International pet transport is bound by complex regulations that have to be followed within specific timeframes for a pet to travel from one country to another. One of the most misunderstood aspects of international pet travel is pet quarantine. While a few countries insist on mandatory quarantine for all pets entering the borders, most nations will waive off quarantine as long as all pet import regulations are met satisfactorily.
Pet transport to France is an elaborate process with rules that change depending on the country your pet is flying from. If you are travelling to France with your pet dog or cat, here’s all you need to know about quarantine rules in France for international pet transport:
Pet quarantines help prevent the spread of dangerous diseases that dogs and cats sometimes carry. Our pets harbour microorganisms that can cause multiple diseases that affect other animals and zoonotic diseases that can affect people. Vaccinations play an important role in international pet travel to prevent the spread of these diseases. Some countries have an added layer of protection to prevent the introduction of exotic disease-causing microorganisms by ensuring the pet is quarantined after they enter the country.
During their stay in the quarantine centre, pet cats and dogs are assessed for any illnesses and checked if they are in good health. Not all countries have mandatory quarantine; most countries, including member countries of the European Union, ask your pet to be quarantined only if all pet import regulations are not met upon entry.
For your pet to enter France, you must make sure your pet has followed all pet import rules accurately. Your pet dog or cat must be microchipped and vaccinated. If your pet is travelling to France from an EU member country or a third country with a low incidence of rabies, they need a rabies shot at least 21 days before the date of travel.
However, pet dogs and cats flying from non-listed countries will need a rabies titre test (RNATT) at least 30 days after receiving their rabies vaccination. The rabies titre test measures the antibody response to check if the rabies vaccination is effective. Pets have to wait for three months from the date of sampling before they can enter France. Only pets with antibody levels of 0.5 IU/ml are allowed to travel to France.
Pets that fulfil all the above requirements can enter France without quarantine. However, pets that fail to comply with the pet import regulations will be placed in quarantine or sent back to the country of origin.
International pet transport can be perplexing and stressful – especially if you have never travelled with your pet before. The rules are long and time-bound, the documentation can be a nightmare, and flights are uncertain because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, an accredited international pet travel agency can help remove the stress from the process and help bring your pet to your new home comfortably and safely.
If you are planning on a trip to France with your pet dog or cat, reach out to Petraveller for more information on zero-harm pet travel and a free pet travel quote.