Bringing your pet to France

Pets in France

France is a nation of pet lovers (‘animaux domestiques’ or ‘animaux de compagnie’). Around 61% of households own at least one animal, with an estimated 79 million pets recorded in 2024–25 according to data from the pet food manufacturers’ federation, FACCO.

That said, attitudes can be surprising for newcomers. Dogs, for example, are widely accepted in public spaces – including cafés, restaurants and on public transport – but there is little tolerance if they are seen as a nuisance (noise, poor behaviour, etc).

Pet ownership comes with clear responsibilities, and rules are enforced. Owners are expected to keep animals under control at all times, and sanctions can apply if they fail to do so. Your local mairie will be able to provide precise information on regulations in your commune, which may vary depending on whether you live in an urban, village or rural setting.

Bringing your pet to France – a step-by-step guide

For British residents, bringing a pet to France is generally straightforward, but preparation is essential and timelines must be respected.

For dogs, cats and ferrets, the process begins with identification. Your pet must be fitted with an ISO-compliant microchip that meets EU standards. This must be done before the rabies vaccination, as vaccinations given prior to microchipping are not valid for entry.

Once microchipped, the animal must receive a valid rabies vaccination. If this is the first vaccination, you must wait 21 days before travelling. Booster vaccinations given within validity do not require an additional waiting period.

You will also need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official veterinarian in the UK. This must be obtained within 10 days of travel and confirms that your pet meets EU entry requirements.

Pets must normally travel with their owner (or within five days of them) to qualify as non-commercial movement. You should carry all original documentation when travelling, as checks can be carried out at the border.

If all conditions are met, pets entering France do not usually incur customs charges. However, failure to comply can result in serious consequences, including quarantine (at the owner’s expense), refusal of entry or return to the UK.

Transport providers may impose additional rules. Airlines and ferry operators often require advance notice, approved carriers, and specific documentation. Some breeds – particularly flat-faced animals – may face restrictions for welfare reasons.

Essential insider information

If you enjoy walking your dog on the beach, note that access is often regulated locally. Rules are set by the mayor and may vary widely: some beaches allow dogs only at certain times of day, while others ban them entirely during peak summer months. Always check with the mairie beforehand.

Access to forests is also regulated. From 15 April to 30 June (wildlife breeding season), dogs must be kept on a lead. At other times they may be off-lead but must remain under close control.

During the hunting season (roughly September to February), extra caution is advised in forests and rural areas. Keep dogs on a lead, stick to marked paths and consider wearing high-visibility clothing. Local hunting schedules can be obtained from the mairie.

A few linguistic quirks

French pet culture comes with its own vocabulary.

Cats are often called using “Minou, minou !” (roughly equivalent to “here kitty”), while “minette” may be used affectionately, especially for a female cat. Cats say “miaou” rather than “meow”.

Dogs are often referred to as “un toutou”, and to call one over you might say “Viens ici !” or “Allez, viens !”. In French, dogs go “ouaf ouaf” rather than “woof”.