Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to France with your dog, cat, or even ferret is far from a simple formality. Between European rules, veterinary certificates, airlines, and finding pet-friendly housing, the process can quickly become confusing. However, France is one of the most “pro-pet” countries in Europe: it is home to millions of dogs and cats, has a dense network of veterinary services, and truly integrates animals into daily life.
This article provides a comprehensive, practical guide for preparing to depart for and settle in France with a pet, based on current regulations.
Understanding the General Framework: What France Allows (and What It Bans)
Before even thinking about plane tickets or furnished rentals, you must check an essential point: are you allowed to bring your animal onto French territory, and under what exact conditions.
France applies European rules for the non-commercial movement of pets (primarily dogs, cats, ferrets). The principle is simple: these are private journeys, without a change of ownership and within a numerical limit.
Maximum Number of Animals and the “Non-Commercial Movement” Concept
For a standard move, the vast majority of private individuals are subject to the following rule: no more than five pets per person. Beyond this threshold, France considers the movement to be commercial, except in very specific cases for animals participating in competitions or sporting events.
It can be summarized as follows:
| Situation | Applicable Rule | Additional Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 dogs/cats/ferrets | Non-commercial movement | “Standard” pet import procedure |
| More than 5 animals | Non-commercial movement only if all are registered for a competition/show/sporting event | Animals must be over 6 months old and written proof of registration required |
| Animals intended for sale | Commercial movement | Stricter rules, different certificates |
It is crucial to understand that the French authorities grant no exemptions: even an assistance dog must comply with all health criteria.
Role of French Authorities and Risks in Case of Non-Compliance
Upon arrival, French veterinary and customs services inspect the animal, its identification, and its documents. If something is wrong – invalid vaccination, erroneous certificate, unreadable microchip, banned breed – the consequences can be severe and at the owner’s expense: return to the country of origin, quarantine, or even euthanasia in extreme cases.
Maximum fine in euros provided for by the French Rural and Maritime Fishing Code in case of non-compliance with rules that have seriously affected health.
In short: winging it is a very bad idea. Everything must be anticipated, checked, and documented.
Identification, Vaccination, and Minimum Age: The Essential Foundation
For dogs, cats, and ferrets, three pillars determine the possibility of legally entering France: identification, the rabies vaccination, and the animal’s age at the time of travel.
Microchip: A Specific Format, Not a Gadget
In France, as in the European Union, electronic identification is the standard. Your pet must have a microchip compliant with ISO standard 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785. This is a 15-digit identifier, readable by European scanners. Tattoos are only tolerated if they were done before July 2011 and remain perfectly legible.
In practice, this means:
| Type of Identification | Accepted in France? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 11784/11785 Chip (15 digits) | Yes | Recommended standard |
| Non-ISO Chip (e.g., old model) | Yes, if owner provides compatible scanner | Otherwise, a second ISO chip must be implanted |
| Tattoo | Yes, only if done before July 2011 and very legible | Must be verified with vet and authorities |
| No identification | No | Entry refused, risk of quarantine or euthanasia |
A crucial point: the rabies vaccination is only valid if it is administered after the chip is implanted (or read). If the order is reversed, the vaccination is considered null and void, and the entire protocol must be restarted, with a new waiting period.
Rabies Vaccination: Timelines and Nuances
Rabies is the cornerstone of the regulations. Without a valid rabies vaccination, no animal may enter France. The rules common to all third countries are as follows:
For an animal to enter the European Union, its first rabies vaccination (primary vaccination) must follow strict rules. The animal must be at least 12 weeks old and already identified by microchip at the time of injection. After this injection, a mandatory waiting period of 21 days is required before entry into the territory. Some manufacturers recommend a 30-day period, which may also be required by authorities. The primary vaccination also applies if the booster schedule has been interrupted.
Boosters must be administered before the expiration date indicated on the certificate or in the passport, otherwise the entire process must be restarted.
For an animal vaccinated in the United States with a so-called ‘3-year’ vaccine, the primary vaccination is only recognized for a duration of one year under European regulations. Only the booster administered within this one-year period can subsequently benefit from a validity period of 1 to 3 years, in accordance with the marketing authorization of the vaccine used.
