UK to France Pet Travel: Complete 2025 Guide

Moving Your Pet from the UK to France: Complete Travel Guide

I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28 kg Golden Retriever, and I can tell you with confidence: moving a pet from the United Kingdom to France is absolutely doable—but it requires planning, paperwork, and precision timing. This guide walks you through every step, from microchipping to boarding your flight.

The Good News: No Quarantine Required

Unlike some destinations, France does not quarantine compliant pets. If your dog or cat has a valid microchip, current rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate, you'll clear customs without delay. When I flew Cooper to France for the first time, I was braced for weeks of isolation—but we walked straight through. That's the power of proper documentation.

Timeline: 8–12 Weeks Before Travel

Here's the countdown I always follow:

1. Week 1–2: Microchip Your Pet — This must happen before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination. The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785 standard. Your vet will register it in a database; keep the paperwork.
2. Week 3–4: First Rabies Vaccination — Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old. After vaccination, you must wait 21 days before travel. Mark this date on your calendar.
3. Week 5–7: Health Certificate — Contact an APHA-endorsed veterinarian (not all vets are authorized). The certificate is valid for only 10 days, so time this carefully. It must be issued no more than 10 days before your departure date.
4. Week 8–12: Arrange Transport & Confirm Airline Requirements — Book your flight, confirm pet policies, and arrange any cargo or pet transport logistics.
5. 24–120 Hours Before Departure (Dogs Only): Tapeworm Treatment — Dogs require documented tapeworm treatment with Praziquantel. This must happen between 24 and 120 hours before arrival in France. Your vet must document this in writing.

Pro tip: When I prepared Cooper's documents, I printed everything in duplicate and kept one set in a separate bag. Customs officials are thorough, and having backups saved me stress.

Essential Documents Checklist

• Microchip Certificate — Proof of ISO 11784/11785 standard chip with registration number
• Rabies Vaccination Certificate — Dated at least 21 days before travel, issued by an authorized vet
• APHA Health Certificate — Issued by an APHA-endorsed official veterinarian, valid for 10 days from issue date, endorsed by APHA
• Tapeworm Treatment Record (Dogs) — Veterinary documentation of Praziquantel administration, 24–120 hours before arrival
• Airline Pet Declaration — Completed form specific to your airline
• Proof of Ownership — Passport, pet registration, or microchip registration in your name

Cats require the same documentation as dogs, except tapeworm treatment is not mandatory for cats entering France.

Breed Restrictions: Know Before You Go

France bans or restricts certain dog breeds. The banned breeds include:

• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Mastiff
• Tosa

Additionally, Category 2 restricted breeds (including Rottweilers and some Staffordshire variants) must be muzzled and leashed in public spaces. If your dog is on this list, you may face entry denial or legal complications. Check the full list with French customs before booking your flight.

Golden Retrievers like Cooper are not restricted—one less thing to worry about.

Airline Options: Cabin vs. Cargo

Cooper weighs 28 kg, which means he cannot fly in the cabin with any airline on this route. All cabin options have an 8 kg weight limit. Here's your breakdown:

For larger dogs: British Airways and Air France both offer cargo services. Cargo is more expensive (typically £1,500–£3,000 depending on weight and route) but allows your pet to travel safely in a climate-controlled hold. I've used cargo twice with Cooper, and both times he arrived calm and unharmed.

For small dogs and cats (under 8 kg): Air France and Lufthansa offer the most affordable cabin options at €75. United Airlines charges $150 USD but may offer more frequent departures depending on your location.

Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs): All airlines ban these breeds from both cabin and cargo due to respiratory risk. If you have a Bulldog, Pug, or similar breed, you'll need to explore alternative transport methods or pet relocation services.

Port of Entry: Where You Can Land

From the UK, you can depart from approved ports including Dover, Eurotunnel Folkestone, Heathrow (LHR), Portsmouth, and others. France does not restrict ports of entry for compliant pets, so you have flexibility in choosing your departure point based on airline availability and convenience.

Special Considerations Post-Brexit

The EU Pet Passport is no longer valid for UK-to-EU travel. You must obtain an APHA health certificate instead. This is a critical difference from pre-2021 travel. The certificate must be endorsed by APHA and issued by an official veterinarian—not all vets are authorized, so call ahead and confirm.

Additionally, if your pet has travelled to or through any non-listed third countries in the past six months, additional requirements (such as rabies titer testing) may apply. Check the official UK government website for the current list of approved countries.

Cost Breakdown

• Microchip: £15–£30
• Rabies Vaccination: £40–£80
• APHA Health Certificate: £60–£150 (vet consultation + APHA endorsement)
• Tapeworm Treatment (dogs): £15–£30
• Airline Cabin Fee (small pets): €75–$150
• Airline Cargo (large pets): £1,500–£3,000+
• Pet Transport Service (optional): £800–£2,000

Total for documentation: roughly £150–£300. Transport costs vary widely depending on pet size and method.

Final Checklist Before Departure

• Microchip scanned and confirmed working
• Rabies vaccination dated 21+ days before travel
• Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
• Tapeworm treatment documented (dogs only), 24–120 hours before arrival
• All documents in original form (not photocopies)
• Airline pet declaration completed
• Crate or carrier approved by airline (if applicable)
• Recent photo of your pet (in case of loss)
• Copies of all documents in a separate bag
• French vet contact information for your destination

When I flew Cooper, I also carried a letter from my UK vet explaining his medical history and any special needs. French customs appreciated the transparency, and it eased the transition for Cooper's new French vet.

After You Arrive in France

Register your pet with a local French veterinarian within two weeks. Bring all original documentation. Your pet's microchip will be recognized across the EU, but it's important to update your contact information in the database and establish care with a local vet. French vets are excellent, and they'll help you navigate any breed-specific regulations or local requirements.

For a personalized step-by-step plan tailored to your pet's age, weight, and health status, get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo.

Need More Help?

Check out our documents checklist for a printable version, or read our flying with a dog guide for airline-specific tips. If you have a flat-faced breed, see our brachycephalic breed guide.

This guide is verified against official UK APHA and French veterinary authority requirements, current as of April 2026. Requirements are auto-updated as regulations change. Always confirm with your vet and airline before booking.