France – Importing a Pet

Does France allow pets to be imported, and are there restrictions on which animals are permitted?

France readily accepts domestic pets — dogs, cats, and ferrets being the most frequently imported — and operates within the EU’s unified animal health regulatory framework. Cats face no breed-specific restrictions, while dogs are subject to additional controls depending on their breed classification. Ferrets are governed by the same core documentation rules that apply to dogs and cats.

France enforces legislation targeting dogs deemed dangerous. Category 1 dogs — those without a pedigree recognised by the French Ministry of Agriculture — belonging to the Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (pit bull), Mastiff (boerbull), and Tosa types are completely banned from entry into France. This prohibition applies even if the animal is only in transit through French territory.

Category 2 dogs — those identifiable by their physical characteristics as Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, or Tosa types that appear in a recognised pedigree register — may be imported into France. However, owners of Category 2 dogs must satisfy a number of additional conditions, including registration with the French Kennel Club (SCC), behavioural assessments carried out by authorised veterinarians, an owner’s certificate of aptitude, and civil liability insurance covering potential damage caused by the animal.

For public health and welfare reasons, bringing any domestic carnivore younger than 16 weeks into France — even one that has received a rabies vaccination — is strictly forbidden. Exotic species, including those covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), are subject to separate permitting requirements and additional wildlife protection regulations. It is essential to confirm that any pet bird you intend to bring is not listed as a protected species under CITES. Pet birds originating from outside the EU must enter through an approved border inspection post and are subject to avian influenza screening.

What vaccinations and health requirements do pets need before entering France?

For dogs, cats, and ferrets, rabies is the sole vaccination that French entry rules formally require. That said, the order in which microchipping and vaccination occur is of critical importance: the microchip must be implanted either before, or at the same time as, the rabies vaccine is administered. Any rabies vaccination that was given prior to microchip implantation is treated as invalid under EU regulations.

A pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive its first rabies vaccination. Following this primary vaccination, a waiting period of at least 21 days must elapse before the animal may travel — this interval allows the immune response to reach the level required for effective protection against rabies. As of 2025, this 21-day rule applies to all animals entering France regardless of where they are coming from. It is worth noting that some vaccine manufacturers recommend a 30-day interval; always ask your veterinarian to confirm the specific recommendation for the product used.

Booster vaccinations must be administered before the previous dose expires in order to maintain continuous protective coverage. If a gap occurs and the vaccination lapses, the next injection is treated as a new primary vaccination, which resets the 21-day waiting period. Keeping booster schedules up to date is therefore particularly important for anyone planning an international move to France with a pet.

Animals arriving from countries where rabies is not reliably controlled face an additional hurdle. Pets from non-listed countries must undergo a rabies antibody titre blood test to demonstrate that the vaccine has produced an adequate immune response; this test must be conducted at an EU-approved laboratory, performed at least 30 days after vaccination, and at least three months before departure. The result must show an antibody concentration of at least 0.5 IU/litre. A passing result remains valid for the lifetime of the animal, provided the rabies vaccination continues to be kept current through timely boosters. Countries considered to have reliable rabies control — including the United States, Canada, Australia, and many others — are generally exempt from the titre test requirement, but you should confirm your country’s current classification with the French veterinary authorities before making travel arrangements.

While no other vaccinations are formally required for import purposes, it is advisable to ensure dogs and cats are up to date with DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Bordetella, and Leptospirosis for dogs, and FVRCP and Feline Leukemia for cats — especially if your pet will at any point be boarded, as these vaccinations are typically mandatory in such settings.

What is the application process for importing a pet into France, and what paperwork is required?

Importing a pet into France from outside the EU involves a series of timed steps that must be executed in the correct sequence. Leaving preparations to the last minute is one of the most common errors pet owners make — begin the process at least three to four months before your intended travel date, and allow even longer if a rabies titre test is required. The standard procedure for pets arriving from non-EU countries is set out below.