Effective Minimum Age for Travel
In theory, France does not allow the entry of unvaccinated puppies or kittens, nor animals that are vaccinated but have not completed their immunity period. In practice, since the primary vaccination can only be given at 12 weeks, followed by a 21-day wait, the minimum travel age is around 15 weeks.
Some airlines add their own rules, sometimes stricter (thresholds of 15 weeks or more, even 6 months for certain configurations). Therefore, you must combine veterinary requirements and carrier policies.
Country of Origin: The Question of the Rabies Blood Test
One often hears about the rabies titer test. In many cases, expats moving to France are exempt, but not always. It all depends on the status of the country of departure regarding rabies.
Countries with a “Managed Risk”: No Titer Test, But Monitored Transit
Animals arriving from certain countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, among others) do not need a rabies virus neutralizing antibody titer test. The list is long and includes, for example:
List of countries and territories included in this category.
United States (including territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands) and Canada.
Australia and New Zealand.
Japan and Singapore.
Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City.
French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna.
Argentina, Barbados, Bahamas, and several other countries in the region.
However, if your animal physically transits through a country not on the list (layover, flight change outside the EU or exempt country zone), the authorities may require a declaration stating that it has had no contact with animals suspected of rabies and that it remained under permanent control (sealed container, secure cargo area, etc.).
High-Risk Countries: The Titer Test Becomes Mandatory
For countries considered at high risk of rabies, a more demanding process applies:
To import an animal into Europe, a valid primary rabies vaccination is required. After this vaccination, you must wait 30 days before taking a blood sample, which must be sent to an EU-approved laboratory for an antibody titer test. Then, a mandatory waiting period of 3 months after the date of this sample is required before the animal can enter the European territory.
This three-month period starts on the date the blood is drawn, not on the date the result is received. In an expatriation project, this sometimes means starting the process six months, or even more, before departure.
Health Certificate, European Passport, and Administrative Steps
Once identification and vaccination are in order, the administrative part remains, often where applications get stuck: type of certificate, who signs it, validity period, recognition by France.
Health Certificate for Non-EU Countries
If you are arriving from a country that is not a member of the European Union and your animal does not already have a valid European passport, you need an official health certificate in the European format.
Depending on your country, the procedures vary:
Formalities vary by country of departure: from the United States, the veterinary certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS (via VEHCS or by mail). From Canada, it must be validated by CFIA. From the United Kingdom, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian is required, issued within 10 days before entry into the EU and at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination.
In all cases, the logic is the same:
| Document | Who fills it out? | Who validates/endorses it? | Main Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Health Certificate (non-commercial) | Official/accredited veterinarian of the third country | Competent authority (USDA, CFIA, equivalent) | 10 days until the first point of entry into the EU |
| EU Health Certificate (commercial) | Official veterinarian in third country | Endorsement within 48h before departure | Valid upon arrival, then according to commercial rules |
| Animal Health Certificate (UK) | British Official Veterinarian | OV signature alone (UK is a third country) | 10 days to enter the EU, then up to 4 months in the EU or until vaccine expiration |
After entry into the European Union, these certificates generally continue to allow intra-European movement for 4 months or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.
An administrative detail not to be overlooked: the EU recommends that these certificates be filled out in non-black ink (blue is often requested), to distinguish originals from photocopies.
European Pet Passport: The Essential Tool Once on Site
The European pet passport is the key that simplifies all subsequent travel within the EU and to the United Kingdom. But it is only issued by a veterinarian in the European Union, and only for EU residents.
Concretely, once settled in France:
– You make an appointment with a French veterinarian,
– They verify identification, vaccinations, import documents,
– They create a European passport listing the microchip, the rabies vaccination, and subsequent boosters.
The passport remains valid for life only if rabies boosters are administered on schedule. A delay, even of a single day, invalidates the passport: the primary vaccination must then be entirely redone, followed by a new 21-day waiting period before any international travel.
The cost of this passport in France remains modest (on average around fifteen to thirty euros), but it requires the animal to be properly registered in the French system.
Registration in France: Mandatory Step via I‑CAD
For a long-term stay in France (more than three months), dogs and cats must be registered in the national identification database, managed by I‑CAD (National File for the Identification of Domestic Carnivores).
The process is generally done through a French veterinarian:
– The practitioner completes a “provisional identification certificate for import or intra-community exchange“.
– They submit the information to I‑CAD (often online).
