Relocating to France with your pet
Bringing a pet to France is quite manageable. The French Ministry of Agriculture has established clear guidelines outlining the procedures and permissible types of animals for importation. It's important to note that certain breeds allowed in some countries may be restricted in France. Therefore, it's crucial to verify in advance whether bringing your pet to France aligns with the regulations before finalizing your plans to relocate there.
Traveling with a pet can be stressful for them, but there are ways to ease the process. Ensure you have all required documents, like health certificates and updated vaccinations. If flying, familiarize yourself with the airline's pet policies beforehand.
Preparing your pet for travel to France
Before your trip, acclimate your pet to its crate or carrier at home. Take it on short car rides to help it adjust to movement and noise. Bring familiar items like toys, blankets, or rugs to provide comfort during travel. Maintain its regular eating, walking, and playing routines as much as possible.
If your pet is stressed, consider using calming products like pheromone diffusers or anxiety vests. During car travel, plan regular stops for your pet to stretch, drink water, and relieve itself. Pets can sense their owners' stress, so stay calm and reassuring to help them feel secure.
Bringing pets from non-European countries to France
Moving to France with a pet requires careful planning and organization, so it's advisable to start familiarizing yourself with the formalities several months in advance. Generally, France welcomes pets that comply with the current rules and conditions.
As rules change over time, it's best to consult the French Ministry of Agriculture website or contact one of the many French associations dedicated to animal welfare.
Regarding the specific guidelines for pets from non-European countries, they must:
- be more than 3 months old;
- wear an electronic identification chip or a visible tattoo (applied before July 3, 2011);
- own a European pet passport – this passport will be provided by an officially accredited veterinarian and must contain all information relating to the animal's vaccinations;
- have been vaccinated against rabies 4 months before the date of arrival in France;
- undergo a blood test to verify the efficacy of the rabies vaccine at least 3 months before the planned date of departure in a laboratory accredited by the European Union (however, this test is not necessary if the animal comes from a rabies-free country);
- own a health certificate conforming to the European model and issued by an approved veterinarian in your country of origin, accompanied by a vaccination certificate;
- have their health certificate and the other documents required on arrival at customs.
For birds, you must provide a health certificate that confirms quarantine, screening, or vaccination against the avian influenza virus (subtypes H5 and H7).
Breeds prohibited in France
The following dog breeds, classified in category 1 (attack dogs), are not allowed in France, even if they belong to expatriates who intend to live in the country:
- Staffordshire terrier or American Staffordshire terrier (Pitbulls);
- Mastiff (Boerbulls);
- Tosa.
The following category 2 dogs, known as guard and defense dogs, are subject to strict import regulations:
- Staffordshire terrier or American Staffordshire terrier;
- Tosa;
- Rottweiler;
- Rottweiler-like dogs with morphological characteristics.
Expatriates wishing to import these category 2 dogs must:
- be over 18 years of age;
- not be under guardianship;
- not have been convicted of a criminal offense listed in Avis n° 2 du casier judiciaire (or equivalent for foreigners) or of a decision withdrawing the right of ownership or custody of a dog.
Important:
For attack dogs, owners must also ensure the animal is spayed or neutered and possess an animal health certificate. It's crucial to adhere strictly to these regulations to avoid the possibility of your pet being repatriated, quarantined, or euthanized.
Having a dog in France
If you're bringing your dog to France, you might be curious about where they're welcome. Dogs are usually not allowed in food stores, places of worship, museums, and healthcare facilities. Whether dogs are permitted in other establishments like shops depends on the owner's discretion. In public areas, dogs typically need to be leashed. Some restaurants do allow dogs. Larger dogs are generally not allowed on public transport, but small dogs can accompany you on the TGV and Paris metro if they are muzzled.
In parks and public outdoor areas in France, dogs are generally required to be on a leash, although there is some flexibility depending on the specific space and its usage rules. For instance, dogs can often roam freely in forested areas. While dedicated dog parks are not widely established in France, there has been a rise in specialized establishments catering to dogs, such as dog-friendly parks and recreational facilities.
Returning to your home country from France
If you return to your country of origin with your pet after your stay in France, there are several specific procedures to follow:
- your pet must be tested for rabies and its rabies-free status confirmed before leaving the European Union;
- if the rabies vaccine is still valid, there is no need for a new blood test, and the pet's passport can be used as a medical certificate.
Useful links:
French customs – Coming to France with my pet
