Published on October 14, 2026
By international standards, France is one of the easier places to move a pet from the US. There’s no blood test, no quarantine, and no months-long waiting period. Most dogs and cats can be ready in 1 to 2 months. The catch is that the details are strict. The microchip has to come before the rabies vaccine, the health certificate has to be signed inside a narrow window, and your name has to match across every document. On top of that, the EU switched to new health certificates in October 2026. This guide walks through the full process in order, then covers the few points where dogs and cats differ.
Quick answer: What does a pet need to move from the US to France?
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How long does it take to move a pet from the USA to France?
Plan for 1 to 2 months from the day you start to the day your pet flies. If your pet already has an up-to-date rabies vaccine given after an ISO microchip, it can move quickly. If your pet needs a new rabies vaccine, add at least 21 days for the waiting period. Starting earlier also gives you room to book the flight you want, which matters more during summer and the holidays.
| When | What happens |
| 2+ months before | Gather your vaccine and microchip records. Confirm the microchip is ISO-compliant and came before the rabies vaccine. Check that your name on vet records matches your passport. |
| At least 21 days before (ideally 3–6 months) | Rabies vaccine, if your pet needs a new primary shot or had a lapse. |
| 3–4 weeks before | Book the health certificate vet appointment. Confirm flights nd carrier size. |
| Within 10 days of arrival | Vet exam, EU animal health certificate, APHIS 7001, and USDA endorsement. |
| Before arrival | Sign the owner declaration and French customs power of attorney. |
| Arrival day | Original documents travel with your pet. Customs usually takes 3–6 hours. |
What are France’s pet import requirements for dogs and cats?
The core requirements are the same for both species:
- ISO-compliant microchip (usually 15 digits), implanted before the rabies vaccine. Your vet should scan it at every appointment, and you’ll need proof of the implant date.
- Rabies vaccine given by a USDA-accredited vet. If it’s a primary shot, it must be at least 21 days old when your pet arrives in France.
- EU animal health certificate, issued by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA within 10 days of your pet’s arrival in France.
- Owner declaration, signed by you, confirming the move is non-commercial.
- Fit-to-fly certificate (APHIS 7001), which the airline requires.
- French customs power of attorney, so a local team can clear your pet through customs for you.
Pets traveling directly from the US don’t need a rabies titer test, and there’s no quarantine on arrival if everything is in order. We recommend Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) as your pet’s first port of entry. If you need help with your pet’s move, you can request an obligation-free quote from WorldCare Pet Transport.
When every document is right, customs clearance in France usually takes 3 to 6 hours. If something is missing or doesn’t match, your pet can be refused entry or held at the owner’s expense.
What changed for pet travel to France in October 2026?
The EU updated its pet travel rules in April 2026, and new health certificates took effect in October. The new non-commercial certificate has been required since October 1, 2026, and the new commercial certificate since October 17, 2026. The core requirements didn’t change. Microchip, rabies vaccine, waiting period, and USDA endorsement all work the same way. Only the certificate format is new, and your vet needs to use the right version for your travel date.
Another 2026 change: EU pet passports are now only for EU residents. Pets coming from the US travel on an EU animal health certificate instead.
Is the process different for dogs than for cats?
Mostly no. Dogs and cats follow the same microchip, rabies, and health certificate steps. The differences are small:
What’s different for dogs moving to France
- France restricts certain dog types. Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiff (Boerboel), and Tosa-type dogs without a recognized pedigree can’t be imported. See the breed section below.
- Beyond rabies, DHPP+L (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis) and Bordetella within the last 6 months are strongly recommended.
What’s different for cats moving to France
- No breed restrictions.
- FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) is the recommended core vaccine alongside rabies.
Extra vaccines aren’t required for entry, but they are required if your pet will board after arrival. None of these differences change the timeline, so a household moving a dog and a cat together can plan around one schedule.
How does rabies vaccine timing work for France?
This is where most delays start. The EU sorts rabies shots into two types:
- A primary vaccine is the first shot after microchipping, or the first shot after any gap in coverage. Your pet must wait at least 21 days after a primary shot before entering France. For EU travel, a primary shot is valid for only one year, even if it’s labeled as a 3-year vaccine.
- A booster is a shot given before the previous one expired. There’s no waiting period after a booster, but you’ll need every rabies certificate back to the primary to prove there was never a gap.
A lapse of even one day resets everything, and the next shot counts as a new primary. If your pet’s history is messy, USDA suggests a simple fix: get a fresh 1-year rabies vaccine 3 to 6 months before travel, after the microchip is scanned. Then only one certificate needs to be reviewed.
Can my pet travel to France separately from me?
Yes, but the timing changes which certificate your pet needs. If you (or someone you designate) arrive within 5 days of your pet, with 5 or fewer pets, your pet travels under the non-commercial certificate. If your pet travels outside that 5-day window, you’re moving 6 or more pets, or the pet is changing owners, the commercial certificate applies. That one requires a vet inspection within 48 hours of departure. If your travel dates shift, tell your Pet Relocation Counselor right away.
| Non-commercial | Commercial | |
| When it applies | Owner (or designated person) arrives within 5 days of the pet, 5 or fewer pets | Pet travels outside the 5-day window, 6+ pets, or pet is changing owners |
| Timing | USDA endorsement within 10 days of arrival in the EU | Vet inspection within 48 hours of departure; USDA endorsement within 48 hours of issue |
| Owner declaration | Required | Not used |
| New certificate required from | October 1, 2026 | October 17, 2026 |
What documents do I need to bring my dog or cat to France?