– A registration fee is charged (around €9 to €11 depending on the situation).
Once the animal is registered, it gets a French number associated with its microchip, and the owner can then update their contact details in case of a move or phone number change. This step is important for legal compliance and also to facilitate search efforts if the animal gets lost on French territory.
Banned or Heavily Regulated Breeds: A Topic to Address Before Buying Your Ticket
France has implemented a very strict classification of certain dogs considered dangerous. Importing some types of dogs is strictly forbidden; others remain possible but with heavy procedures, sometimes incompatible with a simple expatriation plan.
Category 1: So-called Attack Dogs, Import Banned
Category 1 dogs are prohibited for import into France. This includes not only pedigree dogs, but also dogs identified by their morphology as resembling:
– Staffordshire terrier or American Staffordshire terrier of the “pitbull” type without a pedigree,
– Mastiff/Boerbulls,
– Tosa not registered with a stud book.
A crossbred or non-pedigree dog whose morphology corresponds to the types of so-called dangerous dogs can be classified as Category 1. In this case, its introduction onto French territory and its acquisition there are prohibited. Furthermore, some airlines systematically refuse to transport these animals, even to other destinations.
Category 2: Guard and Defense Dogs, Allowed Under Heavy Constraints
Category 2 includes dogs that are allowed, but subject to a battery of restrictions:
– American Staffordshire terrier with a pedigree,
– Tosa with a pedigree,
– Rottweiler and Rottweiler-type dogs, even without a pedigree.
For dogs of so-called dangerous categories, importation into France is legally allowed but very restrictive. It requires a behavioral assessment of the dog, specific civil liability insurance, a permit to keep the dog, and the wearing of a muzzle and leash in many public places. These requirements often make a temporary stay almost impossible. For expatriation, an in-depth consultation with the town hall of the destination and French veterinary services is essential before taking any steps.
Assistance Dogs: Same Health Requirements, No Exceptions
Whether it’s a guide dog for the blind or another type of assistance dog, the health regulations remain the same: microchip, rabies, health certificate or passport, respect for timelines. French embassies do not grant any exemptions for these animals.
Other Animals: Rodents, Reptiles, Birds, Protected Species
Expatriation isn’t just about dogs and cats. Many families want to move with a dwarf rabbit, a parrot, a gecko, or an aquarium.
Small Mammals, Reptiles, and Ornamental Fish
For domestic rodents, reptiles, and ornamental fish, France sets a limit of five individuals per household for non-commercial movements. They must be accompanied by a health document written in French and English, signed by a veterinarian within the 10 days preceding arrival.
Even though it is more flexible than for carnivores, the health regulation remains formal. Beyond five animals or for particular species, it is imperative to contact the competent authorities (French veterinary services, embassy, etc.).
Pet Birds: Rules Strengthened Due to Avian Flu
Pet birds are also limited to five per household. Due to avian flu risks, France imposes one of the following three scenarios:
– 30 days of isolation under official supervision before export,
– vaccination and revaccination against H5 and H7 strains within the last six months, but at the latest 60 days before departure,
– at least 10 to 14 days of isolation, supplemented by a negative H5/H7 PCR test performed after the start of quarantine.
After arrival, birds must be taken to a private residence and isolated from any contact with other birds for 30 days. Furthermore, commercial movements of live birds to the European Union are currently prohibited.
Protected Species and CITES
France is a party to the CITES Convention on international trade in endangered species. Many species of reptiles, birds, or small mammals are listed in its appendices. Their import requires:
– export permits issued by the country of departure (for example, US Fish and Wildlife Service for the United States, Canadian Wildlife Service for Canada),
– an import permit issued in France by the ministry in charge of ecological transition.
Before considering expatriation with an exotic species (rare parrot species, tortoise, snake, etc.), it is essential to check its CITES status.
Choosing Your Mode of Transport: Plane, Car, Cargo, Private Jets
Complying with French regulations does not automatically guarantee the ability to transport the animal. Each airline, ferry, or train company has its own rules, often more restrictive than government ones.
Air Transport: Cabin, Hold, or Cargo
Major European and North American airlines apply fairly convergent policies, but with strong nuances:
Three options exist: in the cabin for small animals (up to ~8 kg) in a carrier with precise dimensions; in the hold for heavier animals (up to ~75 kg) in a rigid crate compliant with IATA standards; and as cargo for very heavy animals, specific breeds, or when hold transport is not offered.