1. Microchip your pet. The microchip must conform to ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. If your pet does not yet have a microchip, this is your starting point, as all subsequent documentation depends on it. The chip must be inserted by a veterinarian before any vaccination is given.
2. Administer the rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccination must be carried out by an authorised veterinarian who scans the microchip beforehand to confirm the animal’s identity is correctly recorded. Retain the vaccination certificate, ensuring it includes the vaccine batch number, the date of administration, and the expiry date.
3. Observe the mandatory waiting period. As of 2025, pets must wait a minimum of 21 days after their primary rabies vaccination before entering France. Some manufacturers advise waiting 30 days; ask your veterinarian to confirm the specific recommendation for the product administered.
4. Rabies titre test (if applicable). If you are departing from a country classified as having unreliable rabies control, arrange for a rabies antibody titre test to be conducted by an accredited veterinarian and sent to an EU-approved laboratory. You must then wait 90 days from the date of the blood draw — assuming a satisfactory result — before proceeding with export documentation.
5. Obtain an official health certificate. An official veterinarian in your country of departure must issue a health certificate drawn up in accordance with the model set out in Annex IV, Part 1 of Regulation 577/2013 of 28 June 2013 as amended. This certificate is valid for only 10 days from the date of issue, so timing it carefully relative to your departure date is essential. For pets travelling from Great Britain, an Animal Health Certificate is required — UK Pet Passports are no longer accepted in its place.
6. Government endorsement (where applicable). In many countries, the health certificate must first be completed by an accredited private veterinarian and then endorsed by the official government authority — such as the USDA for departures from the United States, or DEFRA/APHA for departures from Great Britain. Check whether this endorsement step is required in your country of departure, as requirements vary.
7. Complete the owner’s declaration. The EU Health Certificate includes a declaration on its final page that must be completed and signed by the pet owner or their designated representative before departure. This declaration must travel with the pet and the health certificate throughout the journey.
8. Declare your pet at the French border. On arrival in France from a non-EU country, your pet must be declared to customs. An officer may scan the microchip and will check all accompanying documents. Keep all paperwork in your hand luggage so it is immediately accessible.

France does not require an import permit for dogs, cats, or ferrets travelling as personal family pets. For animals already resident in another EU country and holding a current EU Pet Passport, the process is significantly less involved: no additional documentation is needed to bring such a pet into France.

Does France require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

Provided that all health and documentation conditions are satisfied, France imposes no quarantine on arriving pets. This stands in marked contrast to countries such as Australia and New Zealand, where all incoming animals must undergo a mandatory quarantine period of up to 10 days in a government-approved facility, regardless of their health status or vaccination history.

Where a pet fails to meet the applicable entry requirements, the consequences can be severe: the animal may be placed in quarantine if appropriate facilities are available, returned to the country of origin, or in the most serious cases euthanised — with all associated costs falling to the owner. This stark reality underlines why thorough preparation and accurate documentation are so important.

In practice, France’s approach mirrors the wider EU standard: animals that comply with the rules pass through customs with nothing more than a document check and a microchip scan before proceeding directly to their new home. There is no mandatory period of detention at a veterinary facility. Third countries that also participate in the EU Pet Travel Scheme’s listed framework will find French entry procedures entirely familiar in their approach.

Is France part of any international pet travel scheme?

The European Pet Passport is a standardised identification document required for movement between EU member states. As a full EU member, France is completely integrated into the EU Pet Travel Scheme, which facilitates the cross-border movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets across EU countries and a number of approved third countries.

European Pet Passports are issued exclusively to pet owners who are resident within the EU. The document contains a full description of the animal, its microchip or tattoo code, its health records including rabies vaccination history, and the contact information of both the owner and the issuing veterinarian. A pet passport remains valid indefinitely, provided that the health information it contains — such as the rabies vaccination — is kept current.

For owners relocating from within the EU or from a listed Part 1 third country — a category that includes the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries deemed to have equivalent animal health standards — the entry requirements are streamlined. Such pets need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and either an EU Pet Passport or an officially endorsed health certificate.

For those moving from Great Britain specifically, the implications of Brexit must be taken into account: pets entering France from Great Britain now require an Animal Health Certificate, and UK Pet Passports are no longer accepted as a valid substitute. Pets arriving from unlisted third countries — where rabies control is considered less reliable — must satisfy additional requirements, including the titre blood test described in the vaccination section above. It is worth bearing in mind that the European Union does not recognise any country as entirely rabies-free, meaning some form of vaccination evidence is invariably required.

Do pet owners need to register or licence their pet after arriving in France?

Several important obligations must be fulfilled once your pet has arrived in France. Dogs and cats should be registered with I-CAD — France’s national identification database for dogs, cats, and ferrets — within seven days of arrival. To initiate this process, you must take your pet to a French veterinarian, who will complete a form known as the “provisional certificate of identification”, which remains valid for one month.

