Planning a trip to Europe with your dog or cat?

You're in the right place.

I'm Fabienne, founder of Papattes en Vadrouille, and I specialize in helping pet owners travel to Europe stress-free, with their furry companions by their side.

Whether you're navigating paperwork, choosing the right airline, or looking for accommodation that truly welcomes your pet, I've got you covered.

Browse my blog posts, and feel free to reach out if you'd like personalized help planning your trip

Traveling to France with Your Dog : The Essential 2026 Guide for American Pet Owners

So you've decided to bring your dog to France, great news !

France is one of the most dog-friendly countries in the world, and getting there from the USA is absolutely doable.

But the paperwork and logistics require careful planning.

Here's exactly what you need to know.

✅ Step 1: Microchip First — Everything Else Comes After

Your dog must have an ISO-standard microchip (15 digits) before anything else.

This is non-negotiable for EU entry, and the rabies vaccination must be given after the microchip is in place, not before.

If your vet did it the other way around, the vaccine won't be recognized

💉 Step 2 : Rabies Vaccination

The rabies vaccine needs to be done at least 21 days before you arrive in Europe.

The good news: the USA is a "listed" country, meaning no rabies titer test is required, a step that adds months of waiting for travelers from less recognized countries.

📄 Step 3 : The EU Health Certificate (Your Most Critical Document)

This is where most mistakes happen.

Your USDA-accredited veterinarian must use the current 2026 version of the EU health certificate, the 2024 version expired in January 2026 and is no longer accepted.

Key timing rules:

  • The certificate must be completed by your vet within 10 days of entry into France.
  • It must then be endorsed by USDA APHIS, factor in processing time.
  • No import permit is required for personal pet dogs or cats.

⚠️ Important : New EU legislation came into effect in April 2026.

New non-commercial health certificates will go into effect on October 1, 2026, until then, current certificates can still be used. If you're traveling after that date, confirm the new format with your vet.

✈️ Step 4 : Choosing Your Flight

Small dogs (under ~8 kg / 17.6 lbs including carrier) :

You may be able to fly in-cabin. Air France allows pets in the cabin if the pet plus soft carrier weighs 8 kg or less, with a carrier fitting under the seat (46 × 28 × 24 cm).

Book your pet's spot early, spots per flight are limited.

Larger dogs : No major commercial airline consistently permits large dogs in the passenger cabin. Larger dogs generally must travel via cargo.

When planned properly, correct crate sizing, temperature-safe timing, cargo can be safe and well-managed.

🛬 Step 5 : Arriving in France

You must declare your pet at customs upon arrival.

Customs officials may ask to see your pet's documents, be prepared to present them at the first EU port of entry, even if you're connecting to another city.

🐾 One Last Thing : Restricted Breeds

France has restrictions on certain dog breeds (notably large "category 1 and 2" dogs).

If you have a Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, or similar breed, check France's specific rules before booking anything.

Feeling overwhelmed?

That's completely normal, pet travel involves vets, government agencies, airlines, and customs all at once.

That's exactly why I created Papattes en Vadrouille: to handle this complexity for you, so you can focus on planning the best trip of your (and your dog's) life.

👉 Get in touch and let's plan your France adventure together.