Entry Requirements & Pet Passport Guide
If you’re a dog lover dreaming of strolling along the Seine with your canine companion, you’re not alone. Paris is one of the most dog‑friendly cities in the world; there are roughly 17 dogs for every 100 people, and locals often take their pups into cafés, shops and even on public transport. But before you book a flight, it’s essential to know the health regulations, documentation and tips for bringing a dog into France. This guide explains everything from microchipping and rabies vaccinations to obtaining an EU Animal Health Certificate and upgrading it to a European pet passport.
Why Bring Your Dog to Paris?
Parisian dog culture is famously inclusive. In many restaurants and cafés dogs are welcome indoors or at outdoor terraces and staff will happily bring a water bowl to your table. Dogs ride the Metro, RER and buses with their owners; small dogs travel free in a carrier, while larger breeds need must wear a muzzle. With so many parks and dog‑friendly gardens, it’s no wonder travelers don’t want to leave their pets behind.
Beyond the city’s hospitality, exploring Paris with your dog adds a layer of companionship to iconic experiences. Just remember that museums and most indoor tourist attractions do not allow pets, so plan outdoor activities or use a pet‑sitting service when visiting places like the Louvre.
Microchip and Rabies Vaccination Requirements
Whether you’re arriving from the United States, Canada, the U.K. or another non‑EU country, your dog must meet specific health requirements. Microchipping is the first step. An ISO‑compliant 15‑digit microchip (or tattoo for older dogs) is mandatory. Importantly, the rabies vaccination must be given after your dog is microchipped.
- Rabies vaccination timing: Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old and vaccinated at least 21 days before travel. If the vaccination expires before travel, you will need a booster.
- Additional vaccinations: While rabies is the only vaccination required for entry, vets recommend core vaccines like distemper, parvovirus and leptospirosis. France also requires dogs to be treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus if travelling to countries like Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland.
EU Animal Health Certificate (Non‑EU Travellers)
Travelers from non‑EU countries (including the U.S., Canada and the U.K.) need an EU Animal Health Certificate signed by an official veterinarian in their home country. According to EU guidance, the certificate must be issued no more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU and is valid for 4 months for travel within the EU or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first. The certificate should include:
- Your dog’s microchip number.
- Rabies vaccination date and expiry.
- Details of the issuing vet and owner.
- A written declaration confirming the trip is for non‑commercial reasons.
In the U.S. and Canada, pet owners must get their completed EU Health Certificate endorsed by the local APHIS (U.S.) or CFIA (Canada) office. Remember to bring your rabies certificate and a copy of your flight reservation when seeking endorsement.
European Pet Passport (EU Residents and Upgrades)
For EU residents, the European pet passport replaces the animal health certificate for intra‑EU travel. It contains details about your pet’s microchip, rabies vaccination, owner information and the issuing vet. You can obtain a pet passport from an authorized vet, and it remains valid for life as long as the rabies vaccination is kept up to date. Non‑EU travelers can upgrade to a pet passport once in France by visiting an accredited French veterinarian; this is useful for frequent travel within the EU.
Note that since Brexit, pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to the EU. British travelers must use the animal health certificate until they obtain a passport issued in an EU country.
Entry Points and Compliance Checks
Upon arrival, you must enter through a designated travelers’ point of entry (check the list for France) where authorities will inspect your dog’s documents and microchip. If your paperwork is incomplete or the rabies vaccine is not valid, your dog could be denied entry or quarantined.
Additional Travel Tips
- Health exam: Schedule a veterinary exam shortly before travel to ensure your dog is fit to fly and to obtain any required treatments.
- Carrier and comfort: Airlines may have their own requirements for carriers, so confirm dimensions and weight restrictions. Bring familiar bedding and toys to reduce stress.
- Weather considerations: Paris summers can be hot and winters damp; pack appropriate gear such as cooling vests or rain jackets.
- Local laws: Always clean up after your dog—France imposes fines for failing to pick up waste. Some aggressive breeds have additional rules (muzzles, registration, liability insurance).
Conclusion
Travelling to Paris with your dog is entirely possible with some careful preparation. Ensure your pet is microchipped, vaccinated and accompanied by the appropriate health certificate or EU pet passport. Once the paperwork is in order, you and your pup can enjoy strolling through dog‑friendly parks, sipping coffee at cafés and exploring the city’s many outdoor wonders. The effort you put into meeting entry requirements will be rewarded with unforgettable memories in one of the most pet‑friendly cities in the world.