Moving to France with Pets — US to France Pet Relocation Guide

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Start This Process at Least 4 Months Before Moving

The EU rabies titer test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination AND you must wait an additional 90 days after the test before entering the EU. This 4-month minimum is non-negotiable.

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The Complete EU Pet Entry Requirements — Step by Step

Step 1 — Microchip (ISO 15-digit): Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. Many US vets implant AVID 9-digit chips — these are NOT recognized by EU scanners. Get a new ISO chip or confirm yours is compatible
Step 2 — Rabies Vaccination: Must be administered AFTER the microchip is implanted. If your pet was vaccinated before chipping, the vaccination is invalid for EU entry
Step 3 — Rabies Titer Test: Blood test proving sufficient antibody response (≥0.5 IU/ml). Must be done at an EU-approved laboratory. In the US: Kansas State University or Auburn University labs. Wait 30 days post-vaccination before the titer test
Step 4 — Wait 90 Days: After a successful titer test, you must wait 90 days before entering the EU. This is why you need 4 months minimum
Step 5 — USDA Health Certificate (APHIS 7001): A USDA-accredited vet completes the EU health certificate in the official EU format. Must be done within 10 days of departure
Step 6 — USDA Endorsement: Take the health certificate to your state's USDA APHIS office for federal endorsement. This must happen within 10 days of departure and the endorsement itself must be dated within the 10-day window
Step 7 — Travel: Pet travels with all documents: health certificate, vaccination records, titer test results, microchip documentation

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Airline Rules & Options

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In-Cabin (Small Pets)

Dogs and cats under ~8 kg (18 lbs) in carrier can often travel in-cabin. Air France: €35 in-cabin fee. Carrier must fit under seat (usually ~46x28x24cm). Book early — limited slots per flight.

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Cargo / Hold

Larger pets travel as "excess baggage" or cargo. Air France allows pets in the hold with passenger. Temperature limits apply — some dogs (brachycephalic breeds: bulldogs, pugs) are prohibited in cargo.

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Pet Freight Companies

For very large pets or complex logistics, use a licensed pet freight company (IPATA member). More expensive ($3,000-8,000+) but they handle all logistics. Recommended for giant breeds.

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Airline-Specific Rules

Delta, United, American have varying rules (some no longer allow in-cargo pets). Air France and Lufthansa are generally most pet-friendly for transatlantic travel. Always confirm directly with the airline.

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Pet Life in France — What to Expect

Dogs are welcome everywhere: French culture is remarkably dog-friendly. Dogs enter many restaurants, cafes, shops, and hotels. You'll see more dogs in Parisian patisseries than in most US dog-friendly coffee shops
Dog leash laws: Dogs must be on leash in public spaces. Fines for unleashed dogs in Paris can be €150+
Dangerous dog breeds: France has a "chiens dangereux" category. Category 1 (pit bulls, Tosa) are banned. Category 2 (Rottweilers, American Staffordshire) require muzzle and leash in public. Check your breed
Veterinary care in France: Generally high quality and comparable in cost to the US. Private vet practices are common; emergency vets available 24h in major cities
Pet health insurance: Available in France — consider Santévet or Agria. French state doesn't cover vet bills
EU Pet Passport: Once in France, your vet can issue a blue EU pet passport — essential for travel within Europe. Much easier than the US entry process
Cat vs. dog apartments: Many French landlords allow pets; some restrict them in the lease. Check before signing. "Animaux interdits" = pets prohibited