The obligation to declare and present your pet 

The control of pet animals by customs is a derogation from the veterinary control carried out by the Veterinary and Phytosanitary Border Inspection Service (VEBIS) at border control posts. Also, special conditions must be respected.

Upon arrival in the European Union from a third country, you must declare and present your pets to customs officers, so that they can carry out a documentary and identity check.

Who must declare the animal to customs?

The owner of the pet or any authorized person who assumes responsibility for the pet. These people are required to travel with the animal [within + or - 5 days after the movement of the authorized owner only for dogs, cats and ferrets on presentation of a proof (boarding pass, plane ticket)].

What is a pet animal within the meaning of European regulations?

The following are considered to be pets:

• dogs (including service dogs, cats, ferrets
• reptiles
• amphibians 
• domestic rodents and rabbits 
• hot water ornamental tropical fish
• all bird species, except chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges, and ratites (Ratitae).

Any other animal is excluded from this definition and must be presented for health control at a border control post.

What criteria must you fulfill in order to benefit from the derogation from veterinary checks at border control posts?

1. It must be a non-commercial transaction (no sale or transfer of ownership).
2. The number of animals authorized must be less than or equal to 5 specimens per person (except for domestic carnivores in the case of participation in a competition, exhibition or sporting event. In this case, the owner or authorized person shall submit written proof that these animals are registered to participate in any of the above events. The animals must then be older than 6 months).
3. The animal must be accompanied by the required documents. These vary according to the animal concerned (see steps above).

Also, if the number of domestic animals accompanying travelers exceeds the limit of 5 specimens (unless otherwise described in 2.), if the animals travel without their owner or the authorized person (more or less 5 days for domestic carnivores), or if the animals are sold during transport, the movement is considered commercial and must meet these criteria. Under these conditions:

• Inspection at a border control post designated for the control of the species concerned;
• The country of provenance must be authorized (see Annex VIII Part 1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/404);
• Use of the model health certificate set out in Chapter 38 of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2021/403 (commercial movement);
• Issuance of a CHED - A (Common Health Entry Document) via TRACES NT.

In the event of importation of animals not fulfilling the abovementioned conditions to be classified as domestic animals, by a point of entry whose PCF is not designated for the control of the species concerned, the Veterinary Services (SIVEP) will systematically order the re-dispatch of the animals.

Clarification: special conditions and restrictions apply to animals of species protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

Legal or regulatory basis

• Regulation (EU) 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals and repealing Regulation (EC) 998/2003 Text with EEA relevance;
• Commission Regulation (EU) 577/2013 of 28 June 2013 on model identification documents for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets, the establishment of lists of territories and third countries and the format, presentation and language requirements for declarations of compliance with certain conditions laid down in Regulation (EU) 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/1933 of 14 July 2021 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the rules applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet birds from a territory or a third country to a Member State?
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1938 of 9 November 2021 laying down the model identification document for non-commercial movements of pet birds from a territory or a third country to a Member State and repealing Decision 2007/25/EC.
• Article L236-4 of the Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code.