Dogs in France: A Complete Guide to Traveling and Living in France With a Dog (2026)

Dogs in France are a part of everyday life from café terraces in Paris to countryside walks and coastal towns. But while France is famously dog-friendly, traveling or relocating with a dog still comes with rules, timing windows, and a few easy-to-miss details that can make or break your plans.

If you’re here, you’re probably asking some version of:

“Can I really take my dog to France and do it without something going wrong?”

I get it. France looks effortless from the outside. Dogs under tables, on trains, strolling through villages. And a lot of that is real. But there’s a difference between France loving dogs and France being easy to navigate with a dog, especially when you’re coming from another country.

This guide is here to bridge that gap.

Whether you’re:

traveling to France with a dog
moving to France long-term
or planning pet travel to France from the USA, UK, Canada, or elsewhere

I’ll walk you through what actually matters, calmly, clearly, and honestly, so you can plan with confidence.

(For broader planning, this guide sits inside our International Pet Travel Hub and builds on Can I Take My Dog to Europe?)

How Dog-Friendly Is France, Really?

Short answer: culturally yes, legally structured.

France is one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe but it’s also rule-driven. Dogs are welcome in many spaces, but local bylaws, transport rules, and category regulations matter more than people expect.

Daily Life With Dogs in France

Cafés, Restaurants, and Bars

There is no national law banning dogs from cafés, bars, or restaurants in France. Entry is at the discretion of the owner.

In practice:

Outdoor terraces are almost always dog-friendly
Indoor dining is often allowed, but it’s polite to ask first
Water bowls for dogs are common
Look for “chiens interdits” signs if you don’t see one, dogs are often welcome
Guide dogs must be admitted everywhere by law

Housing and Rentals

French law generally prohibits landlords from banning pets in long-term rentals.

That said:

Seasonal and vacation rentals can refuse pets
Certain regulated dog categories may be refused
In practice, landlords may still choose another applicant

Dog-friendly housing is very common, especially in cities and expat-heavy areas but written confirmation in your lease always matters.

What It’s Like Living in France With a Dog

Cities vs Countryside vs Coast

Paris and major cities

Very dog-friendly culture
Excellent vet care and services
Strict leash enforcement
Large parks (e.g., Bois de Boulogne, Bois de Vincennes)

Rural areas

Fewer restrictions on trails
Dogs common, but services more limited
Seasonal leash rules in forests (April 15–June 30)

Coastal regions

Many beaches restrict dogs during summer
Unguarded or designated dog beaches are common
Normandy, Brittany, and parts of southern France are especially dog-friendly

Public Transport With Dogs in France

Public transport rules vary by operator, but here’s the high-level reality:

Small dogs in carriers are widely accepted
Larger dogs may ride trains if leashed and muzzled
Buses are more restrictive than trains
Category 1 dogs are banned from public transport

Always check the specific operator (SNCF, metro authority) before traveling.

Legal Requirements for Bringing a Dog to France

France follows EU Regulation 576/2013 for non-commercial pet movement.

Core Requirements (All Travelers)

Microchip

ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip
Must be implanted before rabies vaccination

Rabies Vaccination

Dog must be at least 12 weeks old
Vaccine must be given after microchip
21-day waiting period after primary vaccination
Minimum travel age ≈ 15 weeks

France does not allow entry of unvaccinated puppies or dogs still within the waiting period.

EU Pet Passport vs EU Animal Health Certificate

This is one of the most misunderstood parts of dog travel to France.

EU Pet Passport

Only issued by EU veterinarians
Used for travel within the EU
Lifetime validity with current rabies

EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

Used when entering France from non-EU countries
Issued shortly before travel
Valid for:
- 10 days for EU entry
- Up to 4 months for travel within the EU

Most travelers from the USA, UK, and Canada will use an AHC.

(If you’re wondering about the cost of a health certificate for international travel we break it down step-by-step in our Health Certificate Guide .)

Bringing a Dog to France From the USA

The USA is a listed country, meaning no rabies titer test is required.

Step-by-Step Overview

ISO microchip implanted
Rabies vaccination given after microchip
Wait at least 21 days
EU Health Certificate completed by a USDA-accredited vet
USDA APHIS endorsement obtained within 10 days of EU arrival

This is where timing mistakes are most common and where many people reach out for help.

(You can cross-check official steps via USDA, but we also help sanity-check this inside the Paws Abroad membership.)

Bringing a Dog to France From the UK (Post-Brexit)

UK-issued EU pet passports are no longer valid.

You’ll need:

ISO microchip
Current rabies vaccination
Animal Health Certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian
Certificate issued within 10 days of travel

No tapeworm treatment is required for France.

Bringing a Dog to France From Canada

Canada is also a listed country.

Requirements include:

ISO microchip
Rabies vaccination
EU health certificate completed by a Canadian vet
CFIA endorsement

CFIA appointments can book up plan early.

Traveling to France With a Dog by Plane

This is where airline rules and government rules often collide.

Meeting France’s entry requirements does not guarantee airline acceptance.

