Bringing your dog or cat to France from the USA in 2026

Last updated: September 6, 2026 — verified against official sources (European Commission, USDA APHIS).

Moving to France — or just visiting with your pet — means following EU pet travel rules (Regulation 576/2013). The good news: France has no quarantine for dogs and cats that arrive with the correct paperwork. The bad news: the paperwork has strict deadlines — the EU health certificate is only valid for 10 days, and the rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old. Miss a deadline and your pet stays home (or worse, goes into quarantine).

The 4 steps

Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) first — Your pet must be microchipped BEFORE the rabies shot — a vaccination given before the chip does not count.
Rabies vaccination ≥ 21 days before arrival — The vaccine must be given after the microchip and at least 21 days before entering the EU. It must stay valid on travel day.
USDA-endorsed EU health certificate ≤ 10 days — A USDA-accredited vet issues the EU health certificate, then USDA APHIS endorses it. Valid 10 days from issue to arrival in the EU.
Arrive via an approved EU point of entry — All main EU airports are approved for pets from the USA (Paris CDG, Madrid, Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, Lisbon…).

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Frequently asked questions

Can my puppy travel to France?

Only from 15 weeks old: the rabies vaccine is given at 12 weeks minimum, then a 21-day wait applies before entry.

Is there a quarantine in France?

No — if your pet arrives with a valid microchip, rabies vaccination and endorsed EU health certificate, there is no quarantine.

Do cats need anything extra?

No — the same three requirements apply to cats. No tapeworm treatment is needed for France.

Puppies and kittens must be at least 15 weeks old on arrival. You may travel with up to 5 pets under these personal rules.

Official sources

European Commission — pet movement: food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets_en
USDA APHIS pet travel: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel