How many pets (companion animals) can I bring into France?

France allows 5 pets (companion animals) per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Do I have to declare pets (companion animals) at France customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 5 pets (companion animals) there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

What happens if I do not declare pets (companion animals) in France?

If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Code des douanes, article L. 513-3, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Code des douanes, article R. 515-5, 1°, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship pets (companion animals) to France instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take pets (companion animals) out of France?

France publishes no separate rule for taking pets (companion animals) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the France limit for pets (companion animals) apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) states it in Voyager avec un animal de compagnie : bases légales ou réglementaires. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does France compare with other countries on pets (companion animals)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit pets (companion animals), 20 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Pets (companion animals) can I bring into France?

Restricted

You can bring Pets (companion animals) into France only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 5 piece

What you need to know

5 piece
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Voyager avec un animal de compagnie : bases légales ou réglementaires Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects
Démarche : Importer des marchandises soumises à réglementation vétérinaire Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects

Questions about Pets (companion animals) in France

How many pets (companion animals) can I bring into France?: France allows 5 pets (companion animals) per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare pets (companion animals) at France customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 5 pets (companion animals) there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare pets (companion animals) in France?: If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Code des douanes, article L. 513-3, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Code des douanes, article R. 515-5, 1°, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship pets (companion animals) to France instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take pets (companion animals) out of France?: France publishes no separate rule for taking pets (companion animals) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the France limit for pets (companion animals) apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI) states it in Voyager avec un animal de compagnie : bases légales ou réglementaires. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does France compare with other countries on pets (companion animals)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit pets (companion animals), 20 limit it and 0 let it through. France is among the ones that set a limit.

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