Non-commercial movements of pet animals from the United States

LE SERVICE AGRICOLE DE L’AMBASSADE DE FRANCE A WASHINGTON

MIS A JOUR EN JUIN 2023

SERVICE ECONOMIQUE REGIONAL DE L’AMBASSADE DE FRANCE A WASHINGTON – POLE AGRICOLE

4101 Reservoir Road NW - Washington, DC 20007

Tél. : +1 202 944 6361 // Fax : +1 202 944 6336 // Club des Exportateurs // www.frenchtreasuryintheus.org

Etats-Unis

Non-commercial movements of pet animals

from the United States and Canada to France

TABLE OF CONTENT:

I. DOGS, CATS AND FERRETS…………………………………………..........… p.2

FAQ ON EU PASSPORTS………………………………………………… p.7

SPECIAL CASES……………………………………………………………… p.7

II. DOMESTIC PET RODENTS, REPTILES AND ORNEMENTAL FISH…p.8

III. PET BIRDS...............................................………………………………… p.9

IV. OTHER SPECIES……………………………………………………………………….p.11

V. CITES WARNING….………………………………………………………………….p.11

VI. PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE..………………………………………p.12

THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE DOES NOT PROVIDE WAIVERS

FOR THE IMPORT REQUIREMENTS

LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT

== INCLUDING FOR ASSISTANCE DOGS ==

I. DOGS, CATS AND FERRETS

In order to bring their dogs, cats and ferrets from the United States or Canada into France, travelers

must abide by the following conditions. The rules for the two countries are identical, except for the

agency that must certify the health certificates.

1. AGE

The animal must be at least 12 weeks old, before being vaccinated (and de facto, before traveling)

2. IDENTIFICATION

Every animal must be identified by a microchip (standard ISO 11784 or annex A ISO standard 11785)

or a tattoo.

 In case of identification with a tattoo, the tattoo must have been applied before July 2011 and

remain clearly readable.

 If the microchip standard is different from standard ISO 11784 or annex A ISO standard 11785,

you must bring your own scanner in order to read the microchip.

3. VACCINATION

Every animal must have a valid rabies vaccination. The period of validity of the vaccination

corresponds to the period of protective immunity conferred by the anti-rabies vaccine used.

 The animal must be at least 12 weeks old, before being vaccinated (and de facto, before

traveling).

 For a primary rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days between the last shot of the vaccination

protocol and the departure to France.

 A revaccination (booster) has to be carried out within the period of validity of the previous

vaccination, as specified by the marketing authorization of the vaccine used at the time of the

previous vaccination.

 A revaccination (booster) must be considered a primary vaccination if it was not carried out

within the period of validity of the previous vaccination.

Any rabies vaccination prior to micro-chipping is considered non-valid.

 If your dog, cat or ferret has been vaccinated before being fitted with a microchip, the animal

will have to be vaccinated again after the microchip is inserted.

 You must wait at least 21 days between the completion of the vaccination protocol (the same as

for a primary vaccination) and the departure date, even if the animal was vaccinated before the

micro-chipping.

* Depending on the vaccine used in the vaccination protocol, primary vaccination may require one or two injections.

**Identification before or at the latest on the day of the first injection.

4. BLOOD TEST

A blood test for rabies antibody titration is not required for animals coming from Canada and the

United States (including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern

Mariana Islands).

Blood tests are also not required for animals coming from the following countries and territories:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus,

Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Curacao, United Arab Emirates, Fiji, Hong Kong,

Ascension Island, BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba), Cayman Islands, Falkland

Islands, Faroe Islands, British Virgin islands, Greenland, Gibraltar, Wallis and Futuna, Iceland,

Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco,

Montserrat, Norway, New Caledonia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Russia, St Kitts and

Nevis, St Helena, St Lucia, San Marino, St. Martin (the Dutch part), St Pierre and Miquelon St

Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Vatican

City, and Vanuatu

 If transiting through a country where the blood test is required (country not listed above), the

owner or the authorized person must provide a declaration certifying that, during the transit,

the animals had no contact with any animals of species susceptible to rabies and remained

secured within the means of transportation or within the perimeter of the international airport.

If you are transiting through a country where a blood test is required (country not listed

above), please fill out the form below:

Transit declaration

Valid rabies

vaccination

1st vaccine booster

Vaccine validity period

2nd vaccine booster

Vaccine validity period

…………………………..

1st day

Identification**

Date from which

departure is

possible

12 weeks

Primary*

rabies

vaccination

21 days

Birth day

5. OFFICIAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE

General principle:

If you possess an EU Pet Passport which has been filled in the EU,

AND the previous vaccination has been carried out in the EU,

AND the rabies vaccination is still valid,

AND – if needed (see above for transiting countries) – the blood sample has been carried out

in the EU,

 You do not need to apply for an Official Health Certificate.

 If you DO NOT comply with all these conditions, you have to apply for an Official Health

Certificate in your country of departure.

