Bringing a pet abroad can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when the destination is somewhere as seemingly far away as France. But with careful planning, the process is not only manageable, but can be surprisingly smooth. When we decided to bring our ten-pound poodle puppy with us for an extended stay, we quickly learned that France isn’t just welcoming to dogs, it embraces them. From the initial vet appointments to navigating international travel requirements, this guide walks you through each step of the journey, so you and your dog can prepare for your travels stress-free and ready to settle into the rhythm of life à la française, together.
What Paperwork Does My Dog Need to Travel to France?
To enter the European Union, pets must have a registered microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate. The best way to ensure everything is compliant with your microchip and rabies documentation is to schedule a vet appointment well in advance of your departure and verify with your vet that your pet has the required vaccinations in order. When we visited our vet, it was noted that our pet’s past rabies certificate did not include his microchip number on the document. Because of this, we had to schedule another rabies vaccination before we departed so our vet could update his records and provide us with a certificate that had the microchip number listed.
Once these first two items are in order and you’ve finalized your travel dates, it’s time to call your vet to schedule a health certificate appointment. This appointment must be within ten days of your arrival in the European Union. During this particular visit, your vet will complete the required paperwork and submit it digitally to a USDA-APHIS (Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service) veterinarian for endorsement. The finalized, stamped documents will then be mailed back to you before your departure. To help avoid delays, our veterinarian recommended providing a one-day return shipping label at your appointment—that way, all documents will make it back without a doubt, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Once you have this document, it is valid for four months within the EU
To be safe, I made extra copies of our dog’s rabies vaccination certificate, a list of all other vaccines he has had in the past, and his health certificate, and placed a folder of these documents in my checked luggage. I also kept the folder with the official, stamped health certificate and all other rabies and vaccination documents in a folder in my carry-on.
A quick note: Certain EU countries (including Ireland, Finland, Malta, and Norway) require a tapeworm treatment to be administered within five days (120 hours) prior to entry. If your travel plans don’t include these destinations, this additional step won’t be necessary.
When you are ready to return back to the United States, you must fill out a CDC import form, which consists of basic questions asking for your personal information and information about your pet. You can fill this out in about five minutes, as it is short and doesn’t ask for overly specific information.
Once you submit the form, you’ll receive a receipt by email. Because of this, it is VERY important to verify that your email address is entered correctly. If you’re flying, the airline will need to see that receipt before you board. Be sure to keep a copy handy, too, as you will also need to show it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you arrive back in the States with your pup.
If you are someone who plans to travel frequently between the EU and USA, obtaining a EU pet passport will make traveling easier and less costly. This is because you won’t have to keep applying for the pet health certificate and paying the exorbitant amount for the one-day shipping return label. You can obtain this from any veterinarian once you’ve arrived in the EU, skipping the whole health certificate process in the future. The passport itself typically costs between €10–15, though the full visit, if it includes a rabies vaccine or consultation, can range from €30–60 depending on the clinic. As someone who is usually running around, completing last minute errands right before leaving, not having to head to the vet to obtain this form would be so helpful! You can visit an EU vet at any time during your visit, but our vet advised us to try and go more towards the end of our stay, since he will have to have another rabies shot there in order to obtain the passport.
The Best Airline for Traveling to France with a Dog
When it came to choosing an airline, one thing was non-negotiable: our dog had to fly in the cabin with us. After plenty of research and several long phone calls with airline staff, we narrowed our options down to Delta, Air France, and La Compagnie. Ultimately, our decision came down to one key factor: space. Since it would be his first flight, and an eight-hour one at that, we wanted him to have as much room as possible to stretch out and feel secure.
Air France permits pets in both economy and premium economy, but their carrier size limit is 18 x 11 x 9.5 inches. Delta allowed a slightly roomier carrier at 18 x 11 x 11 inches, but feedback from other pet owners left us hesitant. Some said the space under the seat didn’t actually match the listed dimensions, and others mentioned less-than-friendly experiences with staff when traveling with animals.
In the end, we chose La Compagnie. Not only did they allow the largest carrier of the three (21.65 x 13.75 x 9.8 inches), but we also felt more confident that our pup would be comfortable for the duration of the flight. Like the others, La Compagnie charges a $200 pet fee each way, and pets count as your carry-on, meaning one of us was limited to one small personal item in addition to the carrier. (We have tips for traveling with only a personal item, if you find yourself in this situation.)
How Good is La Compagnie for Traveling with a Pet?
La Compagnie is a French boutique airline that exclusively offers business-class service, with direct flights to Paris (ORY) and Nice (NCE). Each aircraft is outfitted with just 76 seats in a 2-by-2 configuration, and every seat converts into a lie-flat bed. However, if you’re traveling with a pet in-cabin, it’s worth noting that one person in your party won’t be able to lie completely flat. I’m 5’1″ and opted to keep the carrier at my feet. While I could still recline comfortably, the carrier did limit my ability to fully stretch out.
The most memorable part of flying with our dog was, without a doubt, the cabin crew. With about one flight attendant for every 12 passengers, the service felt exceptionally attentive and personal. Our flight attendant went out of his way to care not only for us, but also for our pup, checking in frequently, offering gentle pats, and making sure he always had fresh water. At one point, he even came back with photos of his own dog and shared a few sweet stories. It was a small but heartfelt moment that made the entire flight feel even more special.
From the seamless check-in and boarding process to the relaxing lounge experience, the exceptionally comfortable in-flight environment, restaurant-quality meals, and, most importantly, the care and comfort provided to our dog, La Compagnie exceeded every expectation. We’ve decided it’s the only way we’ll fly with our pup going forward. While ticket prices can be on the higher side, the airline occasionally runs promotions worth watching for. Last Valentine’s Day, for example, they offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal, making this premium experience surprisingly attainable.
Traveling internationally with a dog might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation, it quickly becomes a rewarding adventure for both of you. From organizing the necessary paperwork to choosing an airline that puts your pet’s comfort first, every step is worth the effort. France, with its dog-friendly culture and charming towns, welcomes your furry travel companion with open arms. Once you’ve settled in, you’ll find that sharing these moments, whether wandering village streets or relaxing at a café, makes the experience all the richer. So take a deep breath, pack those documents, and get ready to explore la vie française with your best friend by your side.
Rachel Lipko is the creator of When in Provence, a travel blog where she shares stories, tips, and snapshots from life in Provence. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wandering cobblestone streets, antique hunting at brocantes or helping students fall in love with language.
