Travelling to France with your dog is easier than many people think, provided you prepare in advance. Whether you’re heading over for a camping holiday, staying in a gîte, visiting family or spending a few weeks at your holiday home, there are a few legal requirements you must meet before you travel.
The good news is that France is one of Europe’s most dog-friendly countries. Dogs are often welcome in cafés, restaurants, campsites, markets and even many shops, making it an excellent destination for a holiday with your pet.
Here’s everything you need to know before you set off.
Before You Travel to France
Your dog must be microchipped
Your dog must have an ISO-compliant microchip before travelling.
The microchip must be implanted before, or on the same day as, the rabies vaccination. If your dog was vaccinated before being microchipped, the vaccination isn’t valid for travel and a new vaccination will be required.
It’s also worth checking that your contact details linked to the microchip are up to date before you leave home.
Rabies vaccination
Your dog must have a valid rabies vaccination.
If it’s your dog’s first rabies vaccination:
- They must be at least 12 weeks old.
- You must wait 21 days after the vaccination before travelling.
Booster vaccinations remain valid provided they are given before the previous vaccination expires.
Animal Health Certificate or Pet Passport
The documents you’ll need depend on where you’re travelling from.
If you’re travelling from the UK, your dog will usually need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days before entering the EU.
If you’re travelling from another EU country, a valid EU Pet Passport is normally all that’s required.
Always keep your pet’s documents with your own passport, as they may be checked before boarding or on arrival.
Check your breed
France has restrictions on certain breeds of dog.
Some dogs classed as Category 1 (certain pit bull-type dogs without pedigree papers) cannot normally enter France.
Category 2 dogs, including some pedigree American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers and Tosas, may enter but are subject to additional rules such as muzzling and public liability insurance.
If your dog falls into one of these categories, check the rules well before you book your holiday.
Travelling to France
Whether you’re travelling by ferry, Eurotunnel or plane, your pet’s documents will usually be checked before departure.
Many ferry companies provide dedicated pet areas, while Eurotunnel Le Shuttle has a quick and straightforward pet reception where your dog’s microchip and paperwork are checked before boarding.
Remember to pack:
- Fresh drinking water
- A travel bowl
- Food for the journey
- Lead and harness
- Poo bags
- Favourite blanket or toy
- Any medication your dog needs
If you’re driving, plan regular stops every couple of hours so your dog can stretch their legs, drink some water and cool down.
Is France Dog Friendly?
Absolutely! Compared with many countries, dogs are welcomed almost everywhere provided they’re well behaved.
You’ll often find dogs allowed:
- On café terraces
- Inside many restaurants
- In hotels and holiday rentals
- On campsites
- At outdoor markets
- On hiking trails
- On many beaches outside the peak summer season
Some beaches prohibit dogs during July and August, so always check local signs before heading onto the sand.
Dogs should generally be kept on a lead in towns and villages unless signs indicate otherwise.
Finding a Vet in France
Hopefully you won’t need one, but it’s reassuring to know that veterinary care in France is excellent.
Most towns have at least one veterinary practice, while larger towns may have emergency clinics open outside normal hours.
If your dog needs treatment while you’re on holiday, take along:
- Your Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport.
- Details of any medication your dog takes.
- Your dog’s vaccination history, if available.
Many vets in tourist areas speak some English, but having important medical information written down can be helpful.
Returning to the UK
This is the step many travellers forget.
Before returning to Great Britain, your dog must receive a tapeworm treatment from an authorised veterinarian.
The treatment must be given:
- No less than 24 hours before arrival.
- No more than 120 hours (5 days) before arrival.
The vet must record the treatment correctly in your dog’s travel documents.
Without this treatment, your dog may not be allowed to travel back to Great Britain.
If you’re travelling during the busy summer months, book your appointment several days in advance, particularly in popular holiday areas where vets can become fully booked.
Typical Costs
While prices vary, it’s worth budgeting for:
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Animal Health Certificate (UK) | £100–£250 |
| French vet consultation | €40–€70 |
| Tapeworm treatment before returning | €20–€50 |
| Ferry pet supplement | Varies by operator |
| Eurotunnel pet fee | Varies by operator |
Booking early can often reduce ferry or tunnel travel costs if you’re taking your pet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many pet owners run into problems because of simple oversights.
The most common mistakes include:
- Forgetting the tapeworm treatment before returning to the UK.
- Travelling before the 21-day rabies waiting period has ended.
- Discovering the microchip was fitted after the rabies vaccination.
- Leaving the Animal Health Certificate at home.
- Allowing the rabies vaccination to expire before travelling.
Checking everything a week before departure can save a great deal of stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my puppy to France?
Usually not until they’re at least 15 weeks old, as they must first be vaccinated against rabies and then wait 21 days before travelling.
Can dogs travel on ferries and the Eurotunnel?
Yes. Most major ferry operators and Eurotunnel Le Shuttle welcome pets, although charges apply and procedures vary.
Do I need pet insurance?
It’s not compulsory, but it’s worth checking whether your existing policy provides cover while travelling abroad.
Can my dog go into restaurants?
Many restaurants, cafés and bars welcome well-behaved dogs, especially those with outdoor seating. It’s always polite to ask first.
What if my dog becomes ill while I’m in France?
Contact the nearest veterinary practice as soon as possible. Emergency veterinary services are widely available throughout France.
Final Checklist Before You Leave
✔ ISO-compliant microchip
✔ Valid rabies vaccination
✔ Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport
✔ Lead, collar and ID tag
✔ Food, water and travel supplies
✔ Medication (if required)
✔ Book your tapeworm treatment before travelling back to the UK
✔ Keep all travel documents together
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Need Help?
Whether you’re visiting France for a week or spending the whole summer here, Help in France is here to make life easier. From practical advice and translations to helping you navigate French systems, we provide friendly support for English speakers across France.
Planning your trip? Get in touch if you need help before you travel or while you’re in France.