--- title: Pet Transport for France | Starwood Pet Travel description: Let the experts ship your pet to or from France and ensure a peaceful and safe arrival. Make pet transportation easy with our services. --- ## Your pet’s safe trip to or from France starts here [ Get a quote ](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/quote-request) [ Moving to France ](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/france#moving-to) [ Moving from France ](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/france#moving-from) ![france](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/hubfs/france.png) ### W e ' r e   D i f f e r e n t ## Pets, not packages - expect more We’re proud to be the highest rated and most trusted international pet shipping company in the United States. ![plane](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/hubfs/New%20website%202026/plane.svg) #### Decades of experience Trust our expert team of coordinators, with the most collective industry experience (and all the 5-star reviews to prove it!). [ Learn more → ](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/) #### Technology Industry-leading [Pet Travel Portal](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/pet-travel-portal/) to make things simple & clear. [ Learn more → ](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/) #### Pet Protection Plan Coverage for every dog or cat ensuring your peace of mind throughout their journey. [ Learn more → ](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/) #### Stay in touch The only US-based company to partner with CareTags Travel Sense to provide automated updates throughout your pet’s move via email & text. [ Learn more → ](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/) ### S t a r w o o d   F a c t o r ## What sets us apart Read stories traveling to and from ![france](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20website%202026/france.png?width=19&height=19&name=france.png) France #### Testimonials 222 days ago The adventure was a long one. It started way before the flight working with Sarah Whittington getting Vet appointments, travel crates and info about all three. Then on 2 November They were picked up f... Michelle Raymond ✈️ United States → France 🐱 Puckles, Molly & JuJuBe's Trip to France Read more → ![Puckles, Molly & JuJuBe's Trip to France's pet](https://505287.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/505287/hubfs/reviewnew.webp?width=400&height=400&name=reviewnew.webp) #### Review from Michelle Raymond × ![Review Image](https://505287.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/505287/reviewnew.webp) 222 days ago The adventure was a long one. It started way before the flight working with Sarah Whittington getting Vet appointments, travel crates and info about all three. Then on 2 November They were picked up for the ride down to Red Dog Spa Retreat, we would not see them for over a week. Sarah set up the ride, the boarding and the USDA Vet appointment. We were going through a lot, selling our business, house and car all before our trip 9 November so time was short. We went with Starwood all-inclusive package because we just could not handle one more thing and our pets are our world and we wanted them to have the best trip to France. They did have one hiccup; the day they were to fly out 11 November it was to cold and windy for them to travel so Sarah had brought them back to Red Dog for one more night. She then had to reschedule not only their ride to the airport, their flight and their trip to their new home in France. Sarah took care of everything, and they were on their way the next day and were in our arms the next day. So big thanks to Sarah and Starwood. - Michelle Raymond **Source: [Google](https://share.google/vc5wHthT8KELk9yFy) ** [View more reviews →](https://www.starwoodpet.com/pet-shipping-testimonials) Close #### Stories #### Gracie and McCoy's Trip to France ✈️ DEN-FRA-CDG Gracie and McCoy may be total opposites, but that didn’t stop them from becoming seasoned world travelers! Gracie, a 5-year-old German Shepherd, tends to get nervous around cars and loud noises, while... [Read full story →](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/our-stories/gracie_mccoy_france) ![Grace and McCoy's pet](https://505287.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/505287/hubfs/mccoy%20(1).webp?upscale=false&width=400&height=400&name=mccoy%20(1).webp) ## Moving to France 2026 Pet Travel Guide to France ### 2026 Pet Travel Guide to France  France is a dream destination not only for people—but also for pets! From leisurely strolls along the Seine to relaxing afternoons at pet-friendly cafés, your furry companion can live their best life in the land of wine, cheese, and charm. But first, you’ll need to meet the requirements for international pet travel into France. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your pet’s smooth arrival in France. #### **How to Ship a Pet to France** A complete guide to pet relocation Pet Import Requirements for France ### Pet Import Requirements for France  France, as a member of the European Union, follows the EU’s standardized pet import regulations. U.S. pets can enter France without quarantine as long as all requirements are fulfilled. #### Microchip Your pet must be microchipped with a** **15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip before receiving the rabies vaccine. If your pet already has a microchip, confirm that it is ISO-compliant or travel with a scanner. #### Rabies Vaccination - Must be given after microchip implantation - Must be at least 21 days old at the time of travel - Must be valid (not expired) and documented with date, vaccine type, and manufacturer **Note**: Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccine and are eligible to travel 21 days after vaccination. Although other immunizations are not officially required for import, it is recommended that cats and dogs are vaccinated for the following. Do note that if your pet will be boarding, these vaccinations will be required. - **Dogs**: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Leptospirosis, CIV (Canine Influenza Virus) - **Cats**: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia), Feline Leukemia #### Blood Tests If you are moving from a [non-listed