Bringing a pet to France

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

France enforces strict, origin-dependent entry requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets. All pets must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, with additional blood titre testing and a waiting period for those arriving from high-risk countries. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets, but non-compliant animals may face isolation or refusal of entry.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to France.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

France bans the import of dogs that are not registered in the French Livre des Origines (LOF) for certain breeds considered dangerous: Staffordshire Terrier (type), American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiff (type), and Tosa. These breeds are subject to stricter ownership conditions, but import is not outright prohibited if the dog is LOF-registered and the owner meets specific requirements (e.g., behavioral assessment, liability insurance). Brachycephalic breeds are not banned by France, but some airlines may restrict them; check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine date and validity)
  • EU pet passport (if from an EU country) or official third-country health certificate (Annex IV model)

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Pets from Andorra, San Marino, Vatican, and other EU-equivalent territories can use an EU pet passport if issued by those countries; otherwise a health certificate suffices.

Douane (French Customs)

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

France bans the import of dogs that are not registered in the French Livre des Origines (LOF) for certain breeds considered dangerous: Staffordshire Terrier (type), American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiff (type), and Tosa. These breeds are subject to stricter ownership conditions, but import is not outright prohibited if the dog is LOF-registered and the owner meets specific requirements (e.g., behavioral assessment, liability insurance). Brachycephalic breeds are not banned by France, but some airlines may restrict them; check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Official third-country health certificate (Annex IV model) issued within 10 days of travel

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Pets from the US, UK, Japan, Australia, and most of Europe fall here. No titer test or import permit needed.

Douane (French Customs)

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Breed restrictions

France bans the import of dogs that are not registered in the French Livre des Origines (LOF) for certain breeds considered dangerous: Staffordshire Terrier (type), American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiff (type), and Tosa. These breeds are subject to stricter ownership conditions, but import is not outright prohibited if the dog is LOF-registered and the owner meets specific requirements (e.g., behavioral assessment, liability insurance). Brachycephalic breeds are not banned by France, but some airlines may restrict them; check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate
  • Import permit from the French Ministry of Agriculture (valid for 30 days)
  • Official third-country health certificate (Annex IV model)

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary by country — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Pets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a negative FAVN test and an import permit. The permit application must be submitted at least 30 days before travel. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Douane (French Customs)

Frequently asked questions

A dog must be at least 15 weeks old to enter France. This is because the rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and a 21-day waiting period is required after the primary vaccination.
Only if you are traveling from a high-risk country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa). For low-risk countries (US, UK, Japan, Australia) and EU-equivalent territories, no titer test is required.
You may bring up to 5 dogs per person as a non-commercial movement. If you bring more than 5, the shipment is considered commercial and must comply with EU commercial pet movement rules, including additional health certifications and possibly a registered trader status.
No. France does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. They must still be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have a health certificate. Service dogs may qualify for reduced documentation if traveling from an EU country with an EU pet passport, but the rabies vaccination and microchip rules still apply.
Only if you are traveling from a high-risk country. For low-risk and EU-equivalent origins, no import permit is needed. The permit must be obtained from the French Ministry of Agriculture before travel and is valid for 30 days.
If the result is below 0.5 IU/ml, the test is considered a failure. You must revaccinate your dog and wait at least 30 days before taking another blood sample. The 3-month waiting period after a successful test still applies before travel.
No. EU pet passports are only issued to pets residing in EU member states. If you are from a non-EU country (e.g., US, UK, Japan), you must use an official third-country health certificate (Annex IV model) issued by a government-authorized veterinarian.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to France.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (model Annex IV) or equivalent
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

From EU-equivalent territories (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican, etc.), the cat must still meet EU pet travel rules: microchip, rabies vaccine, and an EU health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. No titer test or quarantine.

Douane (French Customs)

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (model Annex IV) or equivalent
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

From low-risk countries (e.g. US, UK, Japan, Australia), the cat needs a microchip, rabies vaccine (given after microchip, wait 21 days), and an EU health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. No titer test or quarantine. The health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority (USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).

