Pet shipping from India to France: Documents + Timeline + Cost factors

Spreading Pet from India to France seems easy at first glance — book the flight, bring along papers, and you’re set. But France has very strict E.U. entry regulations for dogs, cats and ferrets, so the paperwork and timing are critical. If even a single piece of paper is forgotten, Customs can deny entry, turn the pet around or subject it to checks (and yes, that escalates quickly).

In this guide, I’ll break down the real-world documents, the step-by-step timeline, and the main cost factors—in a way you can actually use.

Quick overview: what France/EU usually requires

For most personal (non-commercial) moves with dogs/cats/ferrets to France, you’ll typically need:

• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) done before rabies vaccination
• Rabies vaccination (valid and in-date)
• Rabies antibody titration test (RNATT) + mandatory waiting time (commonly required when entering the EU from countries not on the “listed” group)
• EU health certificate (issued close to travel)
• India export clearance / AQCS NOC + export certificate
• Airline booking approval + IATA -compliant crate (if traveling in hold/cargo)

Also, France expects you to declare and present your pet to Customs for document/identity checks upon arrival.

Documents checklist (India → France)

1) ID + ownership proofs

• Your passport/visa/tickets (owner or accompanying person)
• Pet ownership proof (adoption papers, purchase invoice, local registration—anything official helps)

2) Microchip certificate

• Microchip implantation record with chip number
• Make sure the chip is scannable and matches every document (no typos, please)

3) Vaccination book/records

• Rabies vaccination certificate (chip number must be on it)
• Core vaccines (recommended): DHPPiL (dogs), FVRCP (cats), etc.

4) Rabies antibody titration test (RNATT)

This is the part people underestimate.

Common EU process:

• Rabies shot → wait at least 30 days → blood sample → lab test showing ≥ 0.5 IU/ml → then wait 3 months after the blood sample date before entry (typical requirement for “non-listed” origin routes).

5) EU health certificate for entry

• A vet-issued health certificate made for EU entry (done near departure)
• It must align with EU non-commercial movement rules

6) AQCS NOC + India export certificate

For export from India, the AQCS process is key:

• AQCS appointment + document verification + pet examination
• Export certificate validity is short (commonly 10 days), so schedule this close to your flight.

7) Airline documents

Depending on airline and route:

• Flight booking confirmation for pet (PETC/AVIH/cargo)
• Crate details + weight
• Fit-to-fly note sometimes requested
• Breed restrictions (especially snub-nosed breeds in cargo/hold)

Timeline: how early should you start?

If you want a realistic plan, assume 3–5 months minimum for most cases, mainly because of the rabies titer + 3-month wait.

Typical timeline table (most common path)

Step	What happens	Suggested time before flight
Microchip	Implant + record	4–5 months
Rabies vaccination	After microchip (important)	4–5 months
Wait period	Minimum wait before blood draw	~30+ days after rabies
RNATT (titer test)	Blood sample + EU-approved lab result	3–4 months
Mandatory wait	Often 3 months from blood sample date	3 months
EU health certificate	Final vet check + certificate	7–10 days
AQCS NOC + export certificate	India export clearance	3–10 days (close to flight)
Fly + France Customs check	Declare pet on arrival	Travel day

Good to know:If you’re in a hurry, the paperwork doesn’t bend at all, so it’s better to prepare early than to worry later.

Pet travel options: in-cabin vs checked baggage vs manifest cargo

Your choice affects both comfort and cost.

Option A: Pets in Cabin (PETC)

• Best for small pets (airline limits apply)
• Usually calmer, and you can monitor your pet
• Air India, for example, allows cats/dogs in cabin up to a certain weight category and subject to approvals.

Option B: Checked baggage / hold (AVIH)

• For medium pets (within weight limits)
• Requires correct crate sizing and strong booking coordination

Option C: Manifest cargo

• Often used for large pets, some route restrictions, or airline policy needs
• Usually higher paperwork and handling fees, but sometimes it’s the only option

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Cost factors: what actually changes the price?

There isn’t one flat “India to France pet shipping cost” because pricing is built from multiple moving parts. Here’s what influences the total the most:

1) Route + airline availability

Direct routes reduce handling risk. Meanwhile, multiple transits increase stress, time, and cost.

2) Travel mode (PETC vs hold vs cargo)

Cargo is typically the most expensive; PETC can be cheaper but only works for small pets.

3) Crate type and size (IATA compliant)

• Bigger crate = higher freight charge
• Add-ons: absorbent bedding, water bowls, fasteners, labels

4) Vet work in India

• Microchip + vaccines
• RNATT/titer test
• Pre-travel checkups and parasite prevention
  These can stack up quickly, especially if boosters are needed.

5) Government/export processing

• AQCS NOC/export certificate steps
• Courier/printing/translation (if needed)

6) Pet relocation service vs DIY

And while it’s more expensive, using a professional to get your pet where you are can prevent mistakes — especially when it comes to timing of certificates, how to select a lab for titer tests and getting the airline on board.

Indicative cost ranges (guidance only)

These are ballpark figures to help you budget (prices vary by city, season, airline and pet size). Take it as a planning range and not a promise.

Cost component	Typical range (INR)	Notes
Microchip	1,000 – 3,000	Varies by clinic
Rabies + core vaccines	1,500 – 6,000	Depends on what’s pending
RNATT (titer test)	8,000 – 20,000	Lab + vet draw + shipping
Health certificate & pre-flight exam	2,000 – 6,000	Close to departure
AQCS processing + local handling	1,000 – 5,000	Varies by airport /city
IATA crate	4,000 – 25,000	Size/quality changes cost a lot
Flight/transport (small–large pets)	45,000 – 2,50,000+	Biggest variable: mode + size + route
Full-service relocation (optional)	60,000 – 3,50,000+	Depends on inclusions

Arrival in France: what to expect at Customs

When you land, France requires pets coming from non-EU countries to be declared and presented to Customs for document and identity checks before entry is allowed.
So, keep these handy (not in checked baggage):

• Microchip details
• Rabies records
• Titer report (if applicable)
• EU health certificate
• Your travel documents

If something doesn’t match (like chip number mismatch), it can cause delays and extra costs.

Common mistakes (that cause delays)

• Rabies vaccine done before microchip (this can invalidate the “chain”)
• Taking the titer test too early (before the minimum waiting period)
• Not waiting the required time after the blood sample before entering the EU
• Booking flights first and doing documents later (wrong order, honestly)
• Choosing a non-approved lab for the titer test (always verify through your vet/agent)
• Crate too small or not IATA -compliant (airlines reject at check-in)

How Pet Shipping can help (optional service angle)

At Pet Shipping, we can manage the end-to-end move—microchip and vaccine plan, titer test coordination, AQCS NOC, airline approvals, crate sizing, and arrival guidance—so you don’t get stuck at the last step. Moreover, we keep the process clear, with checklists you can follow.

FAQs: India → France pet shipping