Bringing Fido to France

[Caitie]

Does anyone know what the rules are about importing a dog from the USA to France? Is there a quarantine period? Also, is there a better way than flying? I'm terrified my dog will freeze to death in the cargo hold of a plane. How have others solved tis problem?

[Bevdeforges]

I brought my cats from the US to Germany 15 years ago and, while you have to be careful, it should go fairly smoothly. There are no quarantines - though you will need a current health certificate and up to date rabies vaccinations.

If you can find one in your area, go through a pet transport company. I found an excellent one in San Francisco, which took care of everything including pre-flight boarding and all the necessary veterinary exams and paperwork. (They handle international transport of animals all the time and have - or can get - the paperwork directly from the consulate.)

A good pet transport company will know the various airlines and can advise you on which ones are the best to use - possibly even which airport to use. I was flying to Frankfurt, anyhow, but it turns out that the animal holding facilities there are among the best in the world. Your vet may be able to recommend one - or if not, check with a local zoo to find out who they use.

The transport company gave me all the information about taking the cats into Germany before I decided to use them. One thing I particularly liked was the fact that they were really strict about the container you use to transport your pet - it must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around in and sit normally. And the people seemed to be very used to dealing with "worried parents" like me.

Animals are transported in a special section of the cargo hold, which is heated and pressurized. But some airlines are better than others, and it pays to use the services of a company that knows all the variations.

Once you get to France, you'll have to get your dog chipped or tattoo'd. If he already has a chip, make sure it's the European standard one - there are two standards in the US and the wrong one won't show up at all if they check for a chip here in Europe. Your vet here will give you a "carnet de santé" for your dog, documenting his shots and other medical information.
Cheers,
Bev

[Caitie]

Thank you, Bev, for great information. I'm afraid that flying is a deal-breaker for me. I just can't bring myself to transport my dog that way. I live in the far West US and it's a long trip to France from here. I'm wondering if it's possible to sail with animals, otherwise I will have to shelve my plans for France until the dog has departed this world.

[Bevdeforges]

If you're on the West Coast, try contacting Pet Express Pet Transportation, Travel & Relocation Specialists - Pet Express They may have information about alternatives to flying (and if they don't, no one does). But they can and will give you the latest information and recommendation for moving your dog with you.
Cheers,
Bev

[giantpanda]

Originally Posted by Caitie

Does anyone know what the rules are about importing a dog from the USA to France? Is there a quarantine period? Also, is there a better way than flying? I'm terrified my dog will freeze to death in the cargo hold of a plane. How have others solved tis problem?

Hi!

Do start in good time.

See here the French regulations.

Douane à l'entrée en France : animaux familiers - Service-public.fr

Yours,

giantpanda