Douane (French Customs)

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (model Annex IV) or equivalent
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate from EU-approved lab
  • Import permit from French DGAL

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary by country — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

From high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa/South Asia/Middle East), the cat must have a microchip, rabies vaccine, a FAVN titer test with a 3-month waiting period after the blood draw, an import permit, and an EU health certificate. No quarantine upon arrival if all paperwork is in order.

Douane (French Customs)

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but the EU pet travel rules limit non-commercial movement to 5 pets per person. If you bring more than 5 cats, you must comply with commercial import rules (TRACES registration, additional health certificates, and possible customs duties).
No. France does not recognise emotional support animals under pet travel regulations. Your cat must meet all standard requirements: microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate, and if from a high-risk country, titer test and import permit. Service dogs for the blind or deaf may have limited exemptions, but not cats.
The cat must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccination. The 21-day waiting period after vaccination means the earliest entry is at 15 weeks old. For high-risk countries, the titer test adds a 3-month wait, so the cat must be at least 7 months old.
No. The US is classified as a low-risk country. You only need an EU health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS within 10 days of travel. No import permit or titer test is required.
Keep the vaccination up to date. If it expires, your cat may be considered unvaccinated and could face quarantine or re-vaccination requirements if you travel again. French vets can administer booster vaccines; ensure the microchip is scanned before each booster.
No. The titer test (FAVN) is mandatory for cats from high-risk countries, regardless of vaccination history. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the vaccine and the cat must wait 3 months from the blood draw date before entering France.
No. France does not impose weight or breed restrictions on cats. However, some airlines may have their own rules for brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Persians, Himalayans) — check with your carrier before booking.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to France.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of vaccination)
  • Health certificate (EU model for non-commercial movement, issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip proof (date of implantation, must be before rabies vaccination)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit needed for free-origin ferrets.

Ferrets from Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, Monaco, or other EU-equivalent rabies-free territories follow the same rules as EU-origin pets. No quarantine.

Douane (French Customs)

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of vaccination)
  • Health certificate (EU model for non-commercial movement, issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by competent authority such as USDA for US or APHA for UK)
  • Microchip proof (date of implantation, must be before rabies vaccination)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit needed for low-risk-origin ferrets.

Ferrets from the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, etc. are treated as low-risk. No quarantine.

Douane (French Customs)

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of vaccination)
  • Health certificate (EU model for non-commercial movement, issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip proof (date of implantation, must be before rabies vaccination)
  • FAVN titer test certificate (result ≥0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel)
  • Import permit from French customs (DGDDI)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100. No quarantine.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India, China) require a FAVN titer test and an import permit. The 3-month waiting period after titer test must be observed. No quarantine upon arrival.

Douane (French Customs)

Frequently asked questions

Yes, all ferrets entering France must have a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be given after the microchip is implanted. Minimum age for vaccination is 12 weeks.
France allows up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets combined) per person under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, commercial import regulations apply, which require additional paperwork and may involve customs duties.
No. France does not recognise emotional support animals under pet travel rules. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test requirements.
No. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a FAVN titer test performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. The result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. An import permit is also required.
The EU health certificate for non-commercial movement is valid for 10 days from issuance. If it expires before you enter France, your ferret may be denied entry or placed in quarantine. Always schedule the certificate within 10 days of arrival.
No. France does not require quarantine for ferrets from any origin tier, provided all other requirements (microchip, rabies vaccine, titer test if needed, health certificate, import permit if needed) are met.
No. France requires an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip (15 digits). If your ferret has a different chip, you must bring your own scanner or have a compatible chip implanted. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine.

Good to know

Ensure your pet's microchip is ISO 11784/11785 compliant and that all vaccinations are administered after the chip is implanted. Always carry an EU-style pet passport or a third-country veterinary certificate endorsed by your local authority.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to France, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with France's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.