Cabin vs Hold vs Cargo

Cabin

Small dogs only
Must fit in approved carrier under seat
Limited spots per flight

Hold

Medium to large dogs
IATA-compliant crate
Temperature and seasonal restrictions apply

Cargo

Very large dogs or unaccompanied pets
More complex logistics

We track airline-specific rules in our Airline Policy Guide because this is one of the biggest stress points.

Breed Rules and “Dangerous Dog” Categories in France

France classifies some dogs under Category 1 and Category 2 regulations.

Category 1 dogs are prohibited from import
Category 2 dogs are allowed but heavily regulated

Requirements may include:

Registration with the town hall
Behavioral evaluation
Mandatory liability insurance
Muzzle and leash in public

This area changes and varies locally always confirm with the mairie (town hall) where you’ll live.

Living in France Long-Term With a Dog

If you stay longer than three months:

Your dog must be registered with I-CAD
Registration is done by a French vet
Required before issuing an EU Pet Passport

Pet insurance is optional, but civil liability coverage is typically included in French home insurance.

Common Mistakes I See Over and Over

Rabies vaccine given before microchip
Traveling before the 21-day wait
Health certificate issued outside the entry window
Confusing airline policies with legal requirements
Assuming “dog-friendly” means dogs allowed everywhere

These mistakes are stressful, expensive, and avoidable.

How Paws Abroad Helps (When You Want Support)

Some people DIY successfully. Others want peace of mind.

At Paws Abroad, we help with:

Airline-specific rule checks
Health certificate timing
Pet-friendly flight planning
FORA travel advisor access for dog-friendly stays
Concierge support when routes or rules get complicated

If you want clarity without second-guessing, that’s exactly what our membership and concierge support are built for.

FAQs: Dog France + Pet Travel to France

Is France dog-friendly for tourists and expats?
Yes. France is one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe culturally. You’ll see dogs in cafés, on trains, and walking through cities and villages. The main “gotchas” are local leash rules, beach restrictions in summer, and airline-specific policies.

Can I take my dog to France from the USA?
Yes. To take your dog to France from the USA, you typically need an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccine (given after the microchip), and an EU Animal Health Certificate completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed through USDA APHIS within the required timing window.

What are the requirements for bringing dogs to France?
For most travelers, the core requirements are: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and the correct entry document (EU Pet Passport if you already live in the EU, or an EU Animal Health Certificate if you’re entering from a non-EU country). Your dog must also meet minimum age/timing rules.

Do I need USDA APHIS for pet travel to France?
If you’re traveling from the United States, yes USDA APHIS is typically involved because your EU health certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed through APHIS (often via VEHCS). This is separate from airline requirements.

How long before my trip should I start planning pet travel to France?
If your dog’s rabies vaccine is current and your microchip is compliant, you can often plan in a few weeks. If your dog needs a first rabies vaccination, has a lapse in coverage, or you’re coming from a high-risk rabies country, planning can take months.

What is the minimum age to travel to France with a dog?
In most cases, the minimum age works out to about 15 weeks because dogs must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination and then complete a 21-day waiting period after the primary vaccination.

Do I need a pet passport to France?
Only if your dog already has an EU Pet Passport issued by an EU veterinarian. If you’re coming from the USA, Canada, or the UK, you usually enter France using an EU Animal Health Certificate instead. Once you’re living in France, you can get an EU Pet Passport from a French vet.

Can I use my EU Animal Health Certificate for multiple trips to France?
No the EU Animal Health Certificate is generally for entry into the EU within a limited window, and it’s not meant to be reused for repeated entries from outside the EU. If you plan to travel frequently, getting an EU Pet Passport after arrival (if you’re living in France) is often the smoother path.

Do I need a rabies titer test to bring my dog to France?
It depends on where you’re coming from. Travelers from “listed” countries (like the USA and Canada) generally do not need a titer test. Travelers from “unlisted” countries may need a rabies antibody titration test plus a waiting period.

Can I travel to France with a dog in the cabin?
Often yes — if your dog is small enough to fit in an airline-approved carrier under the seat and your airline has pet space available on that flight. Cabin slots are limited and should be booked early.

Can large dogs fly to France?
Yes, but large dogs usually travel in the hold (checked) or as cargo, depending on the airline and route. This is where airline policies, seasonal heat restrictions, and crate requirements matter a lot even when your government paperwork is perfect.

Are there dog breed restrictions in France?
Yes France has Category 1 and Category 2 classifications for certain “dangerous dogs.” Some dogs resembling restricted types may be prohibited or heavily regulated. If your dog could fall into these categories, it’s worth confirming before you book flights.

What documents do I need at the airport when traveling with dogs in France?
Bring original copies of your microchip details, rabies documentation, and your EU entry paperwork (EU Pet Passport or EU Animal Health Certificate). Airlines may also ask for additional “fit to fly” documentation depending on the carrier.

How can Paws Abroad help with dog travel to France?
If you want someone to sanity-check the timing, paperwork, airline rules, and pet-friendly planning, that’s exactly what we do. Our membership helps you build a clear plan, and our concierge support is there when you want hands-on help with flights, documents, and pet-friendly stays (including our FORA travel advisor perks).