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
- Microchip – ISO 11784/11785. Add a compliant 15-digit chip if your dog or cat has an older 10-digit US chip.
- 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.
- EU Animal Health Certificate – prepared by a USDA-accredited vet, endorsed by USDA APHIS, issued within 10 days of arrival in France
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The USA is on the EU’s approved third country list. Pets from the USA do not need a rabies titre test to enter France (EU). You need a microchip, current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old if first-time), and an EU Animal Health Certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the primary port of entry for live animal cargo arriving from the USA. CDG has dedicated live animal handling facilities. Lyon Saint-Exupery and Marseille Provence also handle international live animal arrivals but CDG is the main hub.
Your vet must be USDA-accredited. They complete the EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC). You then submit the certificate to USDA APHIS for endorsement. Allow 2 to 5 business days. The endorsed AHC must be issued within 10 days of your pet arriving in France.