Introduction
Taking your dog to France is becoming more complicated due to changing rules around vaccination requirements, transport regulations, and in-country laws. France is strengthening its regulations to protect public health and safety, while still welcoming visitors and their pets. These updated protocols are in response to health risks like rabies and tapeworm, as well as ensuring proper tracking and oversight of animals entering the country.
While the new requirements add steps for owners, they allow dogs to continue experiencing France alongside their humans. This guide will walk through exactly what’s required to vacation, move, or visit France with your furry companion. We’ll cover all the key changes around vaccination records, microchipping, treatments, paperwork, and transporting your pet across the border. Planning ahead and understanding the new rules will make the process smoother for you and your pup.
Vaccination Requirements
Before bringing a dog to France, pet owners must ensure their dog is up-to-date on several key vaccinations and have documentation to prove it. French regulations require all dogs entering the country have current rabies vaccinations. The rabies vaccination must be an inactivated version of the vaccine and administered at least 21 days prior to arrival in France. If it is a booster vaccine, it must be given within the recommended window stated by the vaccine manufacturer. Most rabies vaccines last for 1-3 years so it is imperative to have documentation from a licensed veterinarian showing the rabies vaccination is current and will remain in effect for the duration of the dog’s stay in France.
In addition to rabies, France requires dogs have a current vaccination for canine distemper, canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo and parainfluenza (DHLPP). The vaccines must be administered at least 21 days before arrival as well. As with the rabies vaccine, pet owners will need to show an official vaccination certificate from the administering vet listing the date and details of the DHLPP vaccination.
If dogs are not up to date on all required vaccinations and documentation cannot be provided, they will not be allowed into France. It is essential for pet owners to plan the timing of vaccinations well in advance and get proper certificates to avoid issues bringing dogs to France.
Microchipping
France requires all dogs entering the country to be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 pet microchip that is compatible with French readers. The microchip number does not need to be registered in a French database, but it must be registered in an EU-approved database such as EUROPETNET, which is an international lost and found pet network. As long as your dog’s microchip is registered and can be scanned at the border, you will meet France’s requirements.
Some tips for microchipping your dog for travel to France:
- Check that your dog’s existing microchip is ISO 11784/11785 compatible. If not, you may need to implant a new chip that meets the ISO standard.
- Register your dog’s microchip with current contact information in an EU-approved database. Update the registration if your contact details change.
- Bring documentation that shows your dog’s microchip number and the database where it is registered.
- Test that the microchip can be read properly by scanning it at your veterinarian’s office before travel.
As long as your dog has an ISO-compliant and registered microchip, you will meet France’s entry requirements and your dog will be permitted to enter the country without quarantine.
Tapeworm Treatment
One of the key requirements for bringing a dog to France is getting treatment for tapeworm. Tapeworm is a parasitic worm that lives in a dog’s intestines and can be spread to humans. France has strict regulations requiring dogs to be treated for tapeworm 1-5 days before arriving in the country.
Specifically, dogs must receive a tablet treatment called praziquantel. This medication kills tapeworms and other internal parasites. The praziquantel tablet must be administered by a licensed veterinarian, who will record the treatment date in the pet’s passport. Proof of tapeworm treatment must be shown upon entering France.
Tapeworm treatment is essential because France has had issues with tapeworm spread through dogs in the past. Requiring the praziquantel tablet helps control the parasite and protects public health. Pet owners should schedule a vet appointment 1-5 days before departing for France to ensure their dog receives the proper tapeworm medication and documentation.
Some exemptions exist for assistance dogs, but most pets will require the praziquantel treatment. Failure to provide proof of tapeworm treatment can result in entry refusal, so this requirement should not be ignored when taking a dog to France.
EU Pet Passports
An EU pet passport is required for bringing a dog to France from the UK or other non-EU countries. The pet passport serves as proof of a dog’s microchip, rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment. It allows dogs to travel between EU countries without quarantine, provided all the requirements are met.
To get an EU pet passport, the dog must be microchipped first. Next, the dog must receive a rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior to travel. The vet administers the vaccine and enters the details into the EU pet passport. Owners also need a certified tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before arrival in France, which the vet records in the passport.
The EU pet passport should have the dog’s microchip number, vaccination dates, and vet contact information. Some countries may require an additional health certificate. As long as the passport is up to date, the dog can enter France and other EU countries seamlessly without quarantine or extra steps.
Pet passports are valid for entry into France and the EU for 4 months after the rabies vaccine date. So it’s essential to keep the passport current and ensure the rabies vaccine doesn’t expire before or during travel. With the proper EU pet passport, owners can avoid quarantines and complications when bringing their dogs to France.
