Home/Routes/France to Slovakia
FR
France
✈️
SK
Slovakia

Pet Transport from France to Slovakia

The France to Slovakia route is one many expats and returning families use each year with their pets. This route is moderately involved, with a clear checklist to follow. Start preparations at least 20 weeks before your travel date -- some …

NoneQuarantine on arrival
Moderate routeExpert coordination essential
20-26 weeksPreparation lead time
Fully managedDoor to door service available
Lead time needed
20-26 weeks
Quarantine
Not required
Route complexity
Moderate
Airlines
7 carriers on this route
Start my quote
Step by step

The France to Slovakia pet import process

Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.

1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
2
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
3
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
4
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
5
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
6
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Slovakia

Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel
Rabies titre test
Required for: Pets from non-listed third countries. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant pets
Import permit
EU pet passport or AHC
Health certificate
Required. EU Pet Passport or AHC. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 10 days from issue
Export permit (France)
No formal export permit. Health certificate and EU pet passport serve as documentation.
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points to read before you book

Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Airlines

Carriers approved for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.

Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo

Why this route needs early planning

Compared to some international pet transport routes, France to Slovakia is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.

EU member. EU Regulation 576/2013 applies. Authority: State Veterinary and Food Administration (SVFA). No breed ban at national level.

Practical advice for shipping your pet from France

Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.

Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.

Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.

If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.

FAQ

Common questions about France to Slovakia pet transport

Allow at least 20 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Slovakia for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Slovakia. Start this process as early as possible.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in France. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Slovakia’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →
Ready to move your pet to Slovakia?

Get a free, fully itemised quote for your France to Slovakia pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.

Get my free quote
Get a quote for this route
Route at a glance
FromFrance
ToSlovakia
Prep time20-26 weeks
ComplexityModerate
Related routes
Pet Transport Slovakia to France→

Get a free pet transport quote

Tell us your route and pet details. We will send you a step-by-step plan and tailored quote.

Request a Quote
Chat with us