France
Entry Requirements
Is France Dog Friendly? Traveling with Pets to France
Here are reviews and requirements to help you see if this country is a good place to travel with your cats and/or dogs Official French government website on importing pets
Official government website on pets coming from the US to France
France Entry Requirements for Pets from Non-high Rabies Country
Also called “Part 1” and “Part 2” listed countries
Medical Requirements:
The anti-rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel. If the animal is being vaccinated against rabies for the first time or if the previous vaccination has not been kept valid, you will have to wait 21 days after getting the vaccine to travel.
Documentation Required and how to get it:
A vet from the country of departure will create a health certificate. For pets coming from the US, that certificate has to be endorsed by a USDA Endorsement Office. The endorsement must happen within 10 days of your pet’s arrival in the EU. For pets that will be traveling throughout the EU or will be repeat visitors, it is recommended to get an EU pet passport once you arrive in an EU country. This can replace the health certificate for future visits. Some airlines require additional certificates from a vet stating that the pet is fit to travel.
France Entry Requirements for Pets from High Rabies Country
Also called “Unlisted Countries”
Medical Requirements:
The anti-rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel. At least three months before traveling, get a rabies titration test (blood sample) and have it analyzed at an EU-authorized lab. (list of rabies testing authorized laboratories on the Europa website). After an initial test, the results will be valid as long as the rabies vaccines are kept up to date.
Documentation Required and how to get it:
A vet from the country of departure will create a health certificate. You will need to look to see if there are timeline requirements from the country you are coming from. For pets that will be traveling throughout the EU or will be repeat visitors, it is recommended to get an EU pet passport once you arrive in an EU country. This can replace the health certificate for future visits. Some airlines require additional certificates from a vet stating that the pet is fit to travel.
Additional Considerations for Bringing a Pet to France
Microchip Requirements:
(ISO) standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 given before or at the time of the rabies vaccine.
Quarantine Requirements (if any):
NA other than exceptional circumstances
Breed Restrictions:
There is a ban on importing certain attack dogs including Staffordshire terriers, American Staffordshire terriers (pitbull), Mastiffs (Boerbulls), and Tosa. There are some exceptions with pedigree certificates, but these breeds will have to be muzzled and kept on a leash on public thoroughfares, in public places, and on public transport while in the country.
Number of pet restrictions:
5 pets per person
Is this country considered high-risk rabies for entry into the US?
No
Is this country considered high rabies for entry into EU countries?
No
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Are you flying to France?
Read Flying with a Dog Under the Airplane Seat: The Ultimate Guide Read Flying with a Big Dog: Travel Tips for Ease & Safety
This information was last updated January 2023. If you notice any errors or updates, please let us know by contacting us here.
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4 Reviews on “France”
My dog and I live in Portugal and have traveled by car to France many times. You must have a pet passport for your dog and they must be microchiped. Other than that no requirements only one hotel asked to see her passport.
I found most accommodations and restaurants to be dog friendly. Even the posh ones! It is delightful to be able to take her everywhere.
We also road a train. In Lyon she was allowed on the fenicular and I read busses were also ok.
I kept her on a lead when in urban areas and we enjoyed parks together.
Since your dog is fairly large, that’s great information for others to know the dog-friendliness applies to small and big dogs alike.
Everywhere in France I found to be very dog friendly. I’d been to France a few times before, and everyone had been nice, but with the dog, everyone was way more outgoing and sociable.
We did Marseilles most recently.
Also, it’s good to know that if you get stuck anywhere, the ibis hotels are affordable and widespread through Europe and most allow dogs. So I’m a pinch, that’s the chain I use.
France is very friendly to dogs in trains. Small dogs must ride in carriers and big dogs must be muzzled. It costs 7€ per dog ticket. My small dog rode the bus and the Metro in her carrier as well (free). We found a pet friendly hotel on the hotel search engines.
France is famous for being a dog-friendly country. This seems especially true for smaller breeds. As you walk around the streets of Paris, many pet-owners will have their yorkies and poodles in tow. Dogs often come on holiday from neighboring countries too. We went on a boat ride in the South of France and were joined by another border terrier to see the views. Dogs can join us at almost all patio dining, so that means we don’t have to leave our pups behind when we go out for the day. The only tricky thing is getting the timing right for the certified health certificate from the States.
Border Terrier on a Boat in the South of France
Border Terrier on a Boat in the South of France