Model of Official Health Certificate:

If you are bringing five animals or less, they need to be accompanied by an Official Health Certificate

(Annex IV of EU implementing regulation 577/2013), endorsed by an official veterinarian.

 Official Health Certificate to be used for a departure from the USA.

Official Health Certificate – USA – Dogs, cats, ferrets (5 or less)

 Official Health Certificate to be used for a departure from Canada.

Official Health Certificate – CANADA – Dogs, cats, ferrets (5 or less)

Endorsement of the Official Health Certificate:

 In the United States, the official health certificate will be issued by a USDA-accredited

veterinarian and endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and

Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). USDA endorsement is required for all certificates except

those issued by military veterinarians for dogs, cats and ferrets. Please check the list of USDA

Offices.

o The list of regional USDA-APHIS Area Offices of Veterinary Services may be consulted at the

following URL address:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/service-centers-endorsement-offices

o You can submit your health certificate (paperwork) to be signed:

▪ Either by using the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS),

▪ Or by shipping the paperwork to USDA. Use the shipping address for the

USDA Endorsement Office serving your State.

 In Canada, the official health certificate will be issued by veterinarians and endorsed by the

Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Animal Health Offices. Please check the list of regional

animal health offices:

o The list of CFIA Animal Health Offices may be consulted at the following address:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-

animals/offices/eng/1300462382369/1300462438912

Validity of the Official Health Certificate:

 The Official Health Certificate will be valid for 10 days, from the date of endorsement until the

date of arrival at the EU point of entry. For maritime travel, the 10-day window is extended for a

period equal to the duration of the maritime voyage.

 The certificate is also valid for the purpose of further movements within the EU for a total of

4 months from its date of issue or until the date of expiration of the rabies vaccination, whichever

date is earlier.

6. MOVEMENT OF PET WITHOUT THE OWNER OR THE AUTHORIZED PERSON

The owner or authorized person should accompany his/her animal during a non-commercial

movement. Nevertheless, the movement of an animal travelling 5 days before or after the owner or

authorized person is accepted with the presentation of a justifying document (boarding pass, plane

ticket, etc.). The following declaration document should be completed and presented:

If you cannot be present at arrival, please fill out the following certificate:

Declaration 2 – Owner not present at arrival

7. MOVEMENT OF MORE THAN 5 PETS

You may also use the following certificate if you are bringing more than 5 animals, but under the

following conditions:

 The non-commercial movement of these animals concerns competitions, exhibitions, sporting

events or training for the purpose of these events.

 The owner or authorized person submits written proof that these animals are registered, either

for the participation in one of the aforementioned events or registered by their organizing

association.

 The animals must be more than 6 months old.

If you are bringing more than 5 animals (for private, non-commercial puposes), and if you

meet the requirements described above, please use the two following certificates (Annex I of EU

regulation 2013/519):

Certificate 2 – Dogs, cats, ferrets (more than 5)

English

Certificate 2 – Dogs, cats, ferrets (more than 5)

French

FAQ ON EU PET PASSPORTS

What is an EU Pet Passport?

• An EU Pet Passport is a document issued by an veterinarian in a European Union Member

State that contains official health information related to a specific pet (for dogs, cats and

ferrets only).

• An EU Pet Passport cannot be obtained in the U.S. or Canada, and cannot be filled out by a

veterinarian located outside of the EU.

• The purpose of the EU Pet Passport is to simplify travel between EU member states, but the

EU has also allowed it to be used for pets returning to the EU from other countries.

If your pet has an EU Pet Passport, what documents are needed to return to France?

• If the rabies vaccination recorded in the EU Pet Passport is still valid and was recorded by an

EU veterinarian, your pet will only need the EU Pet Passport to travel back to France.

• If the rabies vaccination recorded in the EU Pet Passport has expired and your pet requires

revaccination in the U.S. or was already revaccinated while in the U.S., you will need to obtain

an Official Health Certificate issued by a USDA (U.S) /CFIA (Canada) Accredited Veterinarian

before your pet leaves the U.S./Canada by following the instructions above. You will need to

follow the steps for dogs, cats, and ferrets that do not have an EU Pet Passport.

Does my pet require a clinical examination in the U.S. before returning to France?

• Pets returning to France with a valid EU Pet Passport DO NOT need a clinical examination.

SPECIAL CASES

Dog breeds considered to be dangerous:

• Importing into any French territory any dog resembling the following breeds, based on their

morphology, is forbidden: Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (pitbulls),

Mastiff (boerbulls) and Tosa.

• However, importing to any French territory of any dog of the following breeds: Staffordshire

terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (pitbulls), and Tosa, registered in a pedigree book (such

as the American Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club), as well as dogs related to

Rottweilers, is possible, under special rules. These special rules make travelling with these

breeds for short periods extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Assistance dogs:

• Assistance dogs are subject to the exact same health requirements as all other pet dogs. No

special exceptions will be made.

