Pet Care in France: Bringing Pets and Looking After Them

Bringing your pet to France and ensuring its well being requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. France is a pet-friendly country with many services available to support pet owners, but understanding the rules for import, healthcare, and day-to-day care is essential for a smooth transition.

Bringing Your Pet to France

    1.  Entry Requirements:

Pets, primarily cats, dogs, and ferrets, must meet strict requirements to enter France. They include:

      •  Micro chipping: Pets must be micro chipped with a device compliant with ISO standards 11784/11785.

      •  Rabies Vaccination: Proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination is mandatory. The pet must be vaccinated after being micro chipped, and a waiting period of at least 21 days is required after the vaccination.

      •  Pet Passport or Health Certificate: EU pets need an EU Pet Passport. For non-EU pets, an official veterinary certificate and import permit may be required, depending on the country of origin.

    2.  Travel Considerations:

When traveling to France, pets can enter via air, road, or sea. Airlines often have specific rules for pet transport, and smaller animals may be allowed in the cabin if their carrier fits under the seat. Ensure your pet’s carrier meets safety and comfort standards.

    3.  Restricted Breeds:

Certain dog breeds classified as “dangerous” (e.g., Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweiler’s) face restrictions or bans. Owners may need to meet specific requirements, such as obtaining special permits or providing proof of sterilization.

Caring for Pets in France

    1.  Veterinary Care:

France has a robust network of veterinarians (vétérinaires) offering everything from routine check-ups to emergency care.

      •  Vaccinations: Regular vaccinations are required, including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus for dogs, and feline panleukopenia and calicivirus for cats.

      •  Pet Insurance: Consider pet insurance to cover unexpected veterinary expenses. Plans vary but often include accident, illness, and liability coverage.

    2.  Pet Registration:

Dogs and cats must be registered in the national database (I-CAD) when micro chipped. This ensures they can be reunited with you if lost.

    3.  Daily Care:

      •  Diet: High-quality pet food is widely available in supermarkets, pet stores, and veterinary clinics. Raw and homemade diets are also becoming popular among French pet owners.

      •  Exercise and Socialization: Dogs benefit from daily walks, and France’s numerous parks and green spaces are ideal for exercise. Some public places allow pets, but check for restrictions. Cats often adapt well to indoor or outdoor lifestyles, depending on their environment.

    4.  Pet Laws and Etiquette:

      •  Leash laws are common in urban areas, and owners must clean up after their pets.

      •  Some public transport systems and accommodations allow pets, but rules vary, so confirm in advance.

Pet-Friendly Services in France

France offers many services for pets, including boarding kennels, grooming salons, and professional pet sitters. Additionally, pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants are common, making it easier to include pets in your travel and daily life.

Conclusion

Bringing and caring for pets in France involves understanding the country’s regulations, ensuring proper health and registration, and providing a loving environment. By preparing in advance and utilising available resources, you can ensure your pet’s comfort and happiness in their new French home.