Traveling in France and outside the European Union with your pet requires preparation in advance. Find some advice so that the stay goes smoothly, before, during and after.
Before the journey
If you plan to take your companion with you, don’t forget to update his vaccinations and his papers: packpeople2.rssing he too needs a passport to travel abroad.
Please note, if you are traveling outside France, your dog, cat or ferret must be identified, up to date with its anti-rabies vaccination and be in possession of a European passport provided and completed by a veterinarian. Since July 3, 2011, only the electronic chip is recognized as a means of identification for travel within the European Union, except for animals identified by tattoo before this date. In addition, do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian, because some countries impose additional mandatory measures to bring your animal into the territory.
Please note: if you need to have your animal vaccinated against rabies before going abroad, you must do so in advance! Indeed, the rabies vaccine is legally valid for a minimum of 21 days after the date of vaccination, if your animal is not up to date with its anti-rabies vaccination. See also general public and traveler information on rabies .
During the transport
During the summer period, take the necessary precautions to protect your pets from excessive heat: do not leave your pet, even for a short time, locked in your vehicle or in an untemperate environment (ferry hold, for example), even when there is enough water and if the vehicle has the windows ajar. An animal can die very quickly from heatstroke. Don’t forget to regularly offer him fresh water and take him out to stretch him. You can also wet his body frequently to cool him down.
Can we buy a pet abroad?
Never bring back with you an animal that does not meet the health requirements in France or on Community territory. The entry of unidentified and unvaccinated animals, originating from countries not free from rabies, is absolutely forbidden and can have serious consequences!
In addition, first category dogs without a pedigree are prohibited from entering USA youtube:
- Cross-border traffic – Summary table of dangerous dogspdf – 121.11 KB
- Cross-border traffic – Summary table dangerous dogspdf – 142.32 KB
If you want to travel with more than five animals, check with your DDCSPP (departmental directorate for social cohesion and population protection).
Return from trip
The French customs services check that the pet meets the mandatory health conditions (identification, vaccination, etc.). Airlines (and other carriers) can also ask the owner for proof of these health conditions. In the event of violation of these conditions, the agents in charge of the controls can oblige the owner to pay for the quarantine of the animal or its euthanasia, if the state of health of the pet animal presents a health risk.
To download
Find in this practical guide published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food all the advice and useful contacts to take good care of your pet during the summer:
How to keep your pet healthy and contribute to its well-being?
Being an owner involves ensuring the good health of your animal, but also its well-being. Daily gestures are important, not to mention the preventive acts of sterilization and vaccination.
Cats and dogs: daily actions
The health of a pet begins with basic principles: providing it with food adapted to its needs, keeping it up to date with its vaccines and treating it regularly against parasites (worms, fleas, ticks, etc.).
To avoid or limit the transmission and multiplication of bacteria that can lead to infections, here are some hygiene rules to follow:
- rinse the animal with clear water when it is dirty and after each swim (sea, lakes, rivers, etc.);
- disinfect wounds with an antiseptic solution;
- ensure his oral hygiene (regularly wash his teeth with a product suitable for animals or give him things to gnaw on such as bones, sticks or sticks);
- clean his eyes, his ears;
- keep the animal’s resting places and its food and water bowls clean;
- inspect your animal after each walk to ensure there are no wounds, ticks or spikelets (don’t forget the spaces between the fingers and the inside of the ears);
- regularly maintain his hair according to the nature of his coat;
- cut your pet’s claws when they are too long.
In addition, some dogs and cats with pink skin, especially on hairless areas and areas with white hair, are very sensitive to the sun. To prevent the appearance of certain cancers, it is recommended not to expose them to the sun and to use sun protection suitable for animals.
Some hygiene gestures can be tricky because the animal may not like it. You can hurt yourself but also hurt your pet. If you do not feel able to perform this gesture on your own, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian.
In case of illness
Just like humans, pets need medical attention. In the event of illness, the veterinarian is the point of contact. Some applications like SOS Pets , Filapalat allow you to find a professional anywhere in France.
If treatment is necessary for recovery, the veterinarian prescribes one or more drugs on a prescription. It is important to follow the treatment carefully, especially for antibiotics, otherwise it will fail: respect the doses and the planned duration, even if the animal is better before the end of the treatment in order to prevent antibiotic resistance ( bacteria that become resistant to antibiotic treatment).
As with humans, pets can have chronic diseases (diabetes, epilepsy, etc.). Some of these diseases sometimes require daily and lifelong treatment, which represents an additional investment of time and money.
Must read: What you need to know before acquiring or offering a pet
The vaccination
Vaccination is the best protection against collective and individual infectious diseases. It stimulates the body’s immune defenses and allows it to resist bacteria and viruses, some of which are deadly!
The first injection can be performed from the age of 6 to 8 weeks for dogs and from 8 weeks of age for cats. Regular boosters are necessary, regardless of age, to maintain immunity throughout the life of the animal.
Vaccination is a medical act carried out on the animal by a veterinarian who provides information on the animal’s vaccination record or passport. Only vaccination against rabies is compulsory for animals traveling outside France and for category 1 and 2 dogs.