Flying private to France with a dog or cat
On a charter your pet can usually stay in the cabin. The paperwork is the same as on any flight: a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days old and the right document for where you come from.
- Microchip
- Before the rabies jab
- Rabies vaccine
- 21 days before travel
- Health certificate
- 10 days to EU entry
- Limit
- 5 pets per person
Why private is easier for pets
Yes. French customs requires a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before departure and, from outside the EU, a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Pets from some countries also need a rabies blood test. The certificate is shown to customs on arrival in France.
On a charter, your dog or cat flies with you rather than in a cargo hold, subject to the operator's own rules on size, number and seating. What does not change is the paperwork, and French customs advises starting the vet appointments at least three months before you travel.
Rules differ by origin. Movements from EU countries and from Andorra, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican are treated like travel within the EU. From other countries, the full import conditions apply.
Tell us your pet's breed, weight and crate size when you ask for a quote, so we only offer aircraft where the operator accepts it.
Sources:French customs (douane.gouv.fr): travelling with a dog, cat or ferret, checked 19 October 2026Ministry of Agriculture (DGAL and SIVEP): importing pets into the EU from third countries, October 2023 (PDF)
What every dog, cat or ferret needs
- 01Microchip
A chip under the skin meeting ISO 11784 and 11785, or a tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 with proof of the date. If the chip is another standard, bring a reader.
- 02Rabies vaccination
Given after the microchip, or on the same day, and at least 21 days before departure. Pets under 12 weeks cannot be vaccinated.
- 03The right document
From the EU and the listed territories, a pet passport. From other countries, an original health certificate signed or endorsed by an official vet of the country of departure, valid for 10 days until the EU entry checks.
- 04Customs on arrival
French customs must see and endorse the health certificate on arrival in France, so plan an arrival airport where customs is available for your flight.
Sources:French customs (douane.gouv.fr): travelling with a dog, cat or ferret, checked 19 October 2026
Tell us the dates and passengers. A specialist replies with aircraft options and an all-in price, around the clock.
When a rabies blood test is needed
- Pets from countries not on the EU's list need a rabies antibody test: a blood sample taken by an EU-approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination, with a result of 0.5 IU/ml or more.
- The sample must be taken at least three months before the health certificate is issued, unless the test was done before leaving the EU and recorded in the pet passport.
- The test is not needed from listed countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia. Belarus and Russia were removed from the list on 16 September 2024.
- The result stays valid for the pet's life as long as its rabies boosters are kept up to date.
Sources:French customs (douane.gouv.fr): travelling with a dog, cat or ferret, checked 19 October 2026
Limits and banned dogs
- Up to five pets per owner or authorised person. More than five counts as a commercial movement, except for animals over six months old entered in a show or competition.
- A pet may travel up to five days before or after its owner and still count as a personal movement, with proof such as the flight booking.
- Category 1 attack dogs are banned from import into France. Category 2 guard dogs, such as pedigree Rottweilers, can be imported under conditions set by the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Pets from third countries enter the EU through the travellers' points of entry that each EU country designates.
Sources:French customs (douane.gouv.fr): travelling with a dog, cat or ferret, checked 19 October 2026Ministry of Agriculture (DGAL and SIVEP): importing pets into the EU from third countries, October 2023 (PDF)European Commission: travellers' points of entry for pets designated by EU countries
Questions, answered
Still deciding? A charter specialist will talk you through aircraft, airports and price, with no obligation.
Ask a specialistCan my dog sit with me on a private jet to France?+
Usually, yes. Most charter operators let pets travel in the cabin; size, number and seating are set by each operator, so we confirm it in writing before you book.
Does my dog need a blood test to fly from London to France?+
No. The United Kingdom is on the EU's list, so no rabies blood test is needed. Your dog still needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days old and a health certificate.
How long is the health certificate valid?+
French customs says 10 days from issue until the EU entry checks, then up to 6 months for travel on to other EU countries, or until the rabies vaccination expires.
Can I bring a puppy to France?+
Not a very young one. Rabies vaccination is not allowed under 12 weeks of age and must be given at least 21 days before travel, so a puppy is at least 15 weeks old when it flies.
Related pages
Fares, dates and rules on this page were checked on 19 October 2026. Official fares and schedules change every season; the operator or authority named in each source has the final word.
Room for the whole family.
A specialist replies around the clock with aircraft options, the operator's name and an all-in price.