Have rules changed on bringing pets from UK to France?

Reader question: What are the latest rules on bringing pet dogs from the UK to France? I heard it was set to become easier again? 

Pet travel in the Great Britain to France direction has become more complicated since Brexit and remains so far unchanged, though hopes were raised at a UK-EU summit in May 2025. 

This pointed towards an eventual realignment of regulations on animal and plant health issues, which the UK now says is hoped to come into place in 2027. 

This may see the UK introduce pet passports that are accepted by the EU (note that Northern Ireland alone currently remains in the EU pet passport scheme, due to special post-Brexit rules).

As of May 2026, however, rules have not been updated and Britons bringing pets from the UK to France officially require an ‘Animal Health Certificate’ (AHC), even if they previously had an EU-issued passport for the pet. EU vets are also being asked not to issue pet passports to people who do not have their main home in the country.

The AHC proves the animal has had several vaccinations, including a rabies shot and has a microchip or identification tattoo. Speak to your local vet about getting a certificate

Costs vary (usually between £100 and £200) and last six months, meaning you need to obtain a new one each time you plan to travel between France and the UK (unless relocating permanently to France). The same AHC, or a formerly-issued EU pet passport, can be used to bring an animal home. 

If you are relocating permanently to France, upon arrival you need to visit a vet to ensure your dog is registered on the I-CAD database. 

All domestic cats, dogs, and ferrets need to be included on this pet database, and it must be done within seven days of arriving in the country (it may be best to schedule the appointment in advance).

Once you have relocated to France, you can obtain an EU pet passport for international travel with your pet, which proves its vaccination and health status. 

This is required for travel between EU countries, and is also accepted by the UK.

Another possible change is on the way eventually, though not for at least 10 years, is that people bringing pets from outside the EU may have to pre-register them on a 'pet traveller database' (akin to a 'pet ETIAS') prior to bringing their pet. There will be an exemption if coming from a country recognised as having similar pet welfare rules to the EU, which may include the UK. 

Enforcement may vary depending on transport provider

When travelling with your pet from the UK to France, rules may vary as to how strict transport companies will be in enforcing the latest rules. 

For example, Brittany Ferries' website (as of June 26) carries wording saying that EU pet passports issued to British residents before 22 April 2026 remain valid for travel into the EU and can still be used.

However, we have checked with the European Commission which stated that this is not its official position, confirming rather the rule that EU pet passports issued to GB residents are not valid for travel to the EU, whether previously-issued or new.