
At a Glance
France, as an EU member state, requires an EU Health Certificate and rabies vaccination for pet entry. No blood test or quarantine is required for pets arriving from EU or low-risk rabies countries.
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Health Certificate
Required
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Blood Test
High-risk origins only
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Import Permit
Not required
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Min. Age
15 weeks (longer if high-risk origin)
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Min. Prep Time
3–4 weeks (longer if high-risk origin)
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Minimum Age
Pets must be at least 15 weeks old to enter, accounting for the 21-day wait after rabies vaccination. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need significantly more time due to the additional titer test and waiting period.
Microchip Before Vaccination
The ISO-compliant microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is given.
Rabies Vaccination
Required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets, with a 21-day wait before travel. At the time of travel, the vaccination must be more than 21 days old but less than 1 year old. If it will be over 1 year old by the travel date, a new vaccination is needed at least 21 days before travel.
Rabies Titer Test — High-Risk Origins Only
Required only if the pet is travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. The pet must wait at least 90 days after the blood sample is taken before entering France or any other EU country.
EU Health Certificate
Required for pets entering the EU from outside. Issued within 5 days before departure by an accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the competent authority. Valid for 30 days from issuance. The certificate’s final page contains a Declaration that must be completed and signed by the pet owner (or a designated person) and must travel with the pet.
EU Pet Passport — For Onward Travel
Not used for the initial entry into the EU. Once the pet is in France, an authorised veterinarian can issue an EU Pet Passport, which then replaces the Health Certificate for any further travel within EU member states.
Customs Broker
Owners can clear their own pets, but a broker is recommended and preferred by Customs — some airlines require an “OK-to-Forward” authorization that only a broker can provide.
Number of Pets
A maximum of 5 pets per person under the non-commercial route. Travelling with 6 or more pets, or without the owner travelling within 5 days of the pet, classifies the move as commercial and requires the commercial health certificate instead. Pets cannot be sold under any circumstances after entry.
Breed Restrictions
France bans entry of breeds assimilated to pit bulls, American Staffordshire terriers, and non-pedigree Tosa or Boerboel-type dogs. Check the official banned breeds list before travel if your dog may fall into a restricted category.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
This is the standard timeline for most origins. Pets travelling from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test step and a longer overall timeline — see Key Requirements above.
1
Microchip Implanted
Before rabies vaccination
2
Rabies Vaccination
More than 21 days, less than 1 year before travel
3
Titer Test (high-risk origins only)
Entry only 90 days after blood sample
4
EU Health Certificate Issued
Within 5 days before departure; valid 30 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EU Pet Passport to travel to France?
Not for the initial trip. Pets entering the EU from outside need an EU Health Certificate. The EU Pet Passport is only issued once your pet is already in the EU, and is used for travel between EU countries afterward.
Is there quarantine in France?
No quarantine required for compliant pets travelling within the EU framework.
Do I need a blood test for my pet to enter France?
Only if travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. In that case, a rabies titer test is mandatory, with entry only possible at least 90 days after the blood sample is drawn. A certified agent can confirm your origin country’s status →
Do requirements differ depending on where my pet is travelling from?
Yes. Pets from EU countries or countries the EU considers low-risk for rabies only need standard vaccination and a health certificate, with no blood test and no quarantine. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test, with entry only possible 90 days after the blood sample is drawn.
Are certain dog breeds banned in France?
Yes — France bans entry of breeds assimilated to pit bulls, American Staffordshire terriers, and certain non-pedigree Tosa or Boerboel-type dogs. Check the official list before travel if your dog may fall into a restricted category.
Can I drive to France with my pet?
Yes — driving is a practical option for owners travelling from neighbouring EU/Schengen countries, with no border checks along the way.
Which major airports have direct flights to France?
Direct flight availability depends on your departure country. Most major international airports have connections to France’s main hubs, though routes vary. If your origin has no direct option, stopovers affect how your pet can travel — check with a certified agent for your specific route.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet to France?
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⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.