If you’re moving to France and your beloved family pets are going with you, you’ll need to take steps to make sure your animals are allowed in, and it’s essential to have the correct paperwork completed for the authorities. Moving to France with a dog if you’re from a country outside the EU requires can seem complex, but plan ahead and it’s still totally achievable. We ask the experts at French Connections HCB what you need to know when moving to France or travelling to France with a pet.
Can I bring my pet with me when I move to France?
Yes, it’s relatively easy to bring cats, dogs and even ferrets with you, as long as you follow the rules!
What’s the first step?
First, your pet must have either a microchip or a legible tattoo. This is really important because if you can’t prove the identity of your pet, it will not be allowed to enter France. French authorities use two microchip readers, namely ISO 11784 and ISO 11785. Before you set off, check whether your pet’s microchip can be read by those particular models. If not, you are allowed to travel with one of your own.
Is a rabies vaccination necessary?
Yes. The rabies vaccination is obligatory for every dog or cat entering France. If this is your pet’s first rabies vaccination, you will have to wait at least 21 days for it to take effect before they are allowed to travel.
Is the old UK Pet Passport still valid?
Non-EU pet passports issued before 1 January 2021 are no longer accepted in France. In fact, UK vets can no longer issue them at all, so unless your pet already holds a valid European Pet Passport certifying rabies vaccination, you’ll need to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) no more than 10 days before travelling to France.
The AHC and its commercial equivalent the Export Health Certificate (EHC) replaced the Pet Passport scheme after Brexit. They can only be issued by a specially trained vet who has additional Official Control Qualifications and is authorised by the Animal and Plant health Agency (APHA). All non-EU countries have their equivalent of the Animal Health Certificate, so talk to your usual vet to find out who can provide it.
The AHC certificate remains valid for four months, during which time you can apply to your local French vet for a European Pet Passport. As long as you keep up to date with vaccinations and boosters, the EU Pet Passport does not expire.
Are all dog breeds allowed into France?
France has stringent rules for dangerous dogs. Breeds classified as ‘attack dogs without pedigree papers’ are banned from import, including the Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Japanese Tosa Inu and Boerbull Mastiff.
Purebred or pedigreed guard dogs must have their pedigree verified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry before they can enter the country.
Can my dog travel with me?
If you’re coming from the UK by car, it’s fairly simple because your pet can travel with you across the channel. But for those travelling from America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for instance, travelling with a pet is more complicated and inevitably more expensive.
In principle, pets are not usually allowed in the cabin on an international flight unless they are service animals, which have a different status. Small service dogs are usually allowed under the seat in front of you if they fit, but you’ll need to buy an extra seat for larger ones. Non-service pets must be checked onto your flight and will travel in a specially adapted area in the hold. You simply pick them up at the other end – don’t be alarmed if they arrive on the same carousel as your suitcase!
One way to alleviate the stress for both you and your pet is to hand over the transport of your pet to a professional company. Prices vary but you would be looking at around 8000 euros to bring a dog from New York to Paris, with everything included.
Good to know
The cost of veterinary care in France compares favourably to both the US and the UK. Having said that, it’s still a good idea to take out pet health insurance when you move, because vet bills can quickly mount up if your pet becomes ill or has an accident. Some insurance companies offer pet health insurance that works on the same principle as health insurance for humans.
If you would like help with relocating to France, with or without your pets, French Connections HCB’s experienced team of administrative, legal, financial professionals can help. Find out more at: FrenchConnectionsHCB