country](https://mesdemarches.agriculture.gouv.fr/demarches/particulier/vivre-avec-un-animal-de-compagnie/article/voyager-avec-un-animal-de-l?id_rubrique=53&rubrique_all=1) (where rabies is a known problem or not reliably controlled), your pet will also have to have a rabies titer blood test to prove their rabies vaccine is active within their body. This blood test must be completed in an [approved EU laboratory](https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets/approved-rabies-serology-laboratories_en) and must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 3 months prior to travel. This is not needed when coming from the United States. #### Import Permit France does not require an import permit for dogs, cats, or ferrets that are personal family pets. #### EU Health Certificate (Annex IV) U.S. pets traveling to France require an official **EU health certificate**, which must be: - Completed by a **USDA-accredited veterinarian** within **10 days of entry** - Endorsed by the **USDA APHIS** office in your region - Issued in both **English and French** - Accompanied by the **rabies vaccination certificate** and **microchip documentation** The health certificate remains valid for: - **Entry into France**: 10 days after issuance - **Travel within the EU**: 4 months, or until the rabies vaccine expires #### Customs Declaration Upon Arrival You must declare your pet at customs when arriving in France. Customs officials may: - Scan the microchip - Verify documents - Ensure compliance with vaccination timelines You may be asked to present your pet's documents at the first port of entry (even if connecting to another EU country). **Do Layovers Speed Up Pet Customs in France?** Overview of pet customs and check-in process Pet Restrictions ### Pet Restrictions Like many countries, France does not allow the import of certain breeds of dogs, although there are no restrictions for cats. You can get more information about this [here](https://agriculture.gouv.fr/les-chiens-de-categorie-1-et-2-dits-chiens-dangereux). #### Banned Breeds If your dog is one of the following breeds, you may not bring them to France unless they have an official, registered pedigree: - American Staffordshire terrier (formerly Staffordshire terrier) or “pit bulls” - Mastiff or "boerbulls" - Tosa If your dog is one of these breeds and** **does have a registered pedigree, you may import them but you will have to follow certain [rules set forth for dangerous dogs](https://agriculture.gouv.fr/les-chiens-de-categorie-1-et-2-dits-chiens-dangereux). This also applies to Rottweilers and dogs that are “similar to Rottweilers,” with or without a registered pedigree. #### Age Restrictions for France France does not allow the import of puppies, kittens, or baby ferrets that are younger than 12 weeks and have no rabies vaccination, or those between 12-16 weeks whose rabies vaccine was administered less than 21 days prior to arrival. **How to Transport Your Dog or Cat to France** Everything you need to know about pet travel to France **Pet Travel vs. Human Travel to France** Key differences and important details for smooth travel for you and your pet How Starwood Can Help ### How Starwood Can Help  Our France pet shipping services include: - Door-to-door transport - Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport to France (outlined above) - USDA endorsement and consular legalization (when needed) of all relevant documents where required - Airline-approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification and emergency notification instructions - Customs clearance and delivery to your home - Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer – available in major France cities as well as their surrounding areas - Travel consultation and flight reservations We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you as your pet travels to France. For more detailed information on life in France with your pet, please refer to our comprehensive France Country guide. France Country Guide ## Moving from France Moving Pets from France ### Moving Pets from France Relocating a pet from France to another country requires careful coordination between veterinarians, airlines, and international regulations. Whether you’re moving back to the United States or relocating elsewhere in the world, Starwood Pet Travel manages every step of the process to ensure your pet travels safely and comfortably. Our experienced team understands the specific export requirements for pets leaving France and works closely with local veterinarians and authorities to prepare the necessary documentation and travel arrangements. #### Our services from France include: - Door-to-door pet transport, both international and domestic - Assistance with French export health certificates and other required travel documentation - USDA endorsement and consular legalization (when required) of all relevant documents - Airline-approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification, and emergency contact instructions - Customs clearance and home delivery at your destination - Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, veterinarian, kennel, groomer, or your residence - Travel consultation and flight reservations with pet-friendly airlines Before your pet departs France, we will provide a full itinerary and keep you updated throughout the journey so you always know where your pet is during travel. Bringing a Pet to the United States from France  ### Bringing a Pet to the United States from France  Whether your pet is returning to the United States after time abroad or relocating from France permanently, there are several important import requirements that must be completed before arrival. While France is considered a low-risk rabies country, pets entering the United States must still meet specific documentation and travel requirements set by the CDC, USDA, and airlines. Missing paperwork or incorrect preparation can delay your pet’s entry or create complications upon arrival. Starwood Pet Travel helps simplify the process by coordinating the logistics, documentation, and customs clearance so your pet can arrive safely and smoothly. USA Import FAQ ### USA Import FAQ  #### What’s the Process? After submitting your quote request and completing the invoice payment, a dedicated booking specialist will be assigned to manage your pet’s import into the United States. Your specialist will coordinate all necessary arrangements, including