Three years ago, I drove my rental car down the back end of Charles de Gaulle Airport, heartbeat in my throat. I handed over paperwork, asking for Chika and Enzo. Soon, a crate emerged. I pulled up to the door to see two fluffy butts, legs stretched out, as relaxed as ever. I relaxed for the first time in months: I’d gotten my bunnies safely to France.
I’d never have moved without my pets, but relocating them across an ocean was the trickiest part of my migration. If you’re wondering how to do it, here’s how to prepare for a smooth arrival in France with exotic pets—from vaccinations and airline rules, to easing into French life.
French Rules for Exotic Pets
France has two sets of rules for pet imports: one for cats, dogs, and ferrets, and another for exotics. Under French law, “exotic” pets—legally known as nouveaux animaux de compagnie, or NAC—include rabbits, birds, reptiles, small mammals, rodents, and amphibians.
Some exotic species, such as primates or venomous snakes, are restricted for conservation or safety reasons, while protected species, like gray parrots and sea turtles, require you to get prior permission before importing them to France.
Current laws say you may generally bring into France a maximum of five domestic rodents, pet reptiles, or ornamental fish per family, as long as they aren’t intended for sale. All that said, make sure you check legalities very carefully, that your research is recent, and that anything you read is specific to your breed.
Prep Before Booking Your Pet’s Ticket to France
Once you know you can legally bring your pet, you need to decide if you can realistically move them. Does your pet have special health needs that can be met in your new home? Research local vets in your destination city, as some clinics might only treat cats and dogs. Once you’re comfortable that they’ll have adequate healthcare on the other side of the world with you, it’s time to figure out if you can get them there.
You’ll likely partner up with a pet transporter. While there are plenty on the market, double-check their experience with your species. Call or check their website for case studies. I tried around a dozen companies before finding one that could talk confidently about rabbits’ needs and import requirements in France. Search and compare reputable companies before choosing the best one for your pet.
While your transportation company will likely sort out the flight, you might also like to call their airline of choice to check that they’re trained in carrying exotic pets. I was about to book with one pet transport company, but their chosen airline, when I called them, said they didn’t fly rabbits. Luckily, I hadn’t paid the deposit! The company I ended up booking with (Pet Carriers) chose a more experienced airline. I drove from Melbourne to Sydney for the flight just because I trusted their expertise to safely move my buns.
Before booking, think about money. Can you cover everything from their crate, airline fees, vet checks, and insurance, or do you need to postpone until you can? It was the most significant cost of my move, though, because bunnies weigh less, the cost was lower than moving a dog. The earlier you know the costs, the better you can budget.
Getting Your Exotic Pet Travel-Ready
You’ve booked a transport company. A moving date is set. Time to prepare your pet. I always wished I could have told my bunnies what was coming. The second best thing was to prepare them the best I could.
Your transport company will help you to purchase an airline-approved pet carrier with good ventilation that is large enough for your animal to stand, turn around, and lie down in. I had mine delivered two months ahead of their flight. I fed them in it every day, and would close them inside in short intervals, gradually increasing the time, while also playing plane noises on Youtube. Exotic animals are often more anxious in unfamiliar environments, so this helps them see their crate as a calm and safe space. They’ll also learn that your happy face is always waiting for them on the other side.
Vet Visits & Health Checks Before Takeoff
While cats, dogs, and ferrets use the EU pet passport system, exotic pets typically don’t. This reduces some paperwork, but don’t forget they may require other national or EU‑level documentation.
For instance, your exotic pet will likely need to travel to France with a certificate (in French and English) issued in the past ten days. However, this can vary by species and country of origin, so make sure you check you have the right papers filled out by a “government-approved” vet for your pet to meet France’s entry requirements. Also, double-check that you are flying into an airport that allows live animal imports. It’s a lot to remember, but all this due diligence helps you reduce risk being denied entry or your animal being confiscated.
You should also consult a veterinarian well before to make sure your pet is in the best shape for travel, and up to date with blood work, parasite treatment, and vaccinations. For instance, birds, while allowed, often need to do a mix of isolation, vaccinations, and negative flu tests before and after travel, due to the bird flu. Some larger animals, like horses or monkeys, will likely undergo a veterinary inspection when arriving at the French borders.
Aside from legal requirements, doing this vet visit ahead of time also gives you a chance to talk to your vet about all your concerns, learn how flying affects your specific breed, and what you can do for a healthy transition for your beloved pet.
