How to Move Your Pet to France: A Guide for Pet Parents
Please allow 1 to 2 months of lead time for pets entering France from a low-risk rabies country, and 3 to 4 months if your pet is coming from a high-risk rabies country.
What Are France's Pet Restrictions?
The following dog breeds (pure-bred & cross bred) are not allowed to enter France:
Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, ALL Mastiff Breeds, & ALL TOSA Breeds.
Should I Keep My Pet's Original Health Documents When Moving to France?
Make sure to keep all original health documents with your pet's at all times. Do not pack or take them with you—they are your pet’s “passport” for travel!!
Health Requirements For Pet's To Enter France
What Vaccines Are Needed For Your Pet?
Rabies VaccineFor pets traveling to France from low-risk rabies countries, the rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old and valid for one year at the time of entry. For pets coming from high-risk rabies countries, the rabies vaccination must be at least 30 days old and valid for one year at the time of travel.
Additional Vaccines
While general vaccinations are not mandatory for pets traveling to France from low-risk rabies countries, they are strongly recommended to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet. For pets traveling from high-risk rabies countries, vaccinations must follow manufacturer guidelines and should be at least 30 days old and valid for one year at the time of travel.
Vaccinations for Dogs
- DHPP+L: Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis.
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Should be administered within the last 6 months.
Vaccinations for Cats
- FVRCP: Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.
These vaccinations help safeguard your pet from common diseases, ensuring a safer travel experience.
FAVN-OIE Rabies Titre Test
If your country of origin is classified as high-risk for rabies, the following applies:
- A government-accredited veterinarian must collect a blood sample 30 days or more after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination and send it to an approved laboratory for testing.
- The test results must show a titre level of 0.5 IU/mL or higher for your pet to be eligible for entry into France.
- Your pet will be eligible to enter France 3 months from the date the blood sample is taken, provided the result is successful.
NOTE: It can take 4-6+ WEEKS to receive the rabies titre test results back from the laboratory.
Document Requirements For Pet's To Enter France
Health Certificate
Have your pet examined by an authorized/official veterinarian in your country of origin, who will issue the EU Animal Health Certificate (EU Health Certificate). For non-commercial travel, the certificate must be issued within 10 days before your pet arrives in France (the EU), and you must travel with the original paperwork.
Note: EU health certificates are changing in October 2026. New certificates for non-commercial pet travel (you're traveling with your pet, or within 5 days of them) take effect October 1, 2026. New certificates for commercial pet shipments (your pet travels without you, outside that 5-day window) take effect October 17, 2026. The core requirements (microchip, rabies vaccine, waiting period, government endorsement) aren't changing. Only the certificate format is, and which version you need depends on your travel date.
If you work with WorldCare Pet Transport, your Pet Relocation Counselor and our team in your origin country can guide you through paperwork timing, the correct certificate version for your travel date, and any required government endorsement steps.
International Fit to Fly Certificate
FAQ: Moving Your Pet To France
Moving Your Pet From France? We Can Help!
At WorldCare Pet Transport, we specialize in safe and stress-free pet relocation to and from France. Here’s how our comprehensive service can help you move your pet with ease:
Full Door-to-Door Pet Transport Service — Available both internationally and domestically, ensuring your pet travels comfortably from your home to their new destination.
Expert Pet Travel Consultation — Work with a dedicated Pet Relocation Counselor to create a customized plan tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
Veterinary Coordination Assistance — We help coordinate vaccinations, health exams, microchip verification, and all necessary import/export documents required for pet travel to and from France.
Airline-Approved Travel Carriers — Providing carriers that are perfectly sized and comfortable for your pet’s journey.
Quarantine and Boarding Arrangements — Managing all quarantine requirements and safe boarding options as needed.
Professional Drivers — Our WorldCare Pet drivers will pick up your pet from your chosen location and deliver them safely in climate-controlled vehicles.
Real-Time Pet Travel Updates — Stay informed with 24/7 updates via a dedicated WhatsApp group.
Customs Clearance and Entry Compliance — We handle customs procedures and ensure your pet meets Portugal’s entry requirements.
Pet Protection Plan — Your pet’s safety is our priority, with coverage for added peace of mind.
PawPrint City Guides For Popular Cities in France
Planning pet transport to France? Explore our PawPrint Guide for safe, pet-friendly services, including veterinarians, boarding kennels, dog parks, pet groomers, and pet shops!
Contact Us
Ready to start your pet’s journey? We’re here to help! Discover our France pet shipping services and see why pet parents choose us. From start to finish, we provide complete door-to-door care for your furry friend.