A Quick Guide to Bringing Your Pet from the USA to France

Official USDA guidance: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-france

Transparency note: I have not personally traveled internationally with pets. This guide is based on official USDA/EU regulations and detailed feedback from multiple pet owners who have successfully brought dogs and cats from the U.S. to France.

Traveling with a pet internationally requires precise planning and budgeting. France follows strict European Union (EU) regulations, meaning a missed deadline or incorrect document can result in your pet being denied entry.

Below is a complete breakdown of the medical requirements, paperwork, airline choices, and associated costs of bringing your dog or cat to France.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Before diving into the steps, here’s what you should budget for the process.

Vet Visit & Microchip

• Cost: $75–$200

• Note: Applies only if your pet is not already microchipped or up to date on vaccines.

USDA Health Certificate Exam

• Cost: $150–$400

• Note: Fee charged by a USDA-accredited veterinarian to complete EU paperwork.

USDA Endorsement Fee

• Cost: Approximately $38 (standard) or $121 (if additional tests are required)

• Note: Paid to the U.S. Government (USDA APHIS). For France, a titer test is generally not required, so the $38 fee usually applies.

Airline Fee: In-Cabin

• Cost: $125–$200 (one way)

• Note: Reserved for small pets (typically under ~17 lbs / 8 kg including carrier).

Airline Fee: Checked Cargo hold for Dog / Cat

• Cost: $250–$500 (one way)

Pet Transportation Service: Manifest Cargo

• Cost: $1,000–$3,000+

• Note: Sometimes Required for very large dogs; often requires hiring a professional pet shipper.

1. Medical Requirements & Timeline

Important: These steps must be completed in the exact order listed. If the microchip is implanted after the rabies vaccination, the vaccination is considered invalid.

Microchip

• Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip.

Rabies Vaccination

• First vaccination: Must be given after the microchip is implanted. You must wait 21 days after this shot before entering France.

• Booster vaccination: If the previous rabies vaccine has not expired, no waiting period applies.

Tapeworm Treatment

• Unlike the UK or Ireland, France does not require an Echinococcus (tapeworm) treatment for dogs entering directly from the U.S.

2. Documentation: The EU Health Certificate

You do not need to apply for a French import permit in advance, but you do need federal approval from the United States.

Step A: Visit a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

• The veterinarian must be USDA accredited.

• They will issue the EU Health Certificate.

• The certificate must be issued and endorsed within 10 days of arrival in France. Your visit must be within 10 days of your departure but far enough before your departure to allow the USDA endorsement. I would recommend booking your appointment for 9 days before your flight.

Step B: USDA Endorsement

• The completed certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS.

Process:

• Most veterinarians use the VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System) for digital submission. The process usually takes 1-3 business days for approval

Fee:

• $38.00 per certificate if no blood tests are required (standard for France).

• $121.00 if a rabies titer test review is required (uncommon).

3. Flying with Pets: Cabin vs. Cargo

Your pet’s size determines where they travel and how much you pay.

Option A: In-Cabin Travel

• Who qualifies: Small cats and dogs; combined pet + carrier weight usually under 8 kg (17 lbs).

• Experience: Pet stays in a soft-sided carrier under the seat for the entire flight.

Option B: Checked Baggage

• Who qualifies: Pets too large for the cabin but under the airline’s maximum weight limit (often up to 75 kg).

• Experience: Pet is checked in at the ticket counter and flies in the climate-controlled hold of the same aircraft.

• Warning: Many U.S. airlines no longer offer this service. Air France and Lufthansa offer this option.

Option C: Manifest Cargo

• Who qualifies: Very large dogs or pets traveling on airlines that do not allow checked pets.

• Experience: Pet travels as freight. A third-party pet shipper is usually required. This is the most expensive option.

4. Best Airlines for US–France Pet Travel

Choosing the right airline is one of the most important decisions when flying with pets to France, especially for large dogs.

Direct flights are strongly recommended to reduce stress and health risks.

Air France

• Why they’re good: Extensive experience and a dedicated "Soute" (hold) service for pets up to 75 kg.

• Cost: Approximately $200 USD to $400

• Additional details: https://wwws.airfrance.fr/en/information/passagers/voyager-avec-son-animal-chien-chat

Lufthansa (Excellent Option for Large Dogs)

• Why they’re good: Lufthansa is widely regarded as one of the most pet-friendly international airlines for large dogs up to 75 KG. They have specialized animal handling facilities (including the Frankfurt Animal Lounge) and extensive experience transporting pets safely in the hold.

• Best for: Large breeds that exceed typical checked baggage limits and must travel in the cargo hold.

• Cost: 125 to 380 euros : https://www.lufthansa.com/au/en/baggage-calculator#/results

• https://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/travelling-with-animals

5. Arrival in France

• Do not use automated passport gates.

• Proceed to the Customs (Douane) exit.

• Present your passport, endorsed EU Health Certificate, and your pet.

• A customs officer may scan your pet’s microchip to verify it matches the paperwork.

• After settling in France, I recommend visiting a vet to get a EU pet passport for future travels.

Official Resources

For official forms, regulatory updates, and checklists, visit the USDA APHIS website:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-france