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Flying with a dog or cat from Montréal to Paris

France follows the EU's pet rules, and Paris is easy with a dog once you arrive. The key deadline is the EU animal health certificate, which must be issued within 10 days before you land.

Plan, then confirm. This guide sums up the official rules as we found them. Rules change, and your airline has its own. Check every step with the sources below and your airline before you book.

Your trip, step by step

  1. Before you go

    • The EU's rules for dogs, cats and ferrets from Canada: a microchip first, then a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an EU animal health certificate signed by a CFIA-accredited vet and endorsed by the CFIA within 10 days before you arrive. Canada is on the EU's list that doesn't need a rabies blood test (check the current list). Your pet must travel with you or within 5 days of you, up to 5 pets.
    • Book the vet visit and the CFIA endorsement for the week before you fly; the 10-day window is tight.

  2. At Montréal-Trudeau

    • There are relief areas after security near gate 47 (domestic), gate 62 (international) and gate 73 (US), and an outdoor area in the multi-level parking across from Door 25 on the arrivals level.
    • In the terminal, pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. At security, tell the screening officer you have a pet. You'll carry your pet through the walk-through scanner while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray.
    • Full Montréal-Trudeau airport guide

  3. The flight

    • Air Canada, Air France and Air Transat fly nonstop. Small cats and dogs can often travel in the cabin in a soft carrier under the seat; bigger pets go in the hold. Each airline sets its own weight limit, so check before you book.

  4. Arriving in Paris

    • Declare your pet at customs and show the health certificate. Keep the original certificate with you, not in your checked bag.

  5. With your pet in Paris

    • Small dogs and cats ride free in a bag or carrier on the métro, RER, buses and trams. Medium and large dogs can use the métro and RER muzzled and on a leash, but not buses.
    • Many cafés and restaurants welcome dogs. For a run, head to the Bois de Boulogne or the Bois de Vincennes.
    • On SNCF trains, dogs under 6 kg travel in a carrier; bigger dogs need a ticket and a muzzle.

  6. Coming home

    • Coming home, use the CFIA's online pet import tool before you leave Canada so you know what you'll need at the border. Keep your pet's rabies vaccination certificate valid for the whole trip; dogs and cats 3 months and older usually need one to come back into Canada.

Questions

What paperwork does my dog need from Montréal to Paris?

A microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days old, and an EU animal health certificate signed by a CFIA-accredited vet and endorsed by the CFIA within 10 days before you arrive.

Can my dog ride the Paris métro?

Yes. Small dogs ride free in a bag; medium and large dogs can use the métro and RER muzzled and on a leash, but not buses.

Sources