France, as a member of the European Union, follows the EU’s standardized pet import regulations. U.S. pets can enter France without quarantine as long as all requirements are fulfilled.

Microchip

Your pet must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip before receiving the rabies vaccine. If your pet already has a microchip, confirm that it is ISO-compliant or travel with a scanner.

Rabies Vaccination

• Must be given after microchip implantation
• Must be at least 21 days old at the time of travel
• Must be valid (not expired) and documented with date, vaccine type, and manufacturer

Note: Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccine and are eligible to travel 21 days after vaccination.

Although other immunizations are not officially required for import, it is recommended that cats and dogs are vaccinated for the following. Do note that if your pet will be boarding, these vaccinations will be required.

• Dogs: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Leptospirosis, CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
• Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia), Feline Leukemia

Blood Tests

If you are moving from a non-listed country (where rabies is a known problem or not reliably controlled), your pet will also have to have a rabies titer blood test to prove their rabies vaccine is active within their body. This blood test must be completed in an approved EU laboratory and must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 3 months prior to travel.

This is not needed when coming from the United States.

Import Permit

France does not require an import permit for dogs, cats, or ferrets that are personal family pets.

EU Health Certificate (Annex IV)

U.S. pets traveling to France require an official EU health certificate, which must be:

• Completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of entry
• Endorsed by the USDA APHIS office in your region
• Issued in both English and French
• Accompanied by the rabies vaccination certificate and microchip documentation

The health certificate remains valid for:

• Entry into France: 10 days after issuance
• Travel within the EU: 4 months, or until the rabies vaccine expires

Customs Declaration Upon Arrival

You must declare your pet at customs when arriving in France. Customs officials may:

• Scan the microchip
• Verify documents
• Ensure compliance with vaccination timelines

You may be asked to present your pet's documents at the first port of entry (even if connecting to another EU country).

Do Layovers Speed Up Pet Customs in France?
Overview of pet customs and check-in process 

Pet Restrictions

Like many countries, France does not allow the import of certain breeds of dogs, although there are no restrictions for cats. You can get more information about this here.

Banned Breeds

If your dog is one of the following breeds, you may not bring them to France unless they have an official, registered pedigree:

• American Staffordshire terrier (formerly Staffordshire terrier) or “pit bulls”
• Mastiff or "boerbulls"
• Tosa

If your dog is one of these breeds and does have a registered pedigree, you may import them but you will have to follow certain rules set forth for dangerous dogs. This also applies to Rottweilers and dogs that are “similar to Rottweilers,” with or without a registered pedigree.

Age Restrictions for France

France does not allow the import of puppies, kittens, or baby ferrets that are younger than 12 weeks and have no rabies vaccination, or those between 12-16 weeks whose rabies vaccine was administered less than 21 days prior to arrival.

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Everything you need to know about pet travel to France 

Pet Travel vs. Human Travel to France
Key differences and important details for smooth travel for you and your pet 

Our France pet shipping services include:

• Door-to-door transport
• Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport to France (outlined above)
• USDA endorsement and consular legalization (when needed) of all relevant documents where required
• Airline-approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification and emergency notification instructions
• Customs clearance and delivery to your home
• Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer – available in major France cities as well as their surrounding areas
• Travel consultation and flight reservations

We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you as your pet travels to France.

Whether your pet is returning to the United States after time abroad or relocating from France permanently, there are several important import requirements that must be completed before arrival.

While France is considered a low-risk rabies country, pets entering the United States must still meet specific documentation and travel requirements set by the CDC, USDA, and airlines. Missing paperwork or incorrect preparation can delay your pet’s entry or create complications upon arrival.

Starwood Pet Travel helps simplify the process by coordinating the logistics, documentation, and customs clearance so your pet can arrive safely and smoothly.

What’s the Process?

After submitting your quote request and completing the invoice payment, a dedicated booking specialist will be assigned to manage your pet’s import into the United States.

Your specialist will coordinate all necessary arrangements, including collecting required documentation and confirming travel details. They will also guide you through the specific requirements for pets traveling from France to the United States.

On the day of arrival, your specialist will monitor the clearance process and provide updates to ensure your pet’s entry proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Please note:

• This quote covers U.S. import services and customs clearance only.
• The export process from France must be handled separately, either directly with the airline or through a local pet relocation company.
• If traveling from a high-risk rabies country, you are responsible for obtaining a CDC import permit prior to travel.