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Chapter 14 of 15

Bringing pets

EU Pet Passport, microchip, vaccinations, vétérinaire, regulations

Summary

France is one of the most pet-friendly countries in Europe. Dogs and cats are welcome in many restaurants, shops, and hotels. Bringing your pet to France as an EU citizen is relatively straightforward thanks to the EU Pet Passport. The main requirements are a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport. Once in France, there are specific rules for identification, insurance, and dangerous dog breeds.

Requirements for relocation

EU Pet Passport

The EU Pet Passport is mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling within the EU. You obtain this from your veterinarian in the Netherlands.

Requirements

RequirementDetails
MicrochipISO 11784/11785 (15-digit). Must be implanted BEFORE rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccinationMinimum 21 days before departure, valid until expiry (usually 1-3 years)
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Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit)

    The French residence permit. EU citizens do not need to apply for a carte de séjour but can obtain one as proof of residence rights. Non-EU citizens must apply for one.

  • Carte Vitale (Health Card)

    The French health card that gives you access to the healthcare system. Medical costs are directly reimbursed with this card. Apply at the CPAM after your PUMA registration.

  • CPAM (Primary Health Insurance Fund)

    The local health insurance institution. Here you register for French health insurance, apply for your Carte Vitale and submit claims.

  • CAF (Family Benefits Fund)

    The French family benefits agency: child benefit, housing assistance (APL), living allowance. If you live and work in France, you are entitled to many of these benefits.

  • Impôt sur le Revenu (Income Tax)

    The French income tax. Progressive rates from 0% to 45%. Calculated per "foyer fiscal" (household). Since 2019 the tax is withheld directly from your salary.

  • Mairie (Town Hall)

    The French town hall. Here you handle registration, marriages, and request various documents. Every village and city has a mairie.

  • Sécurité Sociale (Social Security)

    The French social security system. Covers healthcare, pensions, family benefits and unemployment. Your numéro de sécurité sociale (15 digits) is your key to the system.

  • OFII (French Immigration Office)

    The French immigration office. Non-EU citizens must validate their visa and activate their residence permit here after arriving in France.

  • PUMA (Universal Health Coverage)

    The French universal health coverage system. Everyone who lives stably in France (3+ months) is entitled to PUMA coverage, regardless of employment status.

  • Taxe d'Habitation (Residence Tax)

    A local tax on your main residence. Largely abolished for main residences since 2023, but still applies to second homes.

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