Travelling to France with a Dog: What You Need to Know

Are you planning a trip to France with your dog? Whether you’re relocating or just taking a holiday, travelling internationally with a pet requires careful planning to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. At Pet Moves, we specialise in making travel with your furry companion as comfortable as possible, offering personalised services that keep your dog by your side, not stowed away in cargo. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to France with a dog.

1. Essential Documentation for Travelling to France with a Dog

One of the first steps in travelling to France with your dog is making sure you have the proper documentation in place. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Microchip: Your dog must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip, ensuring they can be easily identified.
  • Rabies Vaccination: Proof of a current rabies vaccination is required. Your dog must have had this vaccination at least 21 days before travel.
  • Animal Health Certificate: You’ll need an official health certificate from your vet, issued within 10 days of travel. This document certifies that your dog is healthy and fit for travel.
  • Tapeworm Treatment: For dogs entering the UK or returning, tapeworm treatment is mandatory and must be administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before entering the UK.

At Pet Moves, we know the ins and outs of the documentation process, and we offer advice and document checks to ensure everything is in order, giving you peace of mind before your trip.

2. Flying to France with Your Dog

Flying with your dog can be stressful, especially when airlines often require pets to travel in the cargo hold. But with Pet Moves, there’s a better way. Instead of flying to the UK with your pet in cargo, consider flying to Paris, where your dog can travel right by your side. Many airlines allow dogs to fly in the cabin if they meet size requirements, and even some larger dogs can join you up front.

Once you land in Paris, we’ll meet you at the airport and chauffeur you and your dog directly to the UK, ensuring a comfortable, door-to-door service. Your pet stays by your side for the entire journey, enjoying comfort breaks and a relaxing ride.

3. Pet Moves: A Stress-Free Journey for You and Your Dog

At Pet Moves, we take care of everything to ensure your trip to France (and the UK) is stress-free. Here’s what you can expect when you travel with us:

Comfortable, Pet-Friendly Travel

We’re not just a taxi service. Our vehicles are specially equipped for pets, with non-spill water bowls, pet blankets, and safety restraining seat belts to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort. Regular comfort breaks are part of the journey, because we know how important it is for both you and your dog to stay refreshed during the trip.

Personalised, Door-to-Door Service

When you book with Pet Moves, you get an exclusive service. We pick you and your dog up directly from the airport, hotel, or residence in France, and chauffeur you to your destination. No sharing with other passengers or crowded transport—just you, your family, and your pet.

Expert Guidance and Support

We’ve been moving pets across international borders for over 20 years, so we understand the paperwork, vet requirements, and legalities involved. We can help guide you through the red tape, ensuring everything is in place for your dog’s trip.

Multilingual Support

Travelling in a foreign country can be daunting, especially if you don’t speak the language. But with Pet Moves, you don’t have to worry. We speak French and have built strong relationships with vets in both France and the UK, ensuring you get the best support if needed.

4. Why Choose Pet Moves?

With so many options for pet travel, why choose Pet Moves? We offer a unique service designed with your pet’s well-being in mind:

  • Pet-First Travel: We believe pets aren’t luggage—they deserve to travel in comfort, by your side, not in a cargo hold.
  • Exclusive, One-to-One Service: Each trip is tailored just for you and your dog, with no other animals sharing the journey.
  • DEFRA-Approved: We are fully licensed and approved by DEFRA, ensuring compliance with UK animal transport regulations.
  • Experienced, 5-Star Rated Service: Our 20+ years of experience and 5-star ratings from satisfied clients speak to the care and attention we provide every pet.

5. Preparing for the Trip

To make your journey to France with your dog as smooth as possible, here are a few tips:

  • Check Airline Requirements: If you’re flying with your dog, check the airline’s specific pet travel policies, as size restrictions and documentation may vary.
  • Prepare for Border Control: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including the rabies vaccination record and animal health certificate, ready to present at border control.
  • Pack Essentials for the Journey: Bring along familiar items like your dog’s bed or blanket, their favourite toys, and enough food for the trip. At Pet Moves, we provide additional essentials like pet wipes, toilet bags, and safety belts.

Conclusion

Travelling to France with a dog doesn’t have to be complicated. At Pet Moves, we’re here to make the journey easy, safe, and enjoyable for both you and your pet. Whether you’re heading to France or planning to travel back to the UK, let us handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the trip with your best friend by your side.

Ready to plan your journey? Contact Pet Moves today to learn more about our personalised pet travel services.