Transporting Dogs
When transporting dogs to France, there are some important rules to follow regardless of whether you travel by plane, train, boat or car:
Air Travel: Most major airlines allow dogs to fly in the cabin or as cargo, but there are size and number restrictions. Expect to pay an extra fee. The dog must be able to stand up and turn around in their crate, and some airlines require the use of approved dog crates. It’s important to book well in advance.
Trains: Dogs are allowed on most French trains, but some restrictions apply depending on the type of train. Small dogs in carriers can travel for free, but larger dogs require a ticket. Leashed dogs are usually allowed in second class, but not first class. Advance reservations are recommended.
Ferries/Boats: Foot and vehicle passengers can bring dogs on ferries and boats to France, provided they meet immigration requirements. Fees and restrictions vary. Many ferries have kennels available. Dogs must remain on a leash or in a crate.
Cars: Dogs can cross the border in cars, vans, RVs via the Channel Tunnel or on cross-channel ferries. No more than 5 dogs are allowed per vehicle. Dogs should be suitably restrained with a seat belt harness or crate. Remember to take regular rest stops.
When traveling, always bring your dog’s ID and health documents, required medications, bowls, bedding, toys to reduce stress, and cleanup materials. Never leave your dog unattended, and ensure they are identified and contact info is available.
Quarantine Rules
Quarantine is not required for dogs entering France from EU member states, or from Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and Vatican City. However, quarantine is mandatory for dogs coming from all other countries outside of the EU.
The length of quarantine depends on the country the dog is traveling from. For example, dogs from the UK, Ireland, and Malta require a 48 hour quarantine, while dogs from countries like the United States and Canada require a longer 4-6 month quarantine. Quarantine must take place at an approved center in France.
There are a few exceptions to the quarantine rules. Service dogs accompanying disabled residents are exempt if they meet certain criteria. Dogs under 3 months old coming from quarantine countries may enter without quarantine if they have the proper paperwork. Show dogs can also bypass quarantine if entering for less than 30 days and have the correct documents.
It’s important for dog owners to understand France’s quarantine requirements before bringing their pet into the country. Quarantine can be expensive, lengthy, and disruptive. Proper planning and preparation allows dog owners to ensure a smooth entry process and avoid unnecessary quarantine.
Import Permits
France is part of the European Union, which means there are no special import permits required for bringing a dog from another EU country into France. As long as you have a valid EU Pet Passport, your dog can travel freely between EU member states.
If you are bringing your dog to France from a non-EU country like the UK, Switzerland, or the United States, you will need to get an Import Permit from the French Ministry of Agriculture (Ministère de l’Agriculture) before your departure. This permit confirms that your dog meets all of France’s import requirements.
To obtain the import permit, you must submit an application showing your dog’s microchip number, rabies vaccination details, passport information, flight details, and where in France the dog will reside. There is a fee for the permit that must be paid. The process takes 1-2 months so apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.
Without this permit, your dog may not be allowed into France or could be subject to lengthy quarantines. Be sure to secure the import permit before your trip to avoid any issues bringing your furry friend into France.
In-Country Regulations
Once in France, there are some regulations dog owners should be aware of to ensure their pet’s visit goes smoothly. Most areas require dogs to be kept on a leash no longer than 1.5 meters when in public places. Exceptions are made for hunting dogs when actively hunting. France also has strict laws prohibiting dangerous or aggressive breeds. Owners found with dogs on the dangerous breed list may face fines, confiscation, or euthanization of the dog. It’s important to research if your specific breed falls under these restrictions before traveling to France with your dog.
Additionally, French cities often have designated “hygiene zones” where dog defecation is strictly forbidden. Be sure to clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly. Dog owners who don’t clean up after their pets can face fines up to 450 euros. When visiting sites like museums, shops, restaurants, churches, and public transportation, most do not allow dogs. Research pet-friendly areas ahead of time to ensure your dog is made comfortable during their stay. Following local regulations helps dogs and owners have the best possible experience when visiting France.
Conclusion
Bringing your dog to France involves following some important new regulations. All dogs must have up-to-date rabies vaccinations and be microchipped before entering the country. They must also receive tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before arrival. Having a valid EU Pet Passport is essential and makes the process smoother.
When transporting your dog to France, be sure to use an approved airline and follow all airline pet regulations. There are strict rules about the type of crate required and your dog’s access to food and water. Upon arrival in France, your dog may face quarantine if you have not properly complied with the vaccine, microchip and tapeworm requirements.
It’s critical to obtain the proper import permits ahead of time if your dog is coming from a country outside the EU. Once in France, be aware of regulations like leash requirements in public and restrictions on certain breeds. By following all the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your dog is able to enter France without issue and is set up for a fun and safe visit.