Pet immigration regulations

When it comes to pet immigration, regulations vary from country to country, and can be strict for reasons of public health, safety and animal welfare. They are generally put in place to prevent the spread of animal diseases and protect public health. Here are a few important points to consider if you're thinking of traveling or importing your pet to a country.

Travelling in Europe

When you travel within the European Union, legislation applies equally throughout the territory. In addition to the basic requirements (vaccines, chip, identity documents, see belowIf you are importing your pet into the European Union, please find below additional information on the legal and regulatory bases.

Declaring and presenting your animal

The identity check carried out by customs is an exemption from veterinary inspection. When you arrive in France, you must report And present your pet(s).

The declaration must be made +/- 5 days before the movement.

Customs checks pets arriving on European territory.
Animals recognized as "pets" in Europe are :

• Dogs (including assistance dogs)
• Cats
• Ferrets
• Reptiles
• Amphibians
• Invertebrates (except bees and crustaceans)
• Domestic rodents and rabbits
• Ornamental fish
• All bird species, with the exception of hens, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges and ratites (Ratitae)

Any animal not mentioned in this category must be presented to the veterinary control, at border checkpoints.

To be able to benefit of the derogation for veterinary control at the border control post:

• That the movement be non-commercial.
• The number of animals must be less than or equal to 5, unless you are participating in a competition, in which case you can obtain a special dispensation.
• The animal must be accompanied by the required documents.

If the animals are sold during transport, they must be presented for health inspection at a border control post. In this case, the animals must be accompanied by a health certificate for commercial import into the European Union.

Special case :

• If you are not the owner of the animal, you must have written authorization from the owner.
• If you are traveling with a dog to Ireland, the UK, Malta or Finland, the animal must be at least 3 months old and have received, between 24 and 120 hours before arrival, a treatment against worms (echinococcus) recorded on the passport by the veterinarian who administered it.

Travelling outside Europe

Regulations are specific to each country, so it's essential to be aware of the requirements for importing pets. You'll need to contact the local authorities: embassies, consulates, police headquarters, Ministry of Agriculture... All of them will be able to answer your questions.

You will need to ask your vet for a original health certificate and the certificate of "non-commercial movement of a number of dogs, cats or ferrets". if your pet falls into one of these categories.

💡 Good to know: The European passport is also recognized in Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican. In these states, the same health formalities than within the EU are applied for dogsthe cats or the ferrets.

For other states or other animals, you can contact the departmental directorate in charge of population protection (DDPP Or DDETSPP) who will be able to tell you more precisely what to do and how to do it. additional formalities depending on your destination.

Common data for each animal movement

Vaccinations and health certificates

Your pet's health record must be up to date for the trip. Many countries require pets to be vaccinated against rabies but here too, each country has its own conditions, so it's essential to find out beforehand.

It's essential to make an appointment with your vet, who will then check that your pet is in good health and that its vaccinations are up to date. Your pet must be identifiedIts microchip acts as an identity document, but also as a passport, and the information it contains must be up to date.

💡 We also recommend updating the flea and worming medication.

He'll also issue you with an original health certificate and the "non-commercial movement of a number of dogs, cats or ferrets" certificate if your pet falls into one of these categories.

Electronic chip and identification

In accordance with international standards, your pet must be identifiable, and therefore chipped. You'll need to check this before you travel.

Health examinations and time limits

Depending on the destination, specific health examinations may be required within specific time limits before travel. These may include blood tests, certificates with detailed information... Make sure you respect the deadlines to avoid problems on arrival.

Papers and documentation

There may be many documents to provide, and you should make sure you have them all ready and in order before your trip (import form, treatments, health documents, etc.).

Transport

Please ensure your pet's well-being during the journey: fresh water, food and sufficient space. You can consult our dedicated articleHere you'll find tips and standards to be observed when flying.

Be sure to check the regulations governing specific species.

Quarantine

Some countries may require a period of quarantine if identity and sanitary requirements are not met, or to ensure that the animal shows no signs of disease. Quarantine is carried out in separate boxes, as if in caterpillars.

Quarantines are compulsory and financed by the pet owner. The length of the quarantine varies from country to country, ranging from a few days to several months, and in some cases the pet owner is responsible for its care and feeding.

Some pet species may be banned or subject to special restrictions in certain countries due to environmental or health concerns. Find out what rules apply to your type of animal.

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