Prices vary greatly depending on the carrier and destination:
| Airline | In Cabin (Approximate) | In Hold / Cargo (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Air France | €70 to €200 depending on route | €100 to €400 depending on destination |
| KLM | €75 to €400 | €75 to €400, weight/crate limits |
| Delta | Approx. $200 USD | Cargo limited, mainly for military |
| United | $125 USD | Hold largely discontinued for public |
| Air Canada | ≈ $100 CAD in cabin | ≈ $270 CAD in hold |
| French Bee | ≈ $100 USD cabin | ≈ $195 USD hold |
| La Compagnie | ≈ $200 USD cabin | No hold for public |
| K9 Jets (charter) | starting at approx. $10,000 USD for a seat including up to 2 dogs < 50 lbs | Shared jet service, very different structure |
Many airlines refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (pug, bulldog, boxer, shih tzu, Persian, Burmese, etc.) in the hold due to increased respiratory risks. Others ban Category 1 dogs in all compartments, and even certain breeds in the cabin.
Practical Tips for the Flight
The experience of travelers with dogs reveals several best practices:
For a smooth flight with your pet, start by gradually getting them used to their travel crate several weeks in advance. Opt for a night flight, especially in summer, to avoid extreme heat and encourage sleep. Consult a vet shortly before departure for a check-up, but avoid systematic sedatives, which are sometimes advised against. Place familiar items (like a blanket or toy) in the crate for reassurance. Finally, check with the airline 4 to 5 days before the flight that all conditions are met and the pet reservation is confirmed.
Alternatives: Car, Ferry, Private Jet
For intra-European expatriations, road travel (by car or camper van) is often the most comfortable option for the animal, provided you respect border regulations and plan regular breaks.
Ferries and the Eurotunnel (from the United Kingdom) accept pets, with specific conditions (dogs staying in the car, onboard kennels, formalities at the terminal). Eurostar, however, does not accept pets, with the exception of assistance dogs.
For very high budgets, private or shared flights dedicated to dog owners (like K9 Jets) offer unmatched comfort: animals travel in the cabin, often without a crate, alongside their humans. Prices, however, easily run into tens of thousands of dollars per transatlantic trip.
Arrival in France: Customs, Veterinary Inspection, and No Quarantine
In theory, if all steps have been followed, entry into France occurs without quarantine. But this doesn’t mean you go through the airport like a regular tourist.
Mandatory Stop at the “Goods to Declare” Lane
Upon arrival at an authorized French airport (notably Paris‑Charles‑de‑Gaulle, Orly, Lyon, Nice, Marseille), the owner must go with their animal to the “Goods to Declare” lane.
Customs and veterinary agents:
When importing a pet into the EU, veterinary authorities carry out a series of systematic checks. They scan the animal’s microchip for identification, then check that this number matches the ones on the official certificates. They then verify the validity of the rabies vaccination. Examination of the health certificate or EU pet passport is also mandatory. Finally, they may request additional documents, such as a declaration of non-contact with wildlife if the animal transited through a rabies-risk country, or proof that the import is not for commercial purposes.
If compliant, a sanitary control certificate is issued and the animal is allowed to enter the territory without quarantine. A small control fee may be charged.
If anomalies are found (unreadable microchip, invalid vaccine, lack of 21-day wait, incomplete documents), the decision rests with the authorities: confinement in a quarantine facility, immediate return to the country of origin, or even euthanasia if the health risk is deemed too high.
Living with a Pet in France: Legal Obligations, Culture, and Practices
Once the first 24 hours are over, the next step is to turn a successful arrival into a smooth settlement. This involves both local administrative steps and discovering French dog and cat culture.
Registration, Veterinarian, and EU Passport
Very soon after arrival, it is wise to:
– contact a French veterinarian for a health check and file update,
– finalize I‑CAD registration if not already done,
– request the creation of a European passport if you plan to travel with the animal again (in Europe or to the UK).
France has a dense veterinary network, with modern clinics, 24/7 emergency services in large cities, and even mobile vets. Basic consultations generally cost between €30 and €50, vaccinations between €50 and €80, microchipping between €50 and €70. Specialized veterinary hospitals handle neurology, complex surgery, exotic pets, advanced imaging, etc.
