Pet Shipping to France from the USA — 2026 Requirements

Moving a dog or cat from the USA to France is one of the more flexible international pet relocations — no mandatory quarantine, no titer test, and unlike the UK, no cargo-only restriction. France follows standard European Union pet travel rules, and as one of the most pet-friendly countries in the world, dogs and cats are welcomed into cafes, parks, shops, and even onto national trains.

The process is straightforward as long as the timing is right: microchip before rabies vaccine, a 21-day wait after a first-time rabies vaccination, and an EU Animal Health Certificate endorsed by USDA within 10 days of your arrival. Review our international pet shipping services and pet documentation services for full support.

Step-by-Step Process & Timeline

France requires 6–8 weeks of preparation for most pets. The steps must be completed in order, and the health certificate timing is the most important constraint to track.

1. 1
   Start Here — 6–8 Weeks Before Travel

   ISO Microchip Implantation

   Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination — the vet must scan the chip immediately before administering the vaccine. The chip number must match exactly across all travel documents.

2. 2
   After Microchip Confirmed

   Rabies Vaccination

   Rabies vaccination must be given after the microchip is implanted, and your pet must be at least 12 weeks old. For a first-time rabies vaccine, a mandatory 21-day wait is required before travel. Booster vaccines with no lapse in coverage do not require the 21-day wait. Since the USA is on the EU's "listed" country roster, no rabies titer test is required.

3. 3
   After 21-Day Rabies Wait

   Book Your Flight

   France does not restrict pets to cargo-only travel — small pets can often fly in the cabin, and larger pets as checked baggage or cargo, depending on your airline's own pet policy and your pet's size. Confirm your airline's specific requirements when booking, since these vary by carrier rather than by French regulation.

4. 4
   Critical Timing — Within 10 Days of USDA Endorsement

   EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) + USDA Endorsement

   A USDA-accredited veterinarian completes the EU Annex IV non-commercial health certificate. Under the EU's 2026 rules, your pet must arrive in France within 10 days of the USDA endorsement date — not the date your vet signs it. Submit the certificate to USDA APHIS the same day your vet signs it to protect your window. The AHC remains valid for onward EU travel for up to 4 months. Note the new certificate format takes effect October 1, 2026 — confirm which version your vet is using if you're traveling near that date.

5. 5
   Only If Continuing to UK, Ireland, or Malta

   Tapeworm Treatment (Not Required for France Itself)

   France does not require tapeworm treatment for entry. If you're arriving in France and then continuing on to the UK, Ireland, or Malta, your dog will need a praziquantel treatment administered 24–120 hours before entering that onward country, recorded by a vet.

6. 6
   Day of Departure

   Travel Day

   Your IATA-approved crate should be properly labeled with live animal markings and your contact details. Bring the original AHC, rabies certificate, and vaccination records with you — do not pack them in checked luggage. Sedation is discouraged due to respiratory and circulatory risks during flight.

7. 7
   Arrival in France

   Border Document Check

   Non-commercial pets are generally cleared quickly once documents are verified — there's no equivalent to the UK's Animal Reception Centre process or extended clearance window. Keep in mind: if you are not traveling with your pet on the same flight, or a written-designated person isn't accompanying it, the move is classified as commercial and requires different, stricter documentation.

Requirements Checklist

All Pets (Dogs and Cats)

• ISO 11784/11785 Microchip (15-digit)Implanted before the rabies vaccine, scanned and confirmed by your vet at every appointment.
• Rabies Vaccination (pet must be 12+ weeks old)Given after microchip. 21-day wait required for first-time vaccination. Boosters with no lapse in coverage do not require the wait.
• EU Annex IV Health Certificate + USDA EndorsementSigned by a USDA-accredited vet. Pet must arrive within 10 days of the USDA endorsement date (not the vet's signing date). New certificate format required starting October 1, 2026.
• Cabin, Checked Baggage, or Cargo — Your ChoiceNo French requirement forcing cargo-only travel. Airline policy and pet size determine which option is available to you.
• IATA-Compliant Travel Crate (if flying cargo or checked)Correctly sized, well-ventilated, with a secure locking door.
• Maximum 5 Pets Per Person (Non-Commercial)Extra pets beyond 5 require proof of participation in a competition or exhibition, or the move is treated as commercial.
• Owner or Written-Designated Person Must Travel With PetIf neither the owner nor a written-designated person travels on the same flight, the move is classified as commercial and requires different documentation.
• Category 1 Dogs Are Banned From ImportUnregistered pit bull-type, Boerbull/Mastiff-type, and Tosa-type dogs cannot be imported into France under any circumstances. Category 2 dogs (certain pedigreed guard breeds) can enter but require a French ownership permit and liability insurance.

Common Entry Airports in France

Unlike the UK, France doesn't restrict pets to a fixed list of designated airports — non-commercial pets can generally clear at any standard port of entry. That said, these are the airports most USA-to-France relocations use:

Estimated Cost to Ship a Pet to France from the USA

France is typically less expensive than the UK, largely because there's no cargo-only requirement and no dedicated Animal Reception Centre fee. Costs vary based on pet size, travel method, and whether you use in-cabin, checked baggage, or cargo.

Top Pet-Friendly Cities in France

Official Resources & Further Reading