Okay, real talk: bringing a dog from France into the United States looks intimidating on paper, but the actual entry rules come down to a handful of moving pieces you can absolutely stack in your favor. Rabies status, a valid health certificate, and the current CDC entry steps — get those aligned and you're golden. Sam and I timed our first crossing down to the week, and honestly, the planning was the fun part.

Flying with a pet from France to France to United States bundles two sets of rules: the destination's import requirements, and each airline's pet-travel policy on the route. This page combines them so you can plan one consistent timeline.

Flying with your pet from France to United States

United States import requirements

What you need to bring a pet to United States

Requirement Detail Source & confidence
✓ Microchip Required 97%
✓ Rabies vaccine 84-day wait before travel 85%
✓ Health certificate 10-day validity from issue 85%
✓ Titer test Required 90%
✓ Quarantine Required 85%
✓ Import permit Required 95%
✓ Tapeworm treatment Required 85%

Timing chain

Day -90 microchip implant · Day -84 rabies vaccine deadline · Day -10 health certificate issued · Day 0 arrive at customs

Frequently asked

What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity?
If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.
What happens if I forget a document?
At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
Nala has opinions about layovers, but she has bigger opinions about paperwork gaps at the border — trust me, you don't want to test it. The United States updates its entry steps more often than people expect, so check the current rules, not last year's. Build your personalized plan with Pawgo, drop in your route and dates, and we'll map every requirement so you can spend your energy on the adventure. Let's go.
Get YOUR personalized plan for France to United States →

Glossary

ISO chip
ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard.
FAVN
Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations.
Brachycephalic
Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk.
AVIH
Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.