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Duration: Variable: 21 days after the first vaccine; if titration is required, 30 days before sampling and then 3 months after sampling
Cost: Veterinary — from ~50 €
On-site only
Who this guide is for
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- Persons travelling without a commercial purpose with their dog or cat from a country outside the EU, with a maximum of five animals and without sale or transfer of property
To be prepared in advance
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- Identification by electronic chip or tattoo still recognized
- Valid rabies vaccination
- Original health certificate issued or covered by an official veterinarian of the country of origin, valid 10 days from its issue (except with European passport exception)
- Clinical examination performed by a qualified veterinarian in 48 hours prior to travel
- Result of rabies titration if country of origin does not benefit from an exemption
- Country specific documents, route and possible category of dog
Step-by-step procedure
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- 1Check the official rules applicable to the country of origin and the itinerary. For a non-commercial movement, the limit is five animals; beyond that, other formalities apply. The attack dogs of 1re category cannot be introduced in France; the entry of a dog of 2nd category is subject to additional rules.
- 2The dog or cat must have at least 15 weeks on arrival. For the first rabies vaccination, it must have at least 12 weeks; identification must precede the vaccine, which is valid only after 21 days.
- 3Check if the country imposes anti-rabic antibody titration. If so, blood should be taken at least 30 days after vaccination, in an EU-approved laboratory, with a result greater than 0,5 IU/ml, and at least 3 months before arrival. Some countries are exempt: see the current official list.
- 4For a first entry from a third country, have the original health certificate drawn up or referred to by an authorized official veterinarian of the country of origin; if it is established by a veterinary practitioner, it must be officially covered. It is valid only 10 days from its delivery (extended by the length of the sea trip). In case of return to the EU, a European passport filled before departure may be sufficient if the rabies vaccination has remained continuous and the required titration has been done in the EU prior to departure. In the 48 hours prior to travel, a licensed veterinarian must also perform the clinical examination.
- 5Collect evidence of identification, vaccination and, if applicable, titration. Present the documents at the first point of entry into the EU; if you arrive directly in France, report spontaneously to Customs upon arrival.
- 6After arrival, register the animal at I-CAD in the 7 days with a veterinarian. A European passport may be established in France; it does not replace the documents required for entry from a third country.
Common mistakes
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- Thinking that a European passport is always enough — or never enough — without checking the conditions for a return to the EU
- Vaccine against rabies before identification or travel before the end of the vaccine validity period
- Forget the titration or delay of 3 months when the country of provenance requires it
- Travel with an expired health certificate or without clinical examination of 48 hours prior to departure
- Forget I-CAD registration required in 7 days after arrival
Official sources
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Important remark
The requirements vary according to the country of origin, the route and the situation of the animal. Check the official rules shortly before departure; in case of non-compliance, the animal may be refused, returned or quarantined.
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