Pet Transport from the USA to France: AHC Requirements and Paris Entry

France as an EU Member State

France follows EU Regulation 576/2013 for pet imports from third countries. Since the USA is a listed approved country, the process is significantly simpler than moves to Australia or Japan.

What Your Pet Needs

1. Microchip – ISO 11784/11785. Add a compliant 15-digit chip if your dog or cat has an older 10-digit US chip.
2. Rabies vaccination – current. First-ever vaccination must be at least 21 days before EU entry. Boosters within validity do not need the 21-day wait.
3. EU Animal Health Certificate – prepared by a USDA-accredited vet, endorsed by USDA APHIS, issued within 10 days of arrival in France
4. Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) – praziquantel, administered 1 to 5 days before arrival, recorded in the AHC

USDA APHIS Endorsement

Find USDA-accredited vets at aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel. After the vet prepares the AHC:

• Submit to USDA APHIS state office for endorsement
• Allow 2 to 5 business days (expedited service available)
• Keep endorsed original safe – this is your travel document

Airlines from the USA to France

• Air France – accepts pets in cabin (small) and hold on transatlantic routes
• Delta Air Lines – restricted transatlantic pet cargo; check current policy
• American Airlines – hold cargo to Paris
• La Compagnie – premium carrier with more flexible pet policies

After Arrival in France

France has an EU Pet Passport system. You can obtain a French EU Pet Passport from a registered vet after arrival. This makes future travel within the EU and to listed third countries easier. The passport links vaccination records, microchip, and titres (if applicable).

Verify current USDA and EU requirements before travel. Information accurate as of May 2026.