A move from Mexico to France with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Plan on roughly 20-22 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. There is no routine quarantine, provided the …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Mexico to France
typically takes around 20-22 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Mexico 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 Mexico
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in Mexico
5+ months before travel
3
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: Official vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
4
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
5
Book cargo MEX to CDG on Air France or Aeromexico.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
6
Obtain SENASICA-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: SENASICA-registered vet plus SENASICA endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
7
Depart MEX. French customs inspects at Paris CDG.
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
Required. Mexico is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood drawn after microchip and valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. French customs inspects at Paris CDG.
Import permit
No import permit. SENASICA-endorsed EU certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by SENASICA, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Mexico)
No formal export permit for companion animals. SENASICA inspection at Mexico City (MEX).
Costs
What this route typically costs
SENASICA certificate and endorsement: MXN 2,000-5,000 (approximately EUR 100-250)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo MEX to CDG (Air France or Aeromexico direct): EUR 900-2,100 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,400-3,300
Critical points to read before you book
Mexico is non-listed for EU: titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5 months before travel.
3-month wait runs from blood draw date, not results date.
France Category 1 breed ban covers Pit Bull type dogs without LOF or FCI pedigree.
SENASICA certificate must be EU format and dated within 10 days of travel.
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 Cargo
Air France operates direct from Mexico City (MEX) to Paris CDG. Air France Cargo accepts live animals in the temperature-controlled hold. CDG is the main French entry point for live animal cargo from Mexico.
Cargo Only
AEROMEXICO
Aeromexico Cargo
Aeromexico operates from MEX to CDG. Aeromexico Cargo handles live animals on selected routes. The Mexico City to Paris corridor has strong flight frequency.
Cargo Only
IBERIA CARGO
Iberia Cargo
Iberia operates MEX to Madrid (MAD) direct, with cargo connections from MAD to Paris CDG. A practical two-leg routing.
Cargo Only
France entry requirements at a glance
The path into France is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Getting the details right
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Mexico to France pet transport
Yes. Mexico is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Your pet needs a microchip (predating vaccination), current rabies vaccination, SENASICA-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel, and the titre test result plus 3-month wait before travel. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Yes. Air France Cargo operates direct from MEX to CDG and accepts live animals in the temperature-controlled hold. Aeromexico Cargo also operates this direct route. Both require booking four to six weeks ahead with live animal confirmation on your specific flight number.
From the blood sampling date for the FAVN titre test. Not from the result date. If blood is drawn on 15 January, travel to France is not possible before 15 April, regardless of when laboratory results arrive.
Direct cargo from MEX to CDG typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,100 depending on crate size. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test, EUR 100-250 for the SENASICA certificate, and EUR 80-250 for a crate if needed. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,400 to EUR 3,300, with five months preparation needed.
Airline guides
Air France Cargo
Aeromexico Cargo
Iberia Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.