When we were planning our move to France, getting Grits — our 16-year-old cat — into the country topped our stress list. After weeks of worry, it turned out to be far easier than we expected. Easier for us, and easier for Grits.
If you’re considering bringing your pet along for the adventure, here’s everything you need to know.
6 Steps to Get Your Pet Ready
1. Find Pet-Friendly Housing First
Start your housing search on Airbnb.com or longtermrentalsinfrance.com — both have filters for pet-friendly rentals. But don’t stop at the filter. Always contact the owner directly to confirm they’ll accept your specific type, breed, and size of pet. “Pet-friendly” doesn’t always mean every pet.
2. Choose How Your Pet Will Travel
You have more options than you might think:
- Under the seat on a commercial flight (for small pets)
- In the cargo hold in an airline-approved crate
- Freight service on a commercial airline
- Private charter plane (i.e. K9jets or BarkAir)
- Cruise ship (yes, really — it’s possible!)
Costs and requirements vary significantly depending on your animal, so weigh each option carefully against what works best for you and your pet.
3. Book a USDA-Certified Vet — and Do It Early
France requires three things to let your pet through the door:
- Current vaccines, administered within a specific time frame
- A microchip readable by European scanners
- A health certificate from a USDA-certified vet, dated within 10 days of travel, confirming your pet is healthy and free of infectious disease
Your vet will guide you on exact timing. Find a certified vet near you at aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel.
4. Introduce the Travel Crate Early
Whatever carrier or crate your pet will travel in, put it out in your home for days — ideally weeks — before departure. Let them explore it, sleep in it, and claim it as their own. As it takes on the familiar smells of home, it becomes a comfort rather than a threat. We also found pet travel pads to be a game-changer for keeping things clean and calm.
5. Pack Something to Cut a Zip Tie
If your pet travels in the cargo hold, the airline will zip tie the crate shut for security. You won’t be able to open it until you reach baggage claim — so pack a small cutting tool in your carry-on. A pair of nail clippers works perfectly and sails right through security.
6. Take a Deep Breath
Everyone we’ve spoken to reports the same thing: their pet traveled better than they did. 😉
For extra reassurance, we sat down with Del and Shelley — an American couple who recently moved to France with their 70-pound golden retriever, Annie — to talk through exactly what the journey looked like. Watch the interview on our YouTube channel.
Baguettes and butter 4ever, Raina, ❤️
