How do you bring a pet to France in 2026?

For non-commercial travel with dogs, cats, or ferrets from other EU countries (and typically Switzerland under the published rules), the animal needs identification, usually an ISO microchip, before the rabies vaccination, a valid rabies vaccine entry, and an EU pet passport completed by an authorised veterinarian. Older tattoos count only when they meet the published date and readability rules. Ask a French veterinarian about any extra disease precautions for your route before departure.

Travel with the owner and stay under the commercial-trade thresholds. More than five pets or unaccompanied animals can flip you into stricter trade rules. Read the Service-Public and Agriculture Ministry pages for the exact passport parts before you fly: Paperwork after moving.

Non-EU dogs, cats, and ferrets need an original health certificate from an official veterinarian in the origin country, plus vaccination proof. Many third countries also require a rabies antibody titration from an EU-approved laboratory after vaccination and before travel, with the timing windows stated on the ministry note. Listed “favourable” rabies countries can skip the titre under current EU rules; unlisted origins usually cannot.

Declare the animal to French customs at the passenger entry point. Beyond five animals, the movement is treated as commercial and needs a border inspection post. After arrival, French city life still needs leash rules and landlord permission: Dog-friendly France, How to rent a home, and Rental contracts. Confirm pet clauses before you ship the crate, especially in tight coastal and city markets such as Living in Nice or Living in Bordeaux.