So you’ve decided to move to France, but it’s not just your human family who’s coming, it’s your furry, scaly or feathered (or hooved, pawed or clawed) family too! You’ll need the answers to plenty of pet questions!
Let’s give you a helping hand with the basics:
Does my pet need to be micro-chipped?
Yes, your animal does need to be microchipped, but here is something I bet you didn’t know – your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 pet microchip that has a 15 digit, non-encrypted number. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO compliant, you have to travel with your own microchip scanner!
Will a tattoo suffice?
If you can prove the tattoo was performed before 3 July 2011, it is considered an acceptable form of identification. It also needs to be clearly visible and you should provide evidence that your pet’s current rabies vaccination was administered after the tattoo was applied.
What are the requirements in terms of vaccinations and other medical treatments before bringing a cat or dog into France?
Dogs, cats and indeed, everyone’s favorite household pet, ferrets (!) need a rabies vaccination and a blood titer test. Dogs also need a distemper vaccination. You’ll need to time your pet’s vaccinations carefully around your travel dates, as the ‘jabs’ need to be administered within strict time-frames before leaving home and arriving at your new ‘nest’, so make your vet appointment and add it onto your Final Things To Do list.
What is a pet passport?
A pet passport is another term for the paperwork record you get once your pet is correctly vaccinated and treated for travel. If you are coming from a member country of “PETS” (Pet Travel Scheme – see what they did there?), you can apply for a pet passport and avoid any quarantine regulations in the country your pet is travelling to. And no, your pet does not need a non-smiling, perfectly-centered, face-unobstructed-by-hairy-floppy-ears passport photo, thank goodness!
Can I bring my puppy or kitten to France?
Unvaccinated puppies, kittens and ferrets are not permitted to enter France from any country or EU Member State. Rabies vaccinations must not be administered prior to 12 weeks of age and there is a 21 day wait for puppies and kittens arriving from EU Member States or rabies-controlled countries.
Can I bring a horse to France?
I’m itching to say “Neigh” here but actually it’s a “Yes, of course”! You’ll need to use its stud book to get the passport, then once in France follow a few official steps depending on the breed and intended use of the horse (breeding, racing etc). This is to register with, and eventually allow identification by, SIRE (the Système d’Information Relatif aux Equidés – the Equestrian Information System – another clever acronym, non?).
Flying with pets – what should I know?
Apparently it’s easier to travel with animals than children! So firstly, you’ll need to check which airlines on your flying route accept animals. They will tell you whether your pet can travel in the hold or in the cabin with you, and at what cost. You MAY be obliged to purchase a particular size or brand of pet-carrier (which fits under your seat).
You should note also that there are specific entry points in France that are the only ones you can fly a pet into from outside the EU – Paris, Reunion (French Territories), Marseille, Nice, Lyon and Toulouse. If you are flying into a neighboring country, and then coming to France by land, check customs procedures for animals for BOTH countries. If you are taking more than one flight, check every step/airline for their animal rules and regs. Clearly label your pet carrier and pet. And lastly, if you have a nervous pet, think about getting a vet to prescribe some medication to calm them. Dose ‘em up, make ‘em comfy and they’ll be flying high in more ways than one!
Do I need pet insurance for travel and/or when I arrive in France?
It’s a great idea to be covered. Some insurers include pet travel insurance as part of your policy, others do not so you’ll need to add it for travelling…Especially if you are traveling with a non-sedated Ninja cat.
Once in France you can take out insurance to cover medical costs for your pet, if you choose. A simple veterinary visit costs around 30€ and vaccinations range from 50-80€.
Is there any quarantine time upon arrival in France?
Although there is generally no quarantine in France (thanks to the pet passport system), note that birds should be quarantined for 30 days prior to leaving your home country.
Does France welcome all races of dogs?
You may import certain large breeds (Rottweiler, Pitbull, etc.) to France as guard dogs, as long as they have pedigree papers. Crossbreeds are not permitted. You must: have insurance to protect against liability, register them with the local town council upon arrival, and ensure they’re leashed and muzzled when in public.
Oh, go on then, what about the rest of the animal kingdom?