- Originals must travel with your pet. Copies aren’t accepted at French customs.
- Original EU animal health certificate endorsed by USDA, with the signed owner declaration
- Original rabies vaccination certificate(s)
- Original microchip certificate showing the implant date
- Original fit-to-fly certificate (APHIS 7001)
- General vaccination certificates (recommended)
The name on your pet’s vet records must exactly match the name on your passport. A missing middle name or a nickname can cause problems at the border, so check now while it’s easy to fix.
Which dog breeds are banned in France?
France sorts certain dogs into two categories. Category 1 dogs can’t be imported. These are Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiff (Boerboel), and Tosa-type dogs without a pedigree recognized by France, including mixes. Category 2 dogs can enter with restrictions. These are American Staffordshire Terriers and Tosas with a recognized pedigree, plus Rottweilers and Rottweiler-type dogs. Owners need proof of pedigree at entry and must keep these dogs muzzled and leashed in public in France.
Classification is based partly on how a dog looks, so a mixed-breed dog can be flagged even without papers. Airlines add their own limits too. Many carriers restrict snub-nosed breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats, especially in summer. If your pet could be affected by either, talk to your counselor before booking. The official breed rules are on the French Ministry of Agriculture website.
What happens when my pet lands in France?
Customs clearance usually takes 3 to 6 hours. Photos and updates aren’t allowed while your pet is in the customs area, which can feel long. We work on a “no news is good news” basis during this stage, and you’ll hear right away if anything needs attention. Pets are given water in customs, and our partners in France will let you know as soon as your pet is cleared.
Once your pet is home, go slow with food and water. Offer about half a portion, then a little more an hour later. Keep up with flea and tick prevention while you’re living in France, and confirm ahead of time that your temporary housing accepts pets. Our after-flight tips and PawPrint City Guides for Paris and Lyon can help you settle in.
What’s the most common mistake pet parents make with a USA to France move?
- Rabies vaccine before the microchip. If the shot came first, it doesn’t count, and your pet needs a new primary vaccine plus the 21-day wait.
- A gap in rabies coverage. A booster given even one day late becomes a new primary, which is only valid for one year.
- Names that don’t match. Vet records under a nickname or missing a middle name can hold up endorsement or entry.
- A vet appointment outside the window. The health certificate has to be endorsed within 10 days of arrival. Too early, and it has to be redone.
- The wrong carrier. Carriers need to be properly sized, with paw-safe vents no larger than 1″ × 1″ for dogs and 3/4″ × 3/4″ for cats. Start with our carrier measuring guide.
- Sedation. Sedatives are prohibited, and airlines won’t accept a pet that appears sedated. Here’s why we don’t sedate pets for travel.
FAQ: Moving Pets From the USA to France
Does my pet need a rabies titer test to enter France from the US?
No. The US is on the EU’s approved list, so pets traveling directly from the US don’t need a titer test.
Is a 3-year rabies vaccine accepted in France?
Yes, as long as there’s been no lapse in rabies coverage since your pet’s primary vaccine. If there was a lapse, the latest shot counts as a new primary and is valid for one year for EU travel.
Does my pet need an EU pet passport?
No. EU pet passports are now only for EU residents. Pets from the US travel on an EU animal health certificate.
Is there quarantine for pets entering France?
No, as long as all requirements are met. Pets that don’t meet the rules can be refused entry or held at the owner’s expense.
Can I sedate my pet for the flight to France?
No. Sedation is prohibited, and airlines won’t accept a pet that appears sedated.
Which airport should my pet fly into?
We recommend Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) as your pet’s first port of entry into France.
Should I use a pet relocation company for a USA to France move?
France’s rules are simpler than many countries’, but they leave little room for error. One date, one signature, or one mismatched name can push back a flight. Most pet parents find it helps to have someone track the vet appointment, USDA endorsement, certificate version, and customs paperwork alongside them, especially while they’re managing their own move. WorldCare Pet Transport guides pet parents through the full USA to France process for dogs and cats, from your first records check to door-to-door delivery in France. You can also browse our France pet relocation guide for a full overview. When you’re ready, talk to our team about your timeline and request a free quote.
Requirements reflect official US and EU sources as of October 2026 and can change without notice. Confirm with your Pet Relocation Counselor or the USDA APHIS France page before you travel.
Kaitlyn Reid is a Marketing Assistant at WorldCare Pet, where she helps share stories, tips, and guidance for smooth pet relocations worldwide. A devoted dog mom to Piper, she combines her love for animals with her marketing expertise to connect pet parents with the information they need for stress-free moves. Her goal is to make every transferee’s journey as seamless and reassuring as possible.