Your veterinarian can submit this form electronically and attach scanned supporting documents; you will then need to send I-CAD a payment of €11 (as of 2025 — confirm the current fee directly with I-CAD). This registration links your pet’s microchip number to your French address and contact details, which is invaluable should the animal ever go missing or be stolen.

When you visit a French vet after your arrival, they will complete a “certificat provisoire d’identification lors d’importation ou échange intracommunautaire” and upload it together with your EU Veterinary Health Certificate to enrol your pet in the Fichier National d’Identification.

Once registration is complete, owners who intend to travel with their pet elsewhere within the EU will want to obtain an EU Pet Passport from a French veterinarian. To do so, the animal must first be enrolled on the I-CAD database. The cost of a pet passport varies but typically falls between €20 and €100 depending on the veterinary practice; confirm current costs directly with your French vet.

Owners of Category 2 dogs — such as pedigreed Rottweilers or pedigreed American Staffordshire Terriers — are subject to ongoing additional obligations. Since 1 January 2010, all owners of dangerous dogs in France (Categories 1 and 2) have been required to hold a certificate of aptitude for keeping a dangerous animal, issued by an approved trainer, and a licence (permis de détention) issued by the town hall (mairie) of their place of residence. The licence is issued free of charge following a behavioural assessment of the dog by an authorised veterinarian; owners must complete a training course demonstrating their ability to manage the animal safely and must hold insurance against liability arising from any attack.

Beyond the initial I-CAD registration fee, France does not levy a general annual licence fee for cats, standard dogs, or ferrets. Local by-laws may nonetheless apply in certain communes, so it is advisable to check with your local mairie after settling in.

Are there any additional rules or costs expats should be aware of when bringing a pet to France?

Number of pets per person: Under non-commercial travel rules, you may bring up to five pets into France, and you must either travel together or arrive within five days of one another. If you own more than five animals, special provisions apply — the cap may be exceeded if the animals are older than six months and you can provide written evidence of their registration to participate in competitions, exhibitions, or sporting events.

The five-day travel window: The non-commercial health certificate framework only applies when your pet arrives in France within five days before or after your own arrival. If the gap between your arrival and your pet’s arrival is greater than five days, a commercial health certificate will be required, which involves an entirely different documentation procedure.

Airline and transport rules: Policies differ considerably between carriers, so always check directly with your airline or transport provider. As a general guide for air travel, small pets weighing up to 8 kg are typically permitted in the cabin in an under-seat carrier; pets weighing between 8 kg and 75 kg must usually travel in the aircraft hold as checked baggage; and animals weighing over 75 kg must be transported via air cargo. Short-nosed breeds are commonly barred from hold and cargo travel — verify this restriction with your carrier before booking. Airlines may also decline to transport animals if extreme temperatures are forecast at the departure, transit, or arrival airport. Pets travelling in the hold must be housed in an IATA-approved hard-sided kennel with adequate ventilation.

Airline pet fees (as of 2025): Charges vary by airline and route. As a reference, Air France charges approximately €80 per pet for domestic flights within France, €100 for flights within Europe and between Europe and North Africa, and €200 for intercontinental routes. These figures are subject to change — always confirm current charges directly with your carrier before booking.

Brachycephalic breeds: Flat-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats are frequently subject to additional airline restrictions owing to the respiratory risks associated with air travel. France does not prohibit these breeds, but the logistics of transporting them may be more complicated. Consult your carrier and your veterinarian well ahead of your travel date.

Horses and other animals: Those relocating with horses must register the animal in France with the IFCE (Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Équitation). Horses and livestock fall under entirely separate import regulations administered by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.

Where can expats find official information about importing a pet into France?

Because regulations are subject to revision — particularly following updates to EU veterinary legislation — it is vital to verify all requirements with authoritative official sources before you travel. Never rely solely on third-party summaries, including this article.