Travel Day: Flying Your Exotic Pet
On travel days, stay calm, as your pet can sense your mood. Many exotics are prey animals, making them more prone to stress.
Prepare their crate with breathable mesh, absorbent bedding, and a water dispenser. You’ll likely be asked to feed them lightly. You might like to leave familiar items like bedding or toys inside the crate but it will be up to the airline to decide what is and isn’t allowed.
With your transport company, attach all “Live Animal” stickers, your pet’s name, and your contact information, plus an extra copy of their health certificate to the crate. You might even clip a note about their personality and any species-specific information you think carriers should know.
Likely, your pet will be in cargo, which is better than it sounds: they have more space, and will be exposed to less noise than if they were in the cabin. The temperature and light is set to keep them calm and safe. My carrier didn’t fly dogs the same day as my bunnies, so barking wouldn’t be an issue (and their scent wouldn’t drive a dog crazy!). Some airlines, such as Finnair and ITA Airways (as of 2024), may allow rabbits in the cabin. Always confirm with the airline and your vet about what’s best for your pet.
Mine were in cargo. I heard nothing about them during transit, but my transport company assured me that a phone call is more likely a sign of an emergency. Silence usually means everything’s going well. I tried not to think about them too much to ease my anxiety, remembering that the airline staff also wanted them to arrive safely. My bunnies had a layover in a pet hotel in Qatar airport, where I was told they’d be spoiled.
I arrived a day before them and, after a very long 24 hours, I got a call from my import company: they were waiting at the airport for me.
Picking them up from the airport will follow customs’ rules around declaring your pet on arrival. When I travelled, I was asked to nominate an import agent; I booked GoldenWay Pets, who handled all the French-side customs and import requirements at the airport (note: your pet transport company only handles outbound travel).
Even if you aren’t asked to, bring a dossier with all paperwork, proof of ownership, microchip information, and any required permits. Customs staff may be unfamiliar with exotic species, so having everything ready will make the handover smoother and less stressful for your pet.
Bring familiar bedding, a small toy, food, and emergency supplies to comfort your pet after their long journey. Though what they want most is probably a cuddle.
Settling Your Exotic Pet Into Life in France
Welcome, you made it! I couldn’t believe my two elderly Australian rescue bunnies made it to France.
You might notice that they have jetlag, disrupting things like their eating schedule, but they’ll quickly settle into your space with you, unaware they’re across the world. Gently acclimatize them, maintain routines, and monitor stress. If you have anything you have brought from your former home—like a blanket—try to place it in their area to provide a familiar smell.
Schedule a vet check-up within a week of arrival, booking before you leave, with a nacologue or exotic vet. They’ll make sure the chip is entered in the European database, give you next steps on any permits and vaccines, and give you a moment to catch up on local pet-caring knowledge.
I’ve found vets in France to be intelligent, diligent, and empathetic. I’ve never doubted that my bunnies have had the best care. In Lille, I went to the renowned DocNac; exotic pet owners travel far and wide for their care. In Paris, I’ve gone to the wonderful VETINPARIS, and, while traveling in other areas of France, I’ve always been able to find an appropriate vet in case of emergency.
Use quincailleries (hardware stores), animaleries (pet stores), or supermarkets for feed, which often have a wide range of supplies. Mostly, I use online supplier Zoomalia for items like hay and pellets, with orders arriving within the week. In a pickle, try joining expat or local pet groups to ask for help.
Bon courage!
The moment I saw my bunnies playing in my apartment in Lille, the months of stress, research, and preparation melted away. They were so worth it.
One of my bunnies, Chika, sadly passed later that year, and I’m so grateful we spent her last days together in France. Enzo, who was rescued in a car park in Australia, has now traveled to England, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Spain, Belgium, and, most recently, the Alps in Switzerland. He loves a quiet train journey—traveling with small pets is usually straightforward, just check train company ticket and carrier rules—and hopping around on foreign lawns.
The more prepared you and your pet are, the less daunting the trip will be. Be kind to yourself—worrying about logistics and pet safety is normal. Research and planning saves you from panicking or mistakes along the way, allowing you all to land and start your new lives, hopping and chirping all the way.
Please note that regulations vary depending on the species and this guide is based on current research and my experience with rabbits in 2022. Rules can change. Please always double-check with French customs, a specialized transport company, and a vet before your move.
Tahney is an Australian writer living in a tiny, art-filled Paris apartment with her bunny, Enzo. Her writing practice spans criticism, essays and journalism in the arts and beyond, and she also supports artists and creative organisations at her communications studio, Compass North.
