Flying with your pet: information and advice for a smooth journey


Travelling with your pet and wondering about the conditions in which they will be transported? Paris Aéroport explains it all! Dog, cat, ferret, rabbit, hamster, goldfish, bird, or any other pet or animal, the formalities vary whether it’s a domestic animal or not. Read all of our information to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.  




Dogs, cats, other species: what are the formalities and regulations?

General formalities



  • Travel formalities:

    Each country has its own regulations. To find out the specific formalities of the country to which you are travelling - e.g. pet passport, tattoo, microchip, vaccinations, etc. - please check with your airline in advance.

  • Health record booklet:

    For all travel, you must be in possession of your pet's health record, issued by an approved veterinarian. Please note that the rabies vaccine is the only vaccine mandatory for all destinations.

  • Quarantine: Different health circumstances and quarantines may apply depending on the country of destination. This is why it is important to check with your airline before you fly.

  • On the aircraft: As only a limited number of animals are allowed on each flight, we recommend that you book your travel as early as possible and that you call your airline 72 hours before the flight to confirm that you will be bringing an animal.

  • Travelling with a dog:

    If you are travelling with a dog, it should never be left unattended and should, at the very least, be kept on a lead until it has been through security checks. We also strongly recommend that the dog wears a muzzle.

Travel formalities:

Each country has its own regulations. To find out the specific formalities of the country to which you are travelling - e.g. pet passport, tattoo, microchip, vaccinations, etc. - please check with your airline in advance.

Health record booklet:

For all travel, you must be in possession of your pet's health record, issued by an approved veterinarian. Please note that the rabies vaccine is the only vaccine mandatory for all destinations.

Quarantine: Different health circumstances and quarantines may apply depending on the country of destination. This is why it is important to check with your airline before you fly.

On the aircraft: As only a limited number of animals are allowed on each flight, we recommend that you book your travel as early as possible and that you call your airline 72 hours before the flight to confirm that you will be bringing an animal.

Travelling with a dog:

If you are travelling with a dog, it should never be left unattended and should, at the very least, be kept on a lead until it has been through security checks. We also strongly recommend that the dog wears a muzzle.



Specific formalities



Travelling with a pet?  

For all air travel, your pet (dog, cat, ferret) must be identifiable by a microchip or a tattoo.

You must also be in possession of a European pet passport, issued in advance by an approved veterinarian.

If you are travelling with another type of animal (other mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile, fish), please contact your airline directly to find out about travel formalities.

As a general rule, for all travel arrangements, contact your airline.




Are you travelling with a dangerous dog (category 1 or 2)?  

Certain breeds of dogs, classified as dangerous (category 1 or 2), are usually banned from flying. Please contact your airline directly for specific information. 




Travelling with a wild or protected species?  

Specific formalities apply for wild animals and protected species.
Before planning your trip, it is vital that you consult the Customs website and contact your airline.




Travelling with a guide dog?  

Guide dogs of passengers with sensory or physical disabilities (blind or visually impaired) may travel free of charge in the cabin together with their handler, regardless of weight and size. However, they must be muzzled

For any further information, please contact your airline and Paris Aéroport mobility assistance.







Do pets travel in the cabin or in the hold?



Your pet will travel in the cabin if:

 

Puce-Bleue They are below the maximum weight permitted by the airline. The average maximum weight is 8kg (including cage/carrier).

Puce-Bleue Their carrier is generally no larger than 115 cm (L+W+H).

Cage/carrier size and weight limits vary by airline.

Contact your airline


Your pet will travel in the hold if:

 

Puce-Bleue It is too big and/or too heavy to travel in the cabin.

Please note that weight and size limits vary by airline. 

Contact your airline


All animals travelling in the hold will be placed in a cage bearing the animal's name, tattoo or microchip number, your contact details and your destination.
The hold is a ventilated and heated area. Your pet's cage is kept stable throughout the journey.






Paris Aéroport advice



Puce-Bleue  If you don't have a carrier, don't panic! Your airline may sell you one suitable for the air transportation of your two or four-legged angel (or one without legs, naturally, but then we might not be talking about an angel!)

Puce-Bleue  To ensure that your pet does not go exploring around the hold, remember to reinforce the cage (e.g. with packaging tape). This will prevent you facing any abuse from other passengers whose suitcases were in the hold with your pet...

Puce-Bleue  If your dog or cat, or any other beloved animal is fearful or sensitive to motion sickness, consult your veterinarian who will prescribe appropriate medication if necessary.

Puce-Bleue  Remember to leave them with a small water bowl and food, as well as a mat or absorbent pad, so they can do their business, as it is not possible to take him outside.

Puce-Bleue Check the state of veterinary services in the country of destination, as well as the necessary entry and exit documents for your pet. This will avoid very unpleasant surprises.