James Cargo Blog

Get an Animal Health Certificate for Taking a Dog to France

Before taking your dog to France, the most important document you need is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). To get it, you first need to make sure that your dog is microchipped before you get them vaccinated against Rabies. It needs to be at a minimum of 3 months or 12 weeks old for getting a rabies vaccination.

When vaccinated, you’ll need to wait for 21 days before your dog is ready to move to France. Make sure to get the vaccination early, as UK standard vaccinations last for at least three years. You also need to check whether your pet dog needs a booster vaccination.

After rabies vaccination, a certificate (or pet health record) showing the details is required by an Official Veterinarian (OV) to issue the Animal Health Certificate (AHC). The cost of microchip, vaccination and AHC varies, but typically it ranges from £150–£350.

To get an AHC, you'll need to provide the following information:

• Pet details, including the 15-digit microchip number
• Rabies vaccination date
• Rabies vaccine batch number and manufacturer
• Vet's stamp and signature confirming the vaccination

Note: While France doesn't require routine annual vaccinations to be up to date, they are recommended for health and may be required by French kennels, boarding services, vets, campsites, or dog-friendly venues.

Plan Travellers’ Points of Entry for Taking a Dog to France

When bringing a dog to France, you can travel by air, sea, or land. French authorities don’t specify entry routes, so private transport is permitted. Even with private transport (e.g., car), dogs must be presented for customs checks at border points (e.g., Calais for Eurotunnel).

France does not maintain a strict list of designated pet entry points like the UK does. You can arrive at any legal border crossing, but you must be prepared for customs checks, especially at airports or ports.

• Travel Timing: The AHC must be issued within 10 days of travel and 21 days after the rabies vaccination. Schedule your vet visit accordingly.
• Owner Travel: If someone else (e.g., a friend or pet transport service) takes your dog, you must travel within 5 days of their departure. Otherwise, an Export Health Certificate is required.
• Booking: Confirm pet check-in procedures with your travel provider for a smooth process when taking a dog to France.

You need to note that:

• Owners must declare their dog to French customs (Douane Service) upon arrival, especially for air or sea travel, and may need to contact the SIVEP (Service d’Inspection Vétérinaire et Phytosanitaire) at the entry point in advance.
• Some entry points (e.g., airports) may require pre-notification of pet arrival or have stricter checks.
• Airline-specific requirements (e.g., IATA-approved pet crates, health declarations) should be confirmed for air travel.

Travel to France with the Animal Health Certificate

With the AHC, you’re set for taking a dog to France. Key points:

• Validity: Depart within 10 days of AHC issuance, or you’ll need a new one.
• Check-In: At the port or airport, present your dog at the pet reception for microchip scanning and AHC verification.
• EU Travel: The AHC allows travel within the EU for 4 months or until the rabies vaccination expires.
• Return to UK: A new AHC or EU Pet Passport is needed for re-entry, along with UK-specific requirements.

EU Pet Passports are not typically issued to short-term UK visitors. You need to do careful planning, especially regarding the AHC, to avoid issues at entry points.

Owners should carry a leash and muzzle, as French authorities may require dogs to be restrained in public areas (e.g., ports, airports), per French regulations. Additional documents may be requested by French customs.

Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs Returning to the UK

For dogs returning to the UK, a tapeworm treatment (praziquantel) is mandatory:

• Timing: Administered by a vet 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before UK arrival.
• Documentation: The vet records the treatment in the AHC or a certificate.
• Exemption: Not required if traveling from Ireland.

Taking a dog to France and back involves ensuring this treatment is timed correctly for re-entry.

Select an Approved Route for Returning to the UK

When returning from France, use an approved route (e.g., specific ferries, Eurotunnel, or airlines). Verify with your provider, as unapproved routes may lead to refusal or quarantine. Approved routes aren’t needed for UK-Ireland travel.

Dog Breeds Banned or Restricted in France

France classifies certain dog breeds as Category 1 (banned) or Category 2 (restricted), depending on their registration status with the French LOF (Livre des Origines Françaises).

Category 1: Banned Breeds

These breeds, or similar crossbreeds, cannot enter France:

• Staffordshire Terrier (non-pedigree)
• American Staffordshire Terrier (non-pedigree)
• Tosa
• Mastiff (non-pedigree)
• Pitbull-type dogs (non-pedigree)

These dogs are prohibited from transport (air or otherwise) and public access.

Category 2: Restricted Breeds

LOF or equivalent pedigrees breeds allowed with restrictions include:

• Pedigree Tosa Inu
• Pedigree Staffordshire Terrier
• Pedigree American Staffordshire Terrier
• Rottweiler (pedigree and non-pedigree)

Requirements:

• Obtain a permit from the local mayor’s office.
• Conduct a behavioral assessment.
• Complete a training course.
• Secure liability insurance.
• Sterilization of non-pedigree dogs, rabies vaccination, and public leashing/muzzling.

Carry pedigree documentation to avoid issues.

International Pet Transport to France

Taking your dog to France can be challenging, especially during an international move. There are specific import requirements that must be fulfilled for your pet to enter the country.

If you're planning to travel to France with your pet, reach out to the pet movers at James Cargo Service for guidance on international pet transport and a tailored travel plan for your pet.

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• How Do You Transport Pets By Air?
• How Much Does Pet Travel Cost?