France follows EU pet travel regulations and requires an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination with a 21-day waiting period, and an endorsed health certificate. Pets from non-EU countries need the 2025 EU commercial certificate. Pit Bull-type dogs without pedigree are completely banned. Pets must enter through designated Travellers' Points of Entry with on-site veterinary staff.
Companies Listed
5
Quarantine
Not Required
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
8 documented
Key Import Requirements
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required (implanted before rabies vaccination)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by government-approved vet
Puppies and kittens under 15 weeks old cannot enter
Banned: Pit Bull Terriers and Mastiff-type dogs without pedigree
Category 2 dogs (Rottweiler, Amstaff with pedigree) must be muzzled and leashed in public
Entry through designated Travellers' Points of Entry (CDG, Orly, Lyon, Nice, Marseille)
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to France vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
You can bring up to five pet birds into France from a non-EU country under EU non-commercial rules. The bird must meet one avian influenza option (30-day pre-export isolation, H5 vaccination plus booster, a negative H5N1 test after 10 days of isolation, or 30 days of post-import quarantine), be individually identified, and travel on an official EU-format health certificate with an owner declaration.
Maximum of five pet birds, with a declaration that the movement is non-commercial
Meet one EU avian influenza condition: 30-day pre-export isolation; OR H5 vaccination plus at least one revaccination within 6 months and not later than 60 days before dispatch; OR a negative H5N1 antigen/genome test on a sample taken not earlier than day 3 of at least 10 days' pre-export isolation; OR 30 days' post-import quarantine on approved premises
Individual identification (clip, leg band, microchip or tag), or a description if the bird is moved to an approved quarantine establishment
Clinical examination and an official EU-format pet bird health certificate signed by a government vet, with the owner declaration
Birds must come from a WOAH (OIE) member country; check CITES status for parrots and other listed species
France does not impose facility quarantine on pet birds that meet one of the EU options on arrival. The avian-influenza options match EU Commission Decision 2007/25/EC; the previously stated mandatory '30 days away from bird gatherings after arrival' was softened, as it is a separate biosecurity measure rather than a Decision 2007/25 entry condition. CITES-listed species need additional permits.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into France from a non-EU country under EU third-country rules using an endorsed equine (EQUI-X type) health certificate. A negative equine infectious anaemia (EIA/Coggins) test is required, stallions generally need equine viral arteritis testing, and the horse must meet EU residency conditions. Entry is via an EU border control post with TRACES pre-notification.
EU equine (EQUI-X) model health certificate endorsed by the competent authority of the exporting country for domestic equidae not intended for slaughter
Negative equine infectious anaemia (EIA/Coggins) test within the window specified on the certificate
Stallions and entire males: equine viral arteritis (EVA) testing as required by the certificate before export
Meet the EU pre-export residency and disease-freedom conditions set out in the certificate (residency in the exporting country and a period free of contact with listed diseases)
Pre-notification via a Common Health Entry Document (CHED) on TRACES and entry through an approved EU border control post; identification document/passport required
Additional tests (e.g. glanders, dourine, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis) may apply depending on the origin region's disease status. Exact EIA/EVA test windows and residency days are set on the EU model certificate and should be confirmed for the route. Healthy, fully-documented horses are not routinely quarantined on arrival in the EU.
Reptiles
Import permitted
Pet reptiles can be brought into France, but most popular species (tortoises, many lizards and snakes) are CITES-listed under the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations and require permits. You typically need a CITES export permit from the origin country plus an EU import permit from the French CITES management authority, and CITES specimens must enter via a designated point of entry.
Verify the species' CITES/EU Annex listing, especially for turtles, tortoises and parrots
CITES export permit from the country of origin for listed species
EU CITES import permit from the French CITES management authority for Annex A and many Annex B species
Provide proof of legal acquisition and provenance; live pets do not qualify as exempt 'personal effects'
Enter via a designated CITES point of entry and present documentation to customs
Non-CITES reptiles face fewer hurdles but still require correct documentation. There is no rabies/quarantine regime for reptiles, but undocumented CITES specimens are seized. The 'maximum of five reptiles' figure was removed as it is a pet-bird non-commercial limit, not a CITES reptile rule. Some species are further restricted under French dangerous-animal rules.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to France?
A full-service move to France typically costs $2,170–$5,110 for a medium dog, covering the airline cargo fee, IATA crate, vet and USDA documents, import permit, customs clearance. Typical process time: 5–7 days.