Daily Life Rules: Leash, Waste, Public Places
France is overall very welcoming to pets, but with specific codes.
In most cities, dogs must be leashed in public spaces, with sometimes specific off-leash areas. Picking up dog waste is mandatory. Many cafes and outdoor terraces accept well-behaved dogs, while museums and major monuments prohibit them (except assistance dogs). On public transport, small dogs are accepted in a carrier; large dogs must be muzzled, leashed, and may require a ticket.
At the same time, French law protects animals as living beings endowed with sentience, and severely punishes abuse or abandonment.
Housing and Rentals: What Landlords Can (or Cannot) Refuse
For a long stay, housing is a central issue. The good news: in long-term unfurnished rental agreements, a landlord cannot, in general, prohibit keeping a pet, unless it is a dangerous animal or causes obvious disturbances in the building.
In reality:
Rental ads, especially for furnished or seasonal properties, may specify whether pets are accepted. It is often possible to negotiate with the landlord, who may require a cleaning fee at the end of the stay (usually between €100 and €150). In large cities, prioritize neighborhoods near green spaces, such as the 12th and 16th arrondissements in Paris, known to be more pet-friendly.
To maximize your chances, it’s better to:
– be transparent from the first contact,
– introduce the animal (size, breed, temperament),
– provide a “CV” for the animal: training certificate, references from previous landlords, proof of cleanliness, etc.
Insurance, Liabilities, and Long-Term Costs
In France, home insurance generally includes civil liability coverage that covers damages caused to third parties by the household’s pets. For dogs in regulated categories, specific insurance is, however, mandatory.
Pet health insurance is not mandatory, and only a minority of owners use it. Policies reimburse part of veterinary expenses (mainly accidents and illnesses), with annual ceilings and variable deductibles.
In an annual budget, keeping a dog in France often represents between €800 and €1,500 on average (food, routine care, accessories, possibly boarding or pet-sitting), with significant variations depending on size, breed, and lifestyle.
Special Cases of Return or Multi-Destination
Many expats consider France as a step in a longer journey: return to the United States, Australia, or plans to travel in Europe with their pet.
Two points to note:
For return to the country of origin (e.g., United States), check the specific conditions of the relevant jurisdiction, independent of European rules. For travel within the EU, an up-to-date European passport is generally sufficient. For the UK, Ireland, Malta, Finland, and Norway, a tapeworm treatment before entry is mandatory and must be recorded in the passport or health certificate.
In Summary: Anticipate, Check, Document
Moving your pet to France is entirely possible, and thousands of families do it every year. But this project does not tolerate improvisation or administrative approximations.
The overall logic can be summarized in a few key points:
For travel abroad with your dog, start preparations several months in advance, especially if a rabies titer test is required. Scrupulously follow the order of operations: microchip implantation first, then rabies vaccination, respect for the mandatory waiting period, and finally obtaining the health certificate or passport. Check your dog’s breed compatibility with the destination country’s legislation, especially for categorized breeds. Align with the specific requirements of transport carriers (weight, crate dimensions, breed restrictions, temperatures, cabin/hold policy). Finally, plan for the arrival phase: identifying a local vet, I-CAD registration, obtaining a European passport if needed, and finding suitable pet-friendly housing.
By following these steps, the arrival in France can go smoothly and open the door to a new life where the pet quickly finds its place in a country where dogs on cafe terraces and cats on window sills are part of the everyday landscape.
A 62-year-old retiree, with financial assets of over one million euros well-structured in Europe, wanted to re-establish his tax residence in France to secure his situation, prepare his succession, and stay close to his family, while maintaining reasonable tax optimization. Allocated budget: 10,000 euros for complete support (tax advice, administrative formalities, relocation, and asset structuring), without forced sale of assets.
After studying other European countries (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece), the chosen strategy was to target France by taking advantage of schemes adapted for retirees: choice between taxation at the progressive scale or the flat tax for investment income, no wealth tax on net real estate below €1.3M, and access to a high-performance healthcare system. The mission included: pre-residence tax audit (risks of exit tax from the departure country, double taxation treaties), choice of region (lower cost of living than Paris), transfer of banking residency, organization of the break from the previous tax residence, connection with a local network (tax lawyer, notary) and asset integration (reorganization for succession).
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