collecting required documentation and confirming travel details. They will also guide you through the specific requirements for pets traveling from France to the United States. On the day of arrival, your specialist will monitor the clearance process and provide updates to ensure your pet’s entry proceeds as smoothly as possible. Please note: - This quote covers **U.S. import services and customs clearance only**. - The **export process from France must be handled separately**, either directly with the airline or through a local pet relocation company. - If traveling from a **high-risk rabies country**, you are responsible for obtaining a **CDC import permit** prior to travel. ### P r i c i n g ## Starting cost for moving your pet to France ## Pet Transport Cost Estimator | Number of pets | Starting cost* | | --- | --- | | 1 | $3,695 | | 2 | $4,595 | | 3 | $5,895 | | 4 | $7,495 | | 5 | $8,995 | | 6+ | Contact Us | * This does not serve as our official quotation. For an exact quote and detailed proposal, please request a free quote. [Pet relocation packages and pricing - more info → ](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/cost-and-pricing) #### Talk to our experts Need help or have questions? Our team is ready to help! ![peoplenow](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/peoplenow.png?width=120&height=40&name=peoplenow.png) Get in touch → ### F a q ## Questions, answered ### Is pet travel safe? + Yes, pet travel is safe with the proper preparation and precautions. Thousands of pets fly every year without issue. You can read more about pet travel safety [here.](https://starwoodpet.com/blog/will-my-pet-be-safe-on-an-airplane/) ### Should I sedate my pet? + NO. It is not recommended to sedate or tranquilize any pet that is flying on an airplane. This can negatively affect their breathing and respiration when they are up in the air at high altitudes. This can be even more dangerous for pets with pre-existing conditions or snub-nosed (brachycephalic) pets. Starwood will NOT transport any pet that has been sedated or tranquilized. Additionally, if the airline believes that your pet has been sedated, then they can refuse your pet for travel. You can learn more about sedation and air travel in our [blog post.](https://starwoodpet.com/blog/dont-tranquilize-your-pet-during-air-travel-theres-better-options) ### Where do pets travel on the plane? + Starwood only transports pets who are traveling as manifest cargo. This means that they travel on commercial flights underneath the passenger cabin in a space that is temperature controlled, pressurized, and oxygenated. Live animals travel beneath the pilot and the pilot must sign off on a manifest so they are aware of any pets onboard. Your pet’s travel kennel will be held into place by a thin netting that acts like a seatbelt to keep them safe and secure during takeoff and landing. [Learn more about where pets travel on a plane](https://www.starwoodpet.com/blog/where-do-pets-fly-on-a-plane). ### Will my pet eat or drink? + You should definitely ensure your pet is provided plenty of water prior to and on the day of their big adventure. Our team will also make sure that their water bowls are topped off once we check them in for the flight. Once pets are in the care of the airline after check-in, the airline staff will be sure to top off water as well. However, it is NOT recommended for pets to eat right before takeoff or during the flight. This can cause an upset stomach, which we of course want to avoid. Our team will not provide food for the flight and we do not recommend feeding them less than 4 hours prior to flight departure. If your pet has a layover, they will be provided more water and some food (depending on the length of the layover). Water will also be provided once they have landed as they are clearing through customs. If your pet will be boarding or spending time in quarantine throughout their trip, they will be provided food and water regularly. [You can read more about whether you should feed pets who are flying in our blog.](https://starwoodpet.com/blog/should-i-feed-my-dog-before-flying-what-else-should-i-know) ### How will my pet go to the bathroom? + If you have a dog that is traveling, our team will provide them with a nice walk and potty break prior to check-in at the airport. Once your pet is checked in, they must remain inside their travel kennel until they arrive at the destination. We do not let cats out of the travel kennel after we pick them up since you know they can be sneaky escape artists. Upon arrival to the destination, dogs will be provided with a walk and potty break before they head home to you. Again, cats will need to remain inside their travel kennels unless there is a safe and secure room to let them out. Litter boxes are not permitted to be inside the travel kennel so please be aware that sometimes your pet may go to the bathroom inside the kennel. As they say, if you gotta go, you gotta go. If your pet has soiled their travel kennel and there is a safe place to let them out of the kennel then we do try our best to clean the kennel when possible prior to delivery. [Learn more here](https://www.starwoodpet.com/blog/how-do-pets-go-to-the-bathroom-on-a-plane). [ Visit our Knowledge base → ](https://www.starwoodpet.com/) We partner with the best in the industry: ![qantas](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/hubfs/New%20website%202026/qantas.svg) ![qatar](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/hubfs/New%20website%202026/qatar.svg) ![american-airlines](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/hubfs/New%20website%202026/american-airlines.svg) ![lufthansa](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/hubfs/New%20website%202026/lufthansa.svg) ![air new zeland](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/hubfs/New%20website%202026/air%20new%20zeland.svg) ![british airways](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/hubfs/New%20website%202026/british%20airways.svg) ![klm](https://50936337.hs-sites.com/hubfs/New%20website%202026/klm.svg) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://www.starwoodpet.com/locations/france", "description" : "A complete guide to pet relocation to France, including documentation, crate preparation, and airline requirements.", "duration" : 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