For many dog lovers, pets aren’t just companions but family. Whether it’s a loyal Labrador or a playful poodle, our furry friends often come along for life’s greatest adventures. Dog enthusiasts take their pets with them while travelling. The number of pet owners who choose international travel with their dogs continues to rise in 2025 because they want to share comfort and companionship during their trips.
France is the best place in Europe for pet owners to travel because it is dog-friendly everywhere, including in its friendly cities, beautiful countryside, and bars. In 2025, taking a dog to France will be fun, but you’ll need to plan ahead to make sure you follow the new rules and have a stress-free trip. This guide contains everything you need to understand about post-Brexit travel rules and documentation requirements, and travel options selection. This will help you get ready for a comfortable trip, whether you want to walk in the parks of Paris or take your dog on a trip through the French countryside.
Why Taking a Dog to France is Worth It?
Dog owners who want to explore Europe with their dogs get immense satisfaction from taking a dog to France. The planet’s most dog-friendly country makes it possible for dog owners to take their friends to different cafes, beaches, parks and hotels across the country. Your dog can join you during your French adventure, whether you walk along the Seine River, trek in the Alps or relax in a countryside village.
Brexit developments have added new conditions for UK citizens who desire bringing dog to France, now requiring extra papers and planning. Understanding current pet travel rules becomes necessary to ensure a hassle-free travel. Proper preparation will enable you to enjoy an unforgettable experience with your dog.
What are the precise requirements to take a dog to France? The next section will detail the basic requirements.
Requirements for Taking a Dog to France in 2025
For taking your dog to France in 2025, you’ll need documentation to ensure your dog meets EU health standards.
The primary requirements include:
- Microchip
Your dog needs to have an ISO-standard 15-digit microchip inserted prior to the rabies vaccination. If the microchip is not ISO-standard, you will need to provide a scanner to read it.
- Rabies Vaccination
A current rabies vaccination is required, given after microchipping. You need to wait a minimum of 21 days post-vaccination before travel.
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
For UK travellers, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required. It is issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. It’s valid for four months for onward EU travel but is single-use for UK-to-EU trips.
- EU Pet Passport
If travelling from an EU country, an EU pet passport replaces the Animal Health Certificate (AHC). It’s valid for life as long as vaccinations are up to date.
These documents ensure compliance with Defra pet travel guidelines to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies. Always check with your vet well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
How Do You Obtain an Animal Health Certificate?
The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) functions as an essential travel document needed to transport dogs while travelling to France from UK and vice versa.
The following are the steps to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC):
- Book a Vet Appointment
You need to make an appointment with an Official Veterinarian (OV) who has the authority to provide AHCs. The appointment needs to take place within 10 days before your departure, while the rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old.
- Microchip Verification
The vet will perform a microchip scan to verify that the information on the documentation matches your dog’s microchip details.
- Health Check
The veterinarian will verify that your dog maintains good health while checking for current vaccination status.
The cost of AHCs ranges between £100 and £300 based on the veterinary practice you choose.
Some vets need multiple appointments, and their availability might be restricted, so plan your visit in advance. Travellers from non-UK destinations need to obtain a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian, which must be endorsed by their country’s agricultural authority (e.g. USDA for U.S. travellers).
What Are the Travel Options for Taking a Dog to France?
Pet owners who want to travel to France have multiple transportation options, which require different planning for dog travel.
- By Car (Eurotunnel or Ferry)
In order to get to France, most people from the UK choose to drive through the Eurotunnel or take a boat. On the Eurotunnel, you can keep your dog in the car with you. On ferries, dogs may need to stay in the car, stay in pet-friendly cabins, or wear a muzzle in public places. Read the ferry company’s rules in advance.
- By Air:
The flight process with pets becomes a hassle since airlines often impose strict rules. The cargo compartment is the only viable space for the majority of dogs to travel, while snub-nosed dogs, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, are subject to potential flight restrictions. Always check airline regulations, crate sizes, and fees.
- By Train:
The train service Eurostar does not allow pets, but Thalys trains permit small dogs in carriers. A muzzle, together with a leash, serves as the requirement for transporting larger dogs.
The process of dog travel by car needs thorough preparation because owners must make sure their dogs feel comfortable in crates or stay safe while restrained in vehicles. Travelling by car with dogs usually provides the most comfortable experience for both owners and their pets.
Are There Breed Restrictions for Taking a Dog to France?
People ask Can I take my dog to France? Some dog breeds encounter specific limitations when travelling to France with their owners.
The French government divides dogs into two categories, which include Category 1 (banned) and Category 2 (restricted) breeds:
- Category 1 (Banned)
The French government does not allow non-pedigree Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers (Pitbulls), Mastiffs and Tosas into the country. These breeds are still impossible to bring into France unless registered with a recognised kennel club, but the process is too complicated for short stays.
- Category 2 (Restricted):
The ownership of Rottweilers and pedigree Staffordshire Terriers in France requires public space restrictions with muzzles and leashes, and specific ownership permits.
Check your dog’s breed status before planning your trip to avoid complications at the border.
Tips to Make Travelling with Your Dog Easy
If you’re taking a dog to France, here are some helpful tips to make sure the trip goes smoothly:
Get Your Dog Ready: Before the trip, get your dog used to travel crates or car harnesses. Taking short trips can help you feel less anxious.
Pack the basics: Make sure you bring enough water, a bowl that won’t spill, and your dog’s main food. Find out what kinds of pet food are sold in France, since meat-based dog food from the UK cannot be taken into the EU.
Look into pet insurance: Make sure that your pet’s insurance covers trips outside of the country. Some plans cover short trips abroad, but you should make sure.
Know Local Laws: In France, dogs must be on a lead in public, and from July to August, some beaches do not allow dogs. Find out what the rules are where you’re going.
Plan Dog-Friendly Activities: Plan things to do that are good for dogs. France has a lot of hotels, campgrounds, and places that are good for dogs.
How Can You Ensure Your Dog’s Comfort During Travel?
The comfort of your dog stands as the most important factor when you transport him to France. A crate that allows proper ventilation according to IATA standards should be used for air travel, while a carrier or diffusion-style pet bag serves as a suitable option for car trips. The addition of familiar bedding, together with toys, will help reduce your dog’s stress levels. The journey will be more comfortable for your dog if you plan regular stops for exercise and bathroom breaks during extended drives. You should reserve a pet-friendly cabin on the ferry when possible to maintain your dog’s relaxation.
Make Your Pet’s Journey Stress-Free with Pet Taxi
Are you planning a trip to France with your dog? Pet Taxi offers the most convenient travel arrangements for your pet. Our professional experts offer pet transport services that ensure safety and comfort for your pet. Pet Taxi offers end-to-end support for pet travel by taking care of documentation, airport transfers, and accommodation arrangements. Contact us today to find out about our services and learn how we can assist you in transporting your dog to France.
FAQs
- What are the best ways for taking your dog to France?
The car and ferry are straightforward, and you can keep your dog with you. Flying requires airline coordination and crates, while trains may allow small pets in carriers. - What is DEFRA pet travel, and how does it relate to taking my dog to France?
DEFRA provides UK pet travel guidelines, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, and AHC requirements for taking your dog to France. - Do I need a tapeworm treatment for bringing dog to France?
Tapeworm treatment is not required for dog travel to France, but is mandatory 1–5 days before returning to the UK, administered by an EU vet.
