Pet Transport Dominican Republic to France: 2026 Guide
Dominican Republic to France requires the full EU unlisted country process. The Dominican Republic is not on the EU listed country register, so the FAVN titre test and a mandatory 90-day wait from the successful blood draw date apply. …
The Dominican Republic to France pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) - must precede all vaccinations
Responsible: Dominican Republic vet
First step. Chip before any rabies vaccination.
2
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Dominican Republic vet
After microchipping. Wait at least 30 days before blood draw for titre test.
3
FAVN titre test blood draw at EU-approved laboratory
Responsible: Dominican Republic vet + EU-approved laboratory
At least 30 days after vaccination. Ship sample to an EU-approved laboratory. Allow 2-4 weeks for results.
4
90-day wait from the date of successful titre test result
Responsible: N/A
Mandatory. Cannot be shortened. The 90-day clock starts from the blood draw date.
5
Book cargo from Santo Domingo to Paris CDG
Responsible: Owner or agent
During the 90-day wait. Air France direct SDQ-CDG is the most direct option. Confirm live animal acceptance.
6
EU-format health certificate from DIGEGA-authorised vet
Responsible: DIGEGA-authorised vet + DIGEGA
Within 10 days of travel to France.
7
Travel to France
Responsible: Airline + owner
Travel day. SDQ to Paris CDG direct on Air France is approximately 9 hours.
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
Required. ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit). Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days since primary vaccination before titre test blood draw. Full vaccination records required.
Rabies titre test
Required. The Dominican Republic is an unlisted country for EU pet import. FAVN or ELISA titre test at an EU-approved laboratory. Minimum result 0.5 IU/ml. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. A 90-day wait from the date of the successful blood draw result must pass before entry into France (and the EU). Source: EU Regulation 2020/692.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant arrivals in France.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
EU-format non-commercial health certificate from DIGEGA-authorised vet, endorsed by DIGEGA. Valid for 10 days as entry document.
Export permit (Dominican Republic)
No formal export permit required for personal companion pets from the Dominican Republic.
Costs
What this route typically costs
FAVN titre test at EU-approved laboratory (blood draw plus processing): DOP 5,000-12,000 (approximately EUR 80-190) plus international sample shipping
EU health certificate from DIGEGA-authorised vet: DOP 2,000-6,000 (approximately EUR 32-96)
Cargo Santo Domingo to Paris CDG (direct or via Madrid): EUR 500-1,800 depending on carrier and crate size
IATA travel crate: EUR 80-300
Pet transport agent (recommended): EUR 400-1,000
Total typical range: EUR 800-3,200 across a 5-7 month preparation period
Critical points to read before you book
The 90-day wait after a successful titre test is a hard legal minimum under EU regulations. It cannot be shortened. The clock runs from the blood draw date, not the date the laboratory result is received.
Microchip before vaccination. The sequence is critical. If the chip is implanted after the rabies vaccination, the vaccination does not count for EU purposes and the process must restart.
EU-approved FAVN laboratories are mainly in Europe and North America. International sample shipping from the Dominican Republic requires correct storage and courier handling. Confirm your vet can manage this step.
DIGEGA endorsement of the health certificate takes 2-5 working days. Plan the vet appointment to allow for endorsement 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.
AIR FRANCE
Air France
Operates direct services between Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Paris CDG. Air France Cargo handles live animal freight. CDG is France's primary pet cargo entry point. This is the most direct routing for this corridor.
Cargo Only
IBERIA
Iberia
SDQ to Madrid (MAD), then MAD to Paris CDG via Iberia or partner carriers. Iberia Cargo handles live animal freight. Madrid is the main alternative hub.
Cargo Only
AIR EUROPA
Air Europa
SDQ to Madrid (MAD). Connections from MAD to Paris CDG. Check live animal cargo policies on both legs before booking.
Cargo Only
KLM ROYAL
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Connections from SDQ via Amsterdam (AMS). KLM Cargo transatlantic live animal programme. From AMS, connections to Paris CDG or onward to France.
Cargo Only
Air France direct to Paris CDG: the practical routing
Air France operates regular direct flights between Santo Domingo Las Américas International (SDQ) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). For pet cargo, a direct transatlantic service removes the complexity of a hub connection and associated live animal cargo rebooking on a second carrier.
Air France Cargo handles live animal freight. CDG is France’s primary international pet cargo entry point, with dedicated border inspection facilities for incoming animals. French border inspection for compliant pets with correct documentation is a routine check.
The flight time from SDQ to CDG direct is approximately 9 hours. If the Air France schedule does not suit, Iberia via Madrid (MAD) is the alternative. The SDQ-MAD-CDG routing adds 2-4 hours of total travel time but is well established for transatlantic cargo.
The FAVN titre test process from the Dominican Republic
The FAVN test is the key medical requirement for pets entering the EU from unlisted countries. The blood sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, stored correctly, and shipped to an EU-approved laboratory. Most approved labs are in Europe, with France’s ANSES laboratory at Maisons-Alfort being one option given the direct Air France routing.
Laboratory turnaround from receipt of sample is typically 1-2 weeks. Total time from blood draw to result, including shipping, is 2-4 weeks. The 90-day wait runs from the blood draw date regardless of when the result comes back.
From the Dominican Republic, international sample shipping requires correct temperature management. Your vet should use a sodium azide preservative medium and an international courier familiar with biological samples. Ask explicitly whether your clinic has handled FAVN test shipping to European labs before. If not, a pet transport specialist can coordinate this.
FAQ
Common questions about Dominican Republic to France pet transport
Air France permits small pets (up to approximately 8 kg including carrier) in the cabin on eligible routes. The SDQ-CDG service may qualify, but cabin pet acceptance depends on aircraft type and booking availability. Confirm directly with Air France before booking. For pets over the cabin limit, cargo is the only option regardless of airline.
Your pet enters through a border inspection post at CDG. The inspector checks the EU health certificate, titre test result, vaccination record, and microchip. For compliant pets, this is a formality. The SIVEP (Service d’Inspection Vétérinaire et Phytosanitaire) team at CDG handles this inspection. Your cargo agent will advise on the collection process after clearance.
France does not charge a specific pet import fee for non-commercial movements. The standard EU unlisted country process applies. Your costs are the health certificate, the FAVN test, and the cargo freight. Border inspection itself is part of the standard process and is not separately charged to pet owners.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your Dominican Republic to France pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.