Pets are often just as hard to leave behind as friends and family. Fortunately, you won't need to say goodbye to your pet if you move to France. France recognizes that a properly vaccinated animal is no threat to public health. You may bring up to five dogs and/or cats into France, but all must be at least three months old or traveling with their mother.
To enter France, every animal must be identified by a microchip (standard ISO 11784/11785) or a tattoo. If the microchip's standard is different, you must bring your own scanner in order to read the microchip. You'll need to present a valid rabies vaccination certificate dated at least 30 days before the move (30 days is the incubation period for rabies), but not longer than one year before. The second requirement is a letter stating the good health of the animal from a veterinarian certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture within the past four months. However, it is recommended that the examination take place only a few days before departure. Only small amounts of pet food, one or two kilos, may be imported—don't worry, France sells plenty of chow. Birds, snakes, and rodents may also be brought into France with a veterinarian's certificate.
The logistics of transporting your animals should be carefully planned. Check with the airline you're using about its fees and requirements for cages. The cost generally runs $150–125, although some airlines charge extra for large dogs. Contrary to popular belief, tranquilizing is generally not necessary, and may even be harmful to dogs, especially if they wind up sitting somewhere hot for hours. Tranquilized dogs cannot pant—that's how canines “sweat”—and therefore cannot cool themselves. Be sure to consult your vet at home before traveling with your pet to get specific recommendations based on the animal's temperament and medical history.
