While the opening of the borders of EU countries has made travel easier, animals must meet certain requirements.
Since 2004, European regulations have governed health conditions relating to the movement of companion animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) between Member States and from third countries.
Among the essential conditions: anti-rabies vaccination and identification.
Health precautions
First condition: rabies vaccination. Performed by a veterinarian, it requires a regular booster and can be done from the age of 3 months. For most countries, your pet's vaccination should be older than 21 days and less than a year old. Following the injection, a certificate is drawn up by the veterinarian in the European pet passport that must be possessed by any owner wishing to travel with his companion. Delivered exclusively by a veterinarian, this notebook provides information on the identity of the animal and its master, as well as on the schedule of vaccinations performed with their validity limit.
Since 2009, it is the only official document authorized to certify the anti-rabies vaccination but also the identification of the animal.
Finally, if you are going to Finland, Ireland, Malta or the United Kingdom, your dog will also need to be dewormed against echinococcal worms.
Identification, the basics
The second requirement is the identification of your companion by tattoo or microchip.
Placed under the skin most often at the neck of the animal, the latter is tamper-proof and has the advantage of having no time limit compared to the traditional tattoo, whose readability decreases over the years.
All domestic carnivores born after July 2011 must also be identified by this means in order to be able to travel.
Also note that the maximum number of animals that can accompany you is five, except in special circumstances such as participation in a competition or a sporting event.
Transport side
Train or plane, here again, precautions are necessary. The SNCF allows pets to travel but, like us, they must have a ticket. Prices vary depending on their size. Thus, dogs and cats weighing less than 6 kg must travel in a closed bag or basket placed at your feet or on your knees. For animals over 6 kg, you will need to pay a second class half-fare ticket, and dogs will have to wear a muzzle throughout the journey. The only exception, guide dogs for the blind travel free on board all trains, and may be exempt from muzzles if they are not used to doing so.
If you are traveling by air, pets accepted in the cabin are also small, that is to say between 5 and 8 kg depending on the airlines, as well as assistance dogs.
Beyond this weight and up to 75 kg, they will have to travel in the hold, in an individual box conforming to the IATA (International Air Transport Association) standard.
All vaccines must of course be up to date.
Know that it is possible to administer to your animal a medicine against motion sickness or to avoid a state of too much stress.
Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the appropriate product.
Finally, note that due to the health crisis due to the coronavirus, special arrangements have been made and are likely to change depending on the evolution of the situation.
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Special cases
If you own a 1st and 2nd category dog, it will be subject to special regulations.
More info on the government website Service-public.fr and that of the central canine society Centrale-canine.fr.
If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact the embassy or consulate in France in the country of destination, which will be able to provide you with more precise information.
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