II. DOMESTIC PET RODENTS, REPTILES, AND ORNAMENTAL FISH

You may bring into France a maximum of 5 domestic rodents, pet reptiles, or ornamental fish per

family for non-commercial purposes (not intended for sale). An accompanying document (in French

and English), issued no later than ten (10) days prior to arrival into France by a national licensed

veterinarian of the country of export must accompany the rodent, reptile, or ornamental fish. Please

use the following certificate.

Domestic pet rodents, reptiles and ornamental fish

III. PET BIRDS

WARNING: The EU regulations regarding the movements of pet birds have been modified in response

to the avian influenza alert (bird flu). The regulations below remain applicable until further

instructions.

Pet birds may be brought to France solely under the following conditions:

1. Each family is limited to 5 birds;

2. ONE of the following three conditions must be fulfilled:

• Each bird must have been isolated for 30 days prior to export in the place of departure

(applies to both the United States and Canada)

• Each bird must have been vaccinated, and at least on one occasion re-vaccinated,

against avian influenza using an H5 and H7 vaccine approved for the species

concerned in accordance with manufacturer instructions; the bird must have been

vaccinated within the last six months and no later than 60 days prior to departure

from the U.S. or Canada;

• Each bird must have been in isolation for at least 10 days before departure and must

have undergone a PCR test to detect the H5 and H7 virus with a negative result carried

out on a sample taken no earlier than the third day of isolation.

AND

The birds must be transferred to a private residence within the European Union and

may not be introduced to a group of birds during the 30 days following entry.

3. Compliance with the above conditions must be certified by an official veterinarian in

accordance with the approved model certificates. USDA (for the United States) or CFIA (for

Canada) endorsement is required for all certificates.

• In the United States, the official health certificate will be issued by an USDA accredited

veterinarian and endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). USDA endorsement is required for

all certificates. Please check the list of USDA Offices.

o The list of regional USDA-APHIS Area Offices of Veterinary Services may be

consulted at the following URL address:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/service-centers-endorsement-

offices

• In Canada, the official health certificate will be issued by veterinarians and endorsed

by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Animal Health Offices. Please check

the list of regional animal health offices:

o The list of CFIA Animal Health Offices may be consulted at the following

address:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-

animals/offices/eng/1300462382369/1300462438912

The documents linked below provide an English and French version of the same approved model

certificate. Both versions must be completed and signed by the competent authorities in the US or

Canada. The French version will be requested by the French authorities upon arrival in France.

Birds - English version

Birds - French version

IV. OTHER SPECIES

For:

 other pets than those mentioned in I to III above,

 or pets listed in I to III above but intended to be exported to France in greater quantities than

those allowed for under the regulations,

please call our office.

V. CITES WARNING

France is party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and

Flora.

International trade in species listed by the Convention is unlawful unless authorized by permit. This

includes, for example, wild birds, reptiles, crustaceans, fish as well as any part or product (such as skins,

feathers, eggs) and products and articles manufactured from wildlife and fish.

 Permits to export from Canada or re-export certificates are issued by Environment Canada

(Convention Administrator - Canadian Wildlife Service - Ottawa - ON K1A 0H3).

 Permits to export from the US or re-export certificates are issued by the US Fish and Wildlife

Service (Office of Management Authority - Department of the Interior - Washington, DC 20240).

 Permits to import into France are issued by the Ministère de la transition écologique et de la

cohésion des territoires (Direction de l’eau et de la biodiversité - sous-direction de la protection et

de la restauration des écosystèmes terrestres - bureau des espèces protégées – Tour Séquioa, 1

place Carpeaux 92055 Paris La Défense - France).

Many birds are registered as endangered species according to the Washington Convention. In such

cases, a specific permit is required in the country of departure and in the country of arrival. See below.

Please note that until further instructions are given, commercial movements of live birds into the

European Union are strictly forbidden.

11 
 
VI.  PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE 
If the above-mentioned health requirements are not complied with, the officials in charge of checks 
can, at the owner’s expense, have the animal sent back to the country of origin, have it put into 
quarantine or have it euthanized, pursuant to Articles L.236-9 and L.236-10 of the French rural and 
maritime fishing code (“Code rural et de la pêche maritime”). 
Failure to observe the regulations and thereby causing or contributing to the involuntary spreading of 
transmissible diseases in domestic or wild vertebrates may result in a fine of €300,000 and two years 
in prison. 
Moreover, if the failure to observe the requirements set out in Article L.236-9 has had a serious effect 
on human or animal health, the penalties are increased to five years in prison and a fine of €600,000. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For more information: 
https://franceintheus.org/spip.php?article3163 
http://mesdemarches.agriculture.gouv.fr/demarches/particulier/vivre-avec-un-animal-de-
compagnie/article/entrer-en-france-avec-un-animal-de?id_rubrique=54 
http://www.douane.gouv.fr/articles/a11626-voyage-venir-en-france-avec-mon-animal-de-
compagnie 
https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/eu-legislation/non-commercial-non-
eu_en 
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/eu/pettravel-france 
Pets (dogs, cats and ferrets): animal health certificates - Canadian Food Inspection Agency 
(canada.ca) 