The Pets of France

If you are thinking of relocating your pets along with you to France, then you will keep coming across loads of contradictory advice and information. Some people will tell you to take your pets while some will advise against it severely. On the other hand, there might be loads of confusion regarding the terms and conditions of importing animals into France. While planning to take or not take your animals to France with you is entirely your personal call, in case you do decide to take your pets along, then the best method of finding out what to do and what not to do is to contact the nearest French Embassy or Consulate and ask them to give you a detailed list of every official document that will be required to transfer your pets to France. Mind you however, that you should start the process at least a couple of months before you plan to travel, since acquiring some of the papers that you need might be quite time consuming.

The rules and regulations regarding importing your pets into France are much simpler than those involved in taking your pets into countries like Australia and UK. Even inside France, rules and laws are quite pet friendly and so are the people. Almost fifty per cent of all households have a pet in France. Your pets can easily accompany you anywhere, from restaurants to trains to buses, provided you follow the rules laid down for per pet conduct in public places. In fact, it is quite en vogue to be seen walking about town with ribboned and dandified poodles and Yorkshire terriers on a leash. Well appointed and accessorized dogs are conspicuous status symbols in France. Unlike most countries, where dogs are not allowed into parks, France has a number of public parks where dogs are allowed. But like most European countries, your dog fouling up a public place is heavily looked down upon and you will find yourself getting fined pretty fast in case you do not clean up your dog’s mess ASAP.

Cats however, do not have as good a time as the dogs in France. This is mainly because cats are much easier and cheaper to obtain. Many people get their cats from their friend’s kitty’s latest birthing, and since they get the animal for free, most do not find spending money on cats worthwhile. Many cats are found to be ‘lost’ in France because of the lack of proper identification. They are almost as common as dogs in France and with every alternate family owning a pet, cats are quite popular as pets in the country. As a rule in France, all cats and dogs need to be ID’d and vaccinated. But while many cat owners do not follow this rule , almost all dog owners do, since dogs are generally extremely expensive. As a foreigner in France, however, it would be best for both you and your pet if you followed all the rules and regulations related to keeping a pet.

France Import Rules and Requirements

1. Microchip: Each Pet shall be identified by means of a microchip. No other form of identification is acceptable. The microchip used should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785- otherwise the pet will need to be sent with it’s own scanner attached to the top of the crate.
2. All animals need to have Full Vaccinations:
   
   Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis, (DHLPP) and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival.
   Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP), and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival.
3. EU Vet Health Certificate (Form EC#: 998): This is the standard Health Certificate to be filled out by your accredited Veterinarian. This certificate is valid for 4 months prior to departure date so do not get this issued too early.
4. USDA Endorsement: The below referenced forms:
   • Microchip Implantation Record
   • Rabies Certificate
   • EU Vet Health Certificate
   Must be sent to your local USDA for their stamp of approval. Please contact your PetRelocation.com representative on the best way of handling this.
5. International Health Certificate: Your vet should have these in stock. It’s a good idea to call ahead and ask. This is an international health certificate that needs to be completed by your vet within 10 days of departure. Depending on the logistics of your particular pet move and the specific health certificate being used (APHIS Form 7001) an additional USDA Endorsement maybe required on this health certificate.
6. All original documentation must travel with the pets.