Essential Animal Information for France

Share | Print | +

Delicious

Digg

Facebook

Google

Propeller

reddit

StumbleUpon

Twitter

Yahoo!

Essential Animal Information for France

Essential information and contacts on the following subjects is available below:

Veterinarians 

Sadly the laws of the Ordre des Vétérinaires prohibit AngloINFO from publishing a list of English speaking vets.  
The website of the Ordre des Vétérinaires of France has many useful links to animal nutritional suppliers, dog, cat and horse breeders and much more (in French).

Dog Vaccination 

No vaccination is compulsory for a dog living in France. However if a dog is travelling to a foreign country then it must be vaccinated against rabies; likewise all kennels (pensions) and most campsites insist on valid rabies vaccination. Show and competition dogs must also be inoculated. The majority of France is rabies free, however there have been cases of rabies since November 2007 and restrictions on the movement of dogs and cats not vaccinated against rabies may be in force.

• For more information from the Department of Agriculture: Click here (in French)

Vets recommend that all caring owners vaccinate their dogs. They should be vaccinated annually for the following:

• C - Carré (Distemper)
• H - Hépatite de Rubarth or hépatite contagieuse canine (infectious hepatitis)
• P - La Parvovirose (Parvovirus)
• L - La Leptospirose (Leptospirosis)
• R - La Rage (Rabies)
• PI - La toux de chenil Para-Influenza (Kennel Cough)

Regional: 

• Note: The Piroplasmose  parasite carried on certain ticks can kill a dog in as little as three days. The vaccination protects against this dangerous tick found in certain parts of France. If you will be travelling with your dog, consult your vet. 
• The Rabies injection is not always given, but must be if you plan to cross borders with your dog.

Note: Dogs moving to France from the UK may not have been injected against Kennel Cough. If you plan to board your dog in France, it would be wise to vaccinate against this.

Animal Organisations

30 Millions d'Amis is an excellent French Web site with useful information on laws and tips