France is a genuinely pet-friendly country, and the Côte d’Azur is no exception. Getting your dog or cat here legally takes some advance planning, but the requirements are clear once you know them.

The basics: all pets need three things

Whether you’re coming from inside the EU or from further afield, every dog, cat, and ferret entering France must have:

  1. A microchip — ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit). This must be in place before the rabies vaccination or the vaccination won’t count.
  2. A valid rabies vaccination — administered after microchipping, by a licensed vet.
  3. An official health document — either an EU Pet Passport or a third-country health certificate.

If you’re coming from an EU country

An EU Pet Passport covers everything. Your vet in your home country issues it and records the microchip number, rabies vaccination, and any other required treatments. Keep it with you when you travel.

If you’re coming from outside the EU (including the UK)

The process is more involved.

Step 1: Microchip your pet if not already done.

Step 2: Get the rabies vaccination after the microchip is in place. Your vet records the date and batch number.

Step 3: Wait for the antibody titre test (if required). France does not currently require a rabies titre test for entry from most non-EU countries, but requirements can change. Check the current rules with your vet or the French Embassy before travelling.

Step 4: Obtain an official health certificate. In the UK, this is the AHC (Animal Health Certificate), issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). It is valid for 10 days from the date the OV signs the certificate for entry into the EU, and for 4 months for onward EU travel or re-entry to Great Britain. You’ll need a new one for each trip.

Travelling with your pet

Most cross-Channel routes (Eurostar, ferry, Eurotunnel) accept pets. Check the carrier’s specific requirements — some require advance booking and have limits on numbers per journey.

Within France, dogs are generally permitted in restaurants, shops, and on public transport if kept on a lead or in a carrier. The French are relaxed about well-behaved dogs.

Registering your pet in France

Once you’re resident, you should register your pet on the I-CAD national database at i-cad.fr. Your vet can do this. It’s required for dogs and cats and links your address to your pet’s microchip.

Dog category restrictions

France classifies certain dog breeds under “dangerous dog” legislation (Loi n°99-5 du 6 janvier 1999, since strengthened by the 2008 amendments):

  • Category 1 (attack dogs, no pedigree): banned from public spaces without a muzzle and lead, cannot be acquired or imported.
  • Category 2 (guard and defence dogs, including Rottweilers and pedigree equivalents): permitted but subject to declaration, insurance, and muzzle rules in public.

If your dog is one of the affected breeds, check the rules before you move. Your mairie handles declarations.

Finding a vet on the Côte d’Azur

Most towns on the Côte d’Azur have at least one veterinary practice. Several vets in Nice, Cannes, and Antibes speak English and are familiar with the paperwork for British and American pets. Ask at the practice before booking if language is a concern.

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