Moving your pet from United Arab Emirates to France?

Q: "How long does it take to prepare a pet for transport from United Arab Emirates to France?"

"The process takes 6-10 weeks from start to finish. The rabies titre test requires a 3-6 month waiting period after the blood draw before your pet can travel, so start early."

Q: "Is there quarantine when my pet enters France?"

"No routine quarantine for pets entering France with the correct documentation. No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to varies days if non-compliant"

Q: "Do I need an import permit to bring my pet into France?"

"No formal import permit. EU pet passport or AHC serves as documentation."

Q: "What health certificate does my pet need for this route?"

"Required Your United Arab Emirates vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by France: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in."

Q: "Is a rabies titre test required for pets entering France?"

"Yes. Required for: Pets from unlisted third countries. Not required for: Pets from EU and listed third countries (all P1 countries listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait after blood draw The microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be valid. Start this process as early as possible."

Pet transport from United Arab Emirates to France is a moderately complex route. The documentation is specific and there are a few stages to work through, but families who plan ahead get their pets there without major issues.

At minimum, your pet needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination, a rabies titre test with a waiting period after the result, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued close to your travel date. Allow 6-10 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.

Use the step-by-step timeline below to plan your preparation, and get in touch if you want us to coordinate the process for you.

Moderate complexity 6-10 weeks typical

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What does moving a pet on this route actually involve?

The United Arab Emirates–France route requires quarantine on arrival, so planning well ahead matters. In plain terms, this is a moderate route, meaning the requirements are relatively straightforward compared to many international moves.

Most owners start the process around 6-10 weeks before the flight date. That window is not arbitrary — it accounts for vaccination waiting periods, titre test processing, and document endorsement.

How long does the whole process take?

Here is how the preparation unfolds from start to travel day:

Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785) Before any vaccinations. Must be done first. Your veterinarian

Rabies vaccination At least 21 days before travel (after microchip) Your veterinarian

Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test) Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result. Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements) Official veterinarian

Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking 2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability. You (or your pet transport agent)

Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation 3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets You + airline cargo desk

What should I expect to pay?

Costs vary considerably depending on your pet's size, the airline, and whether you use a pet relocation agent. The main factors to price up are:

Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip)
Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable)
Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)

What paperwork does France require for my pet?

Microchip: Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or at same time as rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccination: Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Standard EU protocol. 21-day wait from first vaccination.

Titre test: Required for: Pets from unlisted third countries. Not required for: Pets from EU and listed third countries (all P1 countries listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait after blood draw

Health certificate: Required

Import permit: No formal import permit. EU pet passport or AHC serves as documentation.

Quarantine: No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to varies days if non-compliant

What do I need to arrange before leaving United Arab Emirates?

Export permit: Contact municipality for specific export clearance process

Which airlines can my pet travel on?

Several airlines serve routes between United Arab Emirates and France, each with different policies on pets in cabin versus cargo hold:

Lufthansa _

Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo transport available. Transport of large animals to certain destinations not possible due to local circumstances. Fighting dog breeds subject to special rules

Singapore Airlines _

Cargo: Pets travel as cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons

Air France _

Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo transport available. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes. French regulations on dangerous dog breeds apply

United Airlines _

Small pets allowed in cabin

American Airlines _

Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport

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

Etihad Airways _

Cargo: Pets travel as cargo through Etihad Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds subject to seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during Abu Dhabi summer months

Air Canada _

Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurized hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round

South African Airways _

Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Pets travel as checked excess baggage in hold or through SAA cargo

What are the most common mistakes on this route?

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.

Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.

Temperature embargoes apply during Gulf summer months (June to September). Airlines may refuse pet cargo when ground temperatures exceed 30C.

Which similar routes might be relevant?

Shipping from United Arab Emirates Importing to France

What should I do next?

The best first step is a free consultation. You'll get a clear picture of the timeline, the costs, and exactly which documents apply to your pet's breed, age, and vaccination history.

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