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What to Know Before Moving to France with Dogs and Cats

France Pet Import Requirements and Timelines

Microchip and vaccinations

It’s important to note that all pets must be microchipped and vaccinated before your pet transport to France.

Please read below to ensure import compliance with the specific details and requirements.

Each pet shall be identified using a microchip.

No other form of identification is acceptable.
The microchip should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. France currently accepts AVID-9 and AVID-10 in addition to ISO. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered.
All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate signed by the vet. During the final health exam, the Rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old.

Further details regarding the rabies vaccine:

Pets may be transported to France with a current one-year vaccine (also known as a “primary” vaccine).
Pets may be transported to France with a 3-year vaccine administered less than a year ago (otherwise, it may be considered a booster).

What to Know Before Moving to France with Dogs and Cats

Other recommended vaccines include:

Moving to France with dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP), and Bordetella.
Moving to France with a cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).

Import documentation

EU Health Certificate

Let your dedicated relocation coordinator take the hassle out of your pet transport to France! They will provide you with an EU Health Certificate that your accredited veterinarian must fill out and sign in a different color ink than the certificate’s printing. (Usually blue ink.)

This certificate is valid for ten days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian until the date of the checks at the EU point of entry. If you plan to travel further within the EU, don’t hesitate to contact us for additional guidance.

USDA Endorsements

To ensure compliance with the USDA regulations, the following forms below must be sent to your local USDA for approval.

Microchip Implantation Record
Rabies Certificate
EU Vet Health Certificate
Airline Health Certificate

Important note: These forms should be readily available from your vet, but it’s recommended to call ahead and confirm availability.

Remember that your vet must complete the EU Health Certificate within ten days of departure.
However, please note that this timeframe changes within the context of a commercial move, where additional requirements may apply.
Read below for more information on the five-day rule and commercial move requirements.
What to Know Before Moving to France with Dogs and Cats

EU 5-Day Rule

If you are moving to France with a cat or dog, and they are being transported “non-commercially,” they must fly within five days of their owner.

If you cannot meet this five-day rule, it can still be arranged as a commercial move. However, this will increase costs and changes the EU import requirements and timeline. In such cases, you will need to meet stricter import requirements.

Banned Dog Breeds in France

Not all dog breeds can enter France. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds (or a mix of one):
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Boerboel
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler
What to Know Before Moving to France with Dogs and Cats

Unlisted Countries and Additional Requirements

If you come from an “unlisted country,” your pet will need a rabies antibody test, also known as a titer. In this case, you must follow the below steps:
- Microchip and rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old before blood draw)
- Rabies antibody test performed by an accredited veterinarian and sent to an EU-approved laboratory.
- Before completing export paperwork, you must wait 90 days after the blood draw (assuming a passing result).