• French Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects): The official French customs website at douane.gouv.fr provides practical guidance on bringing pets to France, covering documentation requirements and microchipping rules. It is an excellent starting point for understanding what customs officers will verify on arrival.
• French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty (Ministère de l’Agriculture et de la Souveraineté Alimentaire): The ministry responsible for overseeing pet importation into France maintains a website at agriculture.gouv.fr where it publishes official breed legislation, health regulations, and import procedures. This is the most authoritative source for rules on dangerous dog breeds, animal health certificates, and the legal framework governing pet imports.
• Service-Public.fr: The French government’s main public information portal at service-public.fr offers clear, accessible guidance for residents on post-arrival pet registration, including links to the I-CAD process and details of the documentation required.
• I-CAD (Identification des Carnivores Domestiques): I-CAD is France’s official national identification registry for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Visit i-cad.fr for information on registering your pet’s microchip after arriving in France and for guidance on updating your contact details on the national database.
• European Commission — Your Europe portal: The EU’s traveller information resource at europa.eu/youreurope explains the EU Pet Travel Scheme, pet passport requirements, and how the rules differ depending on whether you are arriving from within or outside the EU.
• Your country’s national veterinary or agriculture authority: This is the body responsible for issuing or endorsing your health certificate prior to departure — for example, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for those leaving from the United States, or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA/DEFRA) for those departing from Great Britain. Always check with this authority to confirm that your health certificate uses the most current approved template, as these are updated periodically.

Rules in this area are not static and can change without notice. Always confirm all requirements with the official French veterinary authority and your own country’s agriculture or biosecurity ministry well in advance of your departure date.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my pet arrives in France without the correct paperwork?

An animal that does not satisfy the entry requirements on arrival may be placed in quarantine if suitable facilities exist, sent back to the country of origin, or in the most serious cases euthanised — with the owner bearing full responsibility for all associated costs. It is therefore essential to prepare all documentation with great care before departure. If you identify a problem with your paperwork before you travel, contact the French customs authority or your nearest French consulate for advice rather than proceeding with incomplete documents.

How long does the entire process take from start to finish?

The timeline depends heavily on your country of origin. For pets already in an EU member state with a valid EU Pet Passport, there is essentially no additional process. For animals travelling from listed third countries such as the United States or Canada, the minimum preparation time is around five to six weeks: microchipping followed by at least 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination. Where a titre test is required — for pets from unlisted countries — you must allow 90 days after the blood draw before completing export paperwork, meaning the entire process should begin at least five to six months before your planned move date.

Are the rules different for cats versus dogs?

France places no breed restrictions on cats, meaning any cat may be imported subject to the standard health requirements of microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. Dogs are subject to the same core health rules but are also governed by breed-specific legislation. Certain breeds without a recognised pedigree are banned outright, while others may enter subject to additional conditions. The vaccination and documentation timeline is identical for both species.

Can I bring a rescue animal to France?

Yes — rescue animals can be brought into France, but they must meet exactly the same health and documentation requirements as any other pet: microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate. The difficulty with rescue animals often lies in incomplete vaccination histories or a microchip that was implanted after a previous vaccination, which can render that vaccination invalid under EU rules. Work closely with a veterinarian experienced in international pet relocation to identify whether any remedial action — such as re-vaccination — is necessary before you travel.

Do I need a rabies titer test if I am coming from a country with controlled rabies, such as the US, Canada, or Australia?

The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are all considered rabies-controlled countries, meaning that a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and the appropriate health certificate are sufficient — a titre blood test is not required. However, a country’s classification can change, so always verify the current status of your country of origin with the French Ministry of Agriculture or the European Commission’s TRACES system before finalising your travel arrangements.

Can my pet travel to France without me?

Yes, but you will need to sign a consent form authorising the person who will accompany or transport your pet. The non-commercial health certificate framework applies only when your pet arrives in France within five days before or after your own arrival. If the gap between your arrival and your pet’s arrival is longer than five days, a commercial health certificate becomes necessary, which involves a substantially different documentation process. Plan your travel logistics carefully to avoid this complication.

Can I bring more than five pets to France?

The non-commercial travel limit for dogs and cats entering France is five animals per person. Exceeding this number is permitted in specific circumstances — namely where the animals are over six months old and you can provide written evidence of their registration to take part in competitions, exhibitions, or sporting events. Moving a larger number of animals for other purposes is likely to be treated as a commercial movement, which is governed by different rules. Contact the French Ministry of Agriculture for guidance before making arrangements.

What should I do with my pet’s documentation after arriving in France?

Store all original documents — vaccination records, health certificate, microchip paperwork — safely and ensure they remain readily accessible. Register your pet with I-CAD within seven days of arrival by visiting a French veterinarian, who will issue a provisional certificate of identification valid for one month. Once the I-CAD registration is in place, arrange an EU Pet Passport through your French vet if you plan to travel with your pet elsewhere in the EU. Keep digital copies of all documents as a precaution against loss or damage.