Table of Contents
Check Insurance with Assurance
Get a Pet Passport
Special Rules for High-Rabies Places
Rules for Young Pets and Some Dogs
Bringing Birds
Other Pets
Choosing Pet Insurance
Airline Rules for Pet Containers
Conclusion
Coming to France?
If you're considering bringing your pet, there are important things to consider. Although France has rules that must be followed, it loves pets. This short instruction can let you bring your pet along safely.
1. Check Insurance with Assurance
Make sure your pet is covered. Assurland helps you find the best insurance for your pet in France. You can compare different plans and pick the best one.
2. Get a Pet Passport
If you're coming from Europe, your pet needs a Pet Passport. This passport has your pet's ID and shot records. The vet gives it to you and ensures your pet has a tag and all the shots it needs, like rabies. If your pet had a rabies shot before the microchip, it will need another shot after the chip is in.
3. Special Rules for High-Rabies Places
Coming from a place with lots of rabies? Your pet needs a blood test one month after the rabies shot and again three months before you move.
4. Rules for Young Pets and Some Dogs
Pets less than three months old with no shots have special rules. Also, France doesn't allow some types of dogs.
5. Bringing Birds
Birds have strict rules because of bird flu. You can bring up to five birds. They need a 30-day quarantine before or after coming to France. They also need a bird flu shot 60 days before, a 10-day isolation, and a flu test before they travel. A vet must check all this.
6. Other Pets
For pets like rabbits or reptiles, you need a health paper. Horses need their passport. The person sending the animals must have a special paper to send them. Horses also need a microchip and health papers, just like other pets.
7. Choosing Pet Insurance
When picking insurance, think about:
Does it cover long-term, birth-related, or inherited sickness?
How long do you wait between treatments for the same problem?
Is there a money limit for each sickness treatment?
Can you change the coverage to fit your needs and budget?
Is the insurance company good?
8. Airline Rules for Pet Containers
Airlines follow rules the International Air Transport Association (IATA) set for pet containers.
Pets in the Cabin
Some airlines let you bring small pets in the cabin. Usually, it's one pet per person and only two pets in the cabin. The pet carrier must fit under the seat, be waterproof, and have good air.
IATA Pet Cage Rules
Your pet's cage must follow IATA's rules. Sometimes, two small pets can share a cage.
The cage should:
Let your pet stand, turn, and lie down easily.
Be strong and made of plastic.
Lock well with pins that stick out past the door's edges.
Have metal parts (many airlines now want this).
Have food and water bowls attached to the door, fillable from outside.
Have "LIVE ANIMAL" in big letters on top and sides.
No wheels, or they must be locked or taken off.
Have your pet's name and your contact info on it. A tag on the crate is best.
Attach an extra health paper for your pet to the crate.
Moving to France with your pet needs some work, but don't worry! Follow these simple steps, and your pet will be enjoying France with you soon!