CA
Canada
✈️
FR
France

Pet Transport from Canada to France

6-10 weeks
Typical preparation
None
Quarantine on arrival
Moderate
Route complexity
✓ Managed
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Lead time needed
6-10 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Moderate
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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In short: Preparing to move a pet from Canada to France typically takes around 6-10 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.

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Overview

The journey from Canada to France for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Allow around 6-10 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely.

A rabies titre test may apply depending on where your pet is coming from, so check the requirements below. Work through the steps below in order and you will arrive in good shape.

Step by step

The Canada to France process

1
Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test)

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance

Responsible: Official veterinarian

5
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

6
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation

Responsible: You + airline cargo desk

Checklist

France: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipRequired (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or at same time as rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Standard EU protocol. 21-day wait from first vaccination.
Rabies titre testRequired for: Pets from unlisted third countries. Not required for: Pets from EU and listed third countries (all P1 countries listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait after blood draw
QuarantineNo routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to varies days if non-compliant
Import permitNo formal import permit. EU pet passport or AHC serves as documentation.
Health certificateRequired
Leaving Canada

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitNo CFIA export permit required for personal pet exports. Some destination countries may require CFIA endorsement of health certificate.
Costs

What this route typically costs

1Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
2IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
3Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip)
4Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable)
5Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.
⚠ Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

United Airlines
Small pets allowed in cabin
Cabin Only
American Airlines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport
Cabin and Cargo
Air Canada
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurized hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo

How France handles incoming pets

France has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.

What experienced owners do

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.

Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.

Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.

FAQ

Common questions

The process takes 6-10 weeks from start to finish. The rabies titre test requires a 3-6 month waiting period after the blood draw before your pet can travel, so start early.
No routine quarantine for pets entering France with the correct documentation. No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to varies days if non-compliant
No formal import permit. EU pet passport or AHC serves as documentation.
Required Your Canada vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by France: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in.
Yes. Required for: Pets from unlisted third countries. Not required for: Pets from EU and listed third countries (all P1 countries listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait after blood draw The microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be valid. Start this process as early as possible.
Airline guides
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Air Canada
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

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