Bringing your pet to France

France loves its pet animals (‘animaux domestiques’ or ‘animaux de compagnie’) – around 61% of households own one, with 79 million pets recorded in 2024-5 according to data from the federation of pet food manufacturers, FACCO. 

That said, attitudes here can be surprising for foreigners more used to a sentimental approach – dogs, for example, while much-loved and regularly seen with their owners in public spaces, restaurants / cafés, and on public transport, are at the same time subject to very little tolerance if perceived as a nuisance (noise, behavior, etc). 

As with all pets in France, there is a great deal of restriction and sanctions placed on owners who fail to control or discipline their animal. The responsibilities of animal ownership are taken seriously and your mairie will have exact information on guidelines relating to your commune – these are drawn up according to whether you live in a town, village or rural environment.

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

It is relatively simple to comply with animal import rules for bringing your pet to France – however, preparation is essential and you must plan in advance to account for timeframes.

For dogs, cats, and ferrets, the process begins with identification. The animal must be implanted with an ISO-compliant microchip that meets EU standards. This microchip must be inserted before the rabies vaccination, as vaccinations administered prior to microchipping are not considered valid for EU entry.

Once microchipped, the animal must receive a rabies vaccination that is valid at the time of travel. For animals receiving their first rabies vaccination, travel is permitted only after a mandatory 21-day waiting period. Rabies boosters administered before the previous vaccination expires do not require an additional waiting period. Rabies vaccines are typically valid for one or three years, depending on the product used.

Before departure, owners must obtain an EU Health Certificate for non-commercial movement, issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The veterinary examination and certificate must take place after the rabies waiting period (if applicable) and be endorsed by the USDA within 10 days of entry into the European Union.

Entry into France must occur within this 10-day validity window. Under EU non-commercial movement rules, pets must travel within five days before or after their owner, ensuring that the animal is considered a companion animal rather than a commercial import. Owners should carry all original documentation and be prepared to present it to customs officials upon request.

When all requirements are met, pets entering France under the non-commercial movement framework do not normally incur customs fees or routine veterinary inspections on arrival. However, animals that fail to comply with EU entry conditions may face enforcement measures, including quarantine at an approved facility at the owner’s expense, re-exportation to the country of origin, or refusal of entry.

Airlines apply their own transport rules, which may be stricter than government regulations. These typically include advance notification, use of an International Air Transport Association (IATA)-compliant carrier, and presentation of vaccination and health documentation. Many airlines restrict or prohibit certain breeds – particularly flat-faced dogs and cats – from traveling in the aircraft hold due to health risks. In addition, some dog breeds subject to restrictions under French law may face airline-specific limitations, even if entry into France is legally permitted.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) publishes official guidance, while the French government also sets out its requirements for customs entry. Pet relocation companies may also manage the process on an owner’s behalf, with costs typically starting at approximately $1,500, depending on the services required.

Essential insider info

If you enjoy long walks on the beach, be aware that in France access can be restricted for your four-legged friend – decisions on whether dogs are allowed on the beach or in the water are made by the local mayor, with some beaches are open for dogs only at certain times (generally early morning or later when it is quieter) or even seasonally (summer months may see beaches closed to dogs entirely), so be sure to check local regulations beforehand by consulting the mairie.

In forests access is regulated also – from April 15 to June 30 (wildlife breeding season) dogs must be leashed, while the rest of the year they can be off-leash but must stay under close control.

Hunting season (September to February) takes place in forests and in open countryside – be extra cautious, and make sure to keep your dog leashed, stay on marked trails, and wear hi-vis clothing if possible. You can check local hunting schedules and information at the mairie.

If you want to call a cat to come to you, instead of saying ‘Here kitty!’ you say ‘Minou, minou!’ as an affectionate term, especially for a male cat (though it’s also used generically for any cat). For a female cat you say ‘Minette!’. In France, cats go ‘miaou’ instead of ‘meow’.

A dog is referred to in affectionate terms as ‘un toutou’ (irrespective of gender), while if you want to call a dog to come to you, you can say ‘Viens ici!’ (‘Come here!’), or ‘Allez, viens!’ (‘Come on, come!’). In France, dogs go ‘ouaf ouaf’ instead of ‘woof woof’.