As a Paris property owner who splits time between the US and France, you may dream of bringing your four-legged companion along on your Parisian sojourns. The good news? With proper planning, your dog can enjoy croissants (metaphorically speaking) and walks along the Seine right alongside you. This guide will help you navigate the regulations for pet travel and ownership in your Paris apartment.

Getting Your Dog from the US to France: What You Need to Know

Essential Documentation and Requirements

The paperwork might seem daunting, but once you’ve done it once, subsequent trips become much easier:

• Microchipping: Your pet must be identified with a non-encrypted, 15-digit, ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If your microchip isn’t ISO compliant, bring your own scanner when traveling.
• Health Certificates: You’ll need to choose between a “non-commercial” or “commercial” health certificate depending on your travel circumstances. If you travel with your pet (or within 5 days), the non-commercial certificate applies. Commercial certificates are needed if you’re separated by more than 5 days.
• Rabies Vaccination: All dogs over 12 weeks entering France must have a current rabies vaccination administered after the microchip was implanted. This vaccination needs to be given at least 21 days before travel.
• USDA Endorsement: Your health certificate requires USDA endorsement. For non-commercial certificates, your pet must arrive in the EU within 10 days of endorsement. For commercial certificates, your pet must leave the US within 48 hours of the veterinarian issuing it.

Pro Tip: Get an EU Pet Passport

Once in France, arrange for a European Pet Passport from a local veterinarian. This document allows your pet to freely travel throughout Europe and remains valid for your pet’s lifetime. While the passport itself doesn’t expire, the rabies vaccinations and health records inside it need regular updating.

An added bonus for property owners: veterinary care in Paris is generally less expensive than in major US cities. Many expatriates find that routine check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments cost 30-50% less than comparable services in American metropolitan areas. This makes maintaining your pet’s health records in France not just convenient but economical. Schedule annual check-ups during your Paris stays to update vaccinations and maintain your pet passport in good standing.

Your Rights as a Property Owner with Pets

As the owner of your Paris apartment, you have every right to bring your pet to your own property. However, there are still some regulations to be aware of:

Building Regulations

Even though you own your apartment, you’re still part of a co-ownership structure (copropriété). Some buildings may have specific regulations regarding pets in their bylaws, though these typically focus on nuisance issues rather than prohibiting pets entirely.

The co-ownership bylaws may have restrictive clauses regarding activities that could cause nuisance to other co-owners, particularly related to noise or odors. While this doesn’t prevent you from having a pet, it does mean you need to ensure your dog doesn’t disturb neighbors.

Breed Restrictions

France restricts certain dog breeds, particularly Category 1 attack dogs (such as Mastiffs/Boer bulls, Pitbulls, and Tosas) and sometimes Category 2 defense dogs (Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, etc.). If you own one of these breeds, additional requirements apply, including muzzling in public spaces.

If You Rent Out Your Property When You’re Away

Many second-home owners rent out their Paris property when they’re not using it. Here’s what you should know regarding pets:

According to French law, landlords cannot legally refuse to allow tenants to have pets, even if stated in the contract. This means that if you rent your apartment long-term, you generally cannot prohibit pets.

However, there are some exceptions:

• For seasonal/vacation rentals, the rules differ. Since 2012, owners of furnished seasonal rentals have the right to refuse tenants with pets. This is important if you’re listing your property on vacation rental platforms.
• You can prohibit certain breeds of dogs, particularly Category 1 attack dogs, in your rental agreement.
• While you cannot legally refuse pets, you can require a higher security deposit to account for potential pet damage.

Living in Paris with Your Dog: Practical Considerations

When you’re in town with your four-legged friend, here’s what you need to know:

Parks and Green Spaces

Paris has become more dog-friendly in recent years, with rules since January 2019 allowing dogs in more green spaces. Dogs must be kept on a leash in gardens without children’s play areas and in certain marked parks. Look for signage indicating where dogs are permitted.

Public Transportation

Getting around Paris with your dog is relatively straightforward:

Small dogs that fit in a carrier bag can ride for free on the Paris metro and buses. Larger dogs can ride but may require purchasing a child’s fare ticket and must be leashed and sometimes muzzled.

Local Registration Requirements

All dogs in France must be either tattooed or microchipped, and regularly vaccinated. Your veterinarian can arrange all of these requirements. If you’re staying for extended periods, establishing a relationship with a local vet is advisable.

Dining and Shopping With Your Four-Legged Friend

One of the greatest joys of having a dog in France is the ability to include them in nearly all aspects of your day. Most cafés, restaurants, and bistros welcome dogs both on terraces and (sometimes) inside the establishment. It’s polite to ask before entering with your dog, but don’t be surprised to find water bowls already set out for canine guests at many Parisian eateries.

While technically not allowed in food stores by law, enforcement varies widely. Small boutiques and shops generally welcome dogs, though larger department stores may have restrictions. Supermarkets typically enforce a strict no-dog policy, but many bakeries will look the other way for regular customers with well-behaved pets.

Final Thoughts

Bringing your dog to your Paris property enriches your experience in the City of Light. As one American living in France noted, “A dog brings you into the culture. Shopkeepers all know me as the American who owns Coco. The local merchants all chat with us. You are not viewed as a tourist.”

With proper planning and understanding of both travel requirements and local regulations, your four-legged companion can become a cherished part of your Parisian lifestyle, transforming your pied-à-terre into a true home away from home.

Contact Paris Property Group to learn more about buying or selling property in Paris or to be introduced to a trusted mortgage professional.