The journey from Australia to France for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Give yourself close to 4-6 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Australia to France
typically takes around 4-6 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Australia to France pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in Australia
6+ weeks before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination is valid and 21-day post-primary wait is complete.
Responsible: Vet in Australia
6+ weeks before travel
3
Book cargo from SYD or MEL to CDG via SIN or DXB.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
4
Obtain DAFF-endorsed EU-format health certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: Accredited vet plus DAFF endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
5
Depart SYD or MEL. French customs inspects at Paris CDG on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and French customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter France
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Australia is an EU-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait do not apply. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. French customs inspects at Paris CDG.
Import permit
No import permit required. DAFF-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by DAFF, issued within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Australia)
No formal export permit required for companion animals from Australia. DAFF endorsement is the key export step. Primary departure airports: Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL).
Costs
What this route typically costs
DAFF-endorsed health certificate: AUD 200-600 (approximately EUR 130-400)
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo SYD/MEL to CDG via hub: EUR 1,800-4,000 depending on crate size and routing
Pet transport agent (recommended for long-haul): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 2,200-5,200
Critical points to read before you book
Australia is EU-listed: no titre test or 3-month wait required. Preparation takes 4-6 weeks with a current vaccination.
No direct SYD or MEL to CDG cargo service; all routings connect via Singapore or Dubai.
France Category 1 breed ban covers Pit Bull type dogs without LOF or FCI breed registration.
DAFF endorsement takes a few working days; allow enough lead time within the 10-day certificate window.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines Cargo via SIN
Singapore Airlines operates Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) to Singapore (SIN) with connections to Paris CDG. Single transfer at Changi. Air France Cargo also uses SIN as a connecting hub from Australia.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Emirates operates SYD and MEL to Dubai (DXB) with connections to Paris CDG. Temperature-controlled live animal cargo throughout.
Cargo Only
AIR FRANCE
Air France Cargo via SIN or DXB
Air France Cargo connects from Australia to Paris CDG via Singapore or Dubai hub partners. CDG is the main French arrival point for live animal cargo from the Southern Hemisphere.
Cargo Only
France import rules, explained
France keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.
Practical tips for this move
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
FAQ
Common questions about Australia to France pet transport
No. Australia is an EU-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month waiting period do not apply. A valid microchip, current rabies vaccination, and DAFF-endorsed EU health certificate are required. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
4-6 weeks if the rabies vaccination is current. If a primary vaccination is needed, allow 10-12 weeks to include the 21-day post-vaccination wait. No titre test wait applies.
Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN) and Emirates via Dubai (DXB) are the main options, both with connections to Paris CDG. Air France Cargo also connects to CDG via hub partners.
Cargo from SYD or MEL to CDG via hub typically costs EUR 1,800-4,000. Add EUR 130-400 for the DAFF certificate. Total all-in is typically EUR 2,200-5,200.
Airline guides
Singapore Airlines Cargo via SIN
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Air France Cargo via SIN or DXB
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.