Pet Travel France | Flying Your Dog or Cat to France from the UK

France is one of Europe’s most popular pet destinations. People move there permanently, but plenty also travel for holidays, wine tastings in Bordeaux, beaches on the Côte d’Azur. If that’s you, getting your pet there requires the right setup. But there’s one critical checkpoint first: breed restrictions. If your dog falls into France’s restricted categories, you need to know before you book anything.

We’re Fetchapet and we’ve arranged thousands of European pet moves over 30 years. France handles paperwork well, but the breed question can be a dealbreaker. Let’s make sure your pet can actually go.

Will My Dog Be Allowed in France?

France has strict rules about certain dog breeds, and they matter before anything else. If your breed doesn’t fit France’s restricted categories, skip this section. If it might, read carefully.

France bans Category 1 dogs outright. These are non pedigreed dogs that resemble American Staffordshire Terriers (pit bulls), Mastiffs (boerbulls), Tosas. Since 1999, importing a Category 1 dog has been illegal. It’s not a grey area. The dog will be refused entry and the owner faces a €15,000 fine and potential imprisonment. Fetchapet cannot transport Category 1 dogs to France.

Category 2 dogs are pedigreed versions of those same breeds plus Rottweilers. These dogs can legally enter France, but you need proof of pedigree. Your dog must be registered with the LOF (French kennel club) or an equivalent pedigree recognized by the International Canine Federation. If you have that documentation, France will allow the import. Without it, your dog will be classified as Category 1 and refused entry.

All other dog breeds have no restrictions in France. If you’re unsure whether your dog’s breed qualifies, contact your vet for a behavioral assessment certificate. It’s the safest way to confirm before booking travel.

What Paperwork Do I Need?

Once you’ve confirmed your dog isn’t restricted, here’s what actually matters for travel.

Your dog needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785) implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination. They must be at least 12 weeks old, and then you wait a full 21 days after the jab before you can travel.

An Animal Health Certificate from a UK Official Veterinarian issued within 10 days of your arrival in France is essential. This certificate is valid for 10 days to enter France, then 6 months for traveling within Europe, and it covers up to 5 pets.

You can travel with up to 5 pets for personal use if you’re traveling with your pet or arriving within 5 days of when they do. Dogs do not need tapeworm treatment to enter France, only to return to the UK. So if you’re visiting for a week or two, you might not need it at all.

How Do I Get My Dog to France?

Your pet travels as cargo in the hold, pressurized and temperature controlled. Paris (CDG or Orly) is the main option, but other airports like Lyon, Nice, Marseille can work depending on where you’re headed in France.

We build the crate to your pet’s exact measurements in our UK workshop. Plywood frame, welded wire mesh back, IATA standard. We deliver it beforehand so your pet gets familiar with it, or arrange it another way based on your schedule.

French Customs can check your pet and paperwork at arrival. If everything matches and your pet isn’t in a restricted category, entry is quick. You’ll go through a traveller’s point of entry like any other passenger.

What Happens During the Flight?

Don’t feed your pet for 6 hours before check in because this prevents bloat, accidents, and vomiting. Pets naturally avoid messing in their bed anyway, so this rule works with their instincts rather than against them.

Your pet has water available throughout the flight via a bowl with an external funnel on the crate door. Air travel dehydrates pets just like it does us, so they drink what they need and rarely urinate in flight. We use absorbent bedding with a top layer that drains liquid, keeping your pet dry throughout. The bedding is veterinary grade, non toxic, machine washable.

The cargo hold is quiet and dimmed during flight. Your pet won’t hear passenger noise or feel turbulence as intensely, making it actually a calmer environment than a cabin flight with overhead announcements and activity.

Is France Actually Pet Friendly?

France is genuinely pet friendly. Dogs are welcome in outdoor cafes, parks, and many public spaces where the culture embraces pets in everyday life. English speaking vets are available in Paris and major cities. If you’re moving permanently, registration is straightforward once you arrive.

If you’re visiting for a holiday, taking your dog transforms the trip. Small Normandy villages, Brittany’s coastline, Loire Valley towns, countryside markets. Your dog comes along to all of it. Just check breed restrictions early so you’re not disappointed at the airport.

How Much Time Do I Need?

Give yourself 4 to 6 weeks. Your dog gets the rabies vaccination, then you count 21 days. If you’re returning to the UK within a few days of arrival, arrange tapeworm treatment for 1 to 5 days before departure. About 10 days before you travel, get the Animal Health Certificate from your vet. Once the 21 days are clear and everything’s confirmed, book the flight.

Your vet sorts the certificate. Prices vary between practices, so ask what they charge.

How Much Does It Cost?

Crate size drives the flight price because larger pets mean larger crates. You’ll pay for the crate (wooden or plastic), delivery to your address, and the vet certificate. If your dog needs tapeworm treatment for the return journey, add that cost too.

Get a free quote and we’ll break down exactly what you’re paying for.

Get in Touch

We’ve been moving pets to France for over 30 years. Call 01206 330332 between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Email info@fetchapet.co.uk anytime for a free quote. If you have a restricted breed, call first so we can confirm what’s possible.

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FAQs

Do I need tapeworm treatment for France?

Not to enter France. Only if you’re returning to the UK within a few days of arrival. If you’re staying longer, it’s not required.

Can I drive my pet to France instead of flying?

Yes, many people drive. Your pet would need to be presented for customs checks at the border. We handle air transport. If you’re interested in driving, contact us to discuss options.

Is France a good place to live with a dog?

Yes. Dog friendly culture, parks, outdoor spaces throughout the country. Vets are widely available. No quarantine with proper documentation. If you’re moving permanently, registration is straightforward.

What if my dog is a restricted breed?

Category 1 dogs cannot legally enter France. Category 2 dogs can enter with pedigree documentation (LOF or International Canine Federation recognized). If unsure, get a veterinary assessment certificate before booking.