Birds: All birds entering France from other EU countries and rabies-controlled countries need a health certificate. Birds entering France from rabies-controlled countries need to meet the following additional requirements: your bird must be quarantined in an approved facility for 30 days prior to transport. You must enter France with 5 birds or fewer with no intention to sell, rehome or transfer ownership in any way. These birds must be YOUR birds! Your bird must be vaccinated against avian influenza H5 at least 60 days before importation and have tested negative for H5N1 PCR.
Not birds (!): Invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians and mammals such as rodents and rabbits do not require a rabies vaccination but may have other requirements and should have a health certificate. Mammals will need parasite treatment prior to entering France.
What if I own something really weird and wonderful?
This is where the ‘CITES’ – Endangered Species Convention – comes into play. If your pet is NOT a dog, cat or beloved ferret, and especially if it IS a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES – although I actually make that COITIESOWFAF – I think the clever and pertinent acronym ball got dropped here!). You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations.
Coming soon – Renestance’s Pet Information Report, including full details on all of the above.
Nicole is a bilingual Brit from Cambridge who has been living in the Languedoc since 2002 and is one of the first Renestance's Consultants. She knows how to get things done and can find the key contacts, having worked in real estate, managed two businesses of her own, and started a large social group for English-speakers in the area.
All articles by: Nicole Hammond
Ranji
on 2018-02-20 at 21:52Is my dog considered a cross breed her mother is a German shepherd and father is half labrador?
Hi Ranji – don’t worry! Although your dog is indeed a cross-breed, being not a pure bred (having both parents the same breed and with pedigree papers for both, and therefore their offspring), your dog does not fall into the ‘dangerous dogs’ category (called category 1 and 2 in France) which are regulated for entry into France. Category 1 – ‘attack’ dogs are banned from acquiring, selling or giving away: Dogs with no pedigree and who resemble Staffordshire terrier or American Staffordshire terrier (pitbulls), Mastiff (boerbulls) and Tosa and similar. These Category 2 ‘defence and guard’ dogs, and similar breeds, with correct papers, have the possibility of entering France: Staffordshire terrier or American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler and Tosa or similar. Note that Staffordshire BULL Terriors are not considered dangerous dogs. Ref: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/services-aux-francais/preparer-son-retour-en-france/formalites-douanieres/article/animaux-domestiques-retour-en-france
Maria
on 2018-05-20 at 19:20Great article!
I’m travelling with my cat from Argentina into France. I’ve emailed migrations to see if they give me accurate info. I’m a bit confused as I see different advice around the web!
It’s a flight to Nice, stopping at Rome first.
As you say it seems he would need a micro-chip, and an official rabies vaccination + a recent health certificate (I checked that no that other rabies test, as it’s from Argentina- there’s a list of countries for this if the site I checked was reliable). He has some papers of vaccinations already, but I believe not a proper “pet passport”. Do you know if this is necessary? other tan the certificates of each vaccination separately.
Ah, confusing! I also contacted the airline but they are not giving me much detail, I guess it’s something specifically having to do with the entry country regulations.
Thanks a lot if you can reply!
(it’s not my own cat but I’m arranging the trip for him)
Revd Sue
on 2018-10-31 at 10:22I am moving France with two German Shepherd dogs… is this breed subject to any restrictions? They are microchipped have have full UK passports
Hi Davide – German Shepherd dogs do not appear in either the Category 1 or 2 sections, as noted here – https://agriculture.gouv.fr/les-chiens-de-categorie-1-et-2-dits-chiens-dangereux. Best of luck!
Joshua Jones
on 2018-12-20 at 22:18I have an American Bulldog that is my service dog I received after my time in the military. I dont see it on the restriction list but he is often mistaken for a pitbull. What papers would i need any? Also any issues you can think of that I might run into?
Thanks in Advance!
Hi Joshua – it’s hard to nail down specific information but I found this on Air France’s website: “Category 1 dogs, as defined by the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, are not permitted for transport in the cabin, or as baggage or cargo. These so-called “attack dogs” do not belong to a particular breed but are similar in morphology to the following: Staffordshire Terrier or American Staffordshire Terriers (pit bulls), Mastiffs and Tosas.
Category 2-defined dogs are permitted for transport on cargo flights provided by Air France. These include the following breeds: pedigree Staffordshire Terriers, pedigree American Staffordshire Terriers, pedigree Tosas and dogs that are similar in morphology to the Rottweiler breed (with or without pedigree).
To transport a Category 2 dog, please contact the customer service department for freight. To find the contact information of the center nearest you, please visit the “Contact” page of the AIR FRANCE KLM Cargo website and click on the map. Upon request and subject to availability, Category 2 dogs can travel on the same flight as their owner. Please note: a certified cage is mandatory.
For more information, please visit the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (in French).”
Here is that link – http://mesdemarches.agriculture.gouv.fr/demarches/particulier/vivre-avec-un-animal-de-compagnie/article/voyager-avec-un-animal-de-l – you can right click to translate the page
Good luck!
Debbie Wahl
on 2019-03-23 at 18:21Hello! My husband and I are retiring early to France, very excited, have already bought a house etc. Our one and only concern is our family of 14 rescue Shih tzus. I have spoken to a moving company, and they are very excited about making this relocation of all 14 at once for us. All are always up to date on check-ups, immunizations etc, and I am aware of all the documentation that is needed. Only one question as I have not been able to find a clear cut answer. Is there any issue with relocating 14? We have a home, They are our babies and we will not leave one behind. Tlhank you for any information and reassurance you can give me.
Hi Debbie
Please see this link which includes information and further links to information about importing multiple animals under the commercial import system: https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/France.cfm
Best, Nicole
John
on 2019-04-01 at 03:54Hi there – I am moving to France with my fiancé and our 6 cats. We’re not shipping them – they will be on the plane with us. The problem is that the limit is 5 pets. Is that limit per person? Per family? Per owner? I’m having a hard time finding a clear answer, so any help would be greatly appreciated….
Thanks!
Hi Johnn- It depends where you are coming from. Importing six pets or more into France counts as a commercial import and has different rules. If you are coming from within the EU, you can read here what you need to do: http://www.yvelines.gouv.fr/content/download/10960/71586/file/Echanges%20intra%20communautaires%20carnivores-2016.pdf. Despite intense researching, I can’t seem to find anything about commercial imports from outside the EU, I’m afraid. Best, Nicole
mrs clarke
on 2019-05-05 at 14:11hi i have a staffy cross american bully 3 months old girl and a staffy cross american bully 8 year old boy and ans english bull terrier 6 year old girl are they allowed into france with us from the uk
Hi Mrs Clarke – please see here for detailed information on bringing your dogs to France: https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/France.cfm
Best, Nicole
Ana Karina Sanchez
on 2019-05-06 at 14:51Hi! I have a poodle with terrier mix and his parents are cross breeds too, and im planning to bring him to france, i would like to know if its ok for him to come allthough he’s a cross breed
Thank you!!
Hi Ana Karina – as long as your dog is not listed on the list of banned dogs you will be fine. Please see here for in-depth answers to all pet travel questions: https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/France.cfm
Best, Nicole
GeAnita E Smith
on 2019-09-02 at 16:11This is the best article about pets I have found thank you I can not see leaving my dogs behind when I relocate to France they are a mother and daughter rottweiller mother 3 years old and her puppy or dog should I say is a year old. I want to purchase a home but may have to rent one until then but I was concerned about the towns rejecting us after or if our landlord approves for us to have them. Is that a possibility?
Hi GeAnita – Thank you for your compliment! You can travel to France with your Rottweilers – they are a Category 2 dog so do have some restrictions (only Category 1 dogs are not allowed to be imported). See this site for further information. https://www.travelnuity.com/travel-with-dangerous-dog-breed/ Good luck! And please do feel free to come to us if you need any help with your move! Best Nicole
Steven Moffat
on 2019-10-15 at 16:20Hello…what a brilliant article. Facsinating read.
I may be moving to France in 2020 and will be taking my pet alpacas (castrated) and pygmy goats (also castrated).
Do you have any advice for these animals? The goats are registered as livestock but the alpacas aren’t.
Thanks in advance.
Steven Moffat
on 2019-10-15 at 16:21I should add that I’m moving from Scotland.
Hi Steven – We are glad you like our blog article about pets in France! Regarding your query, unfortunately we have not yet been faced with this situation so we don’t have experience of the import rules for livestock (castrated or not!), nor how to import alpacas as non-livestock. If you’d like to book some time with us, we’ll happily research it for you. Just email me at nicole@renestance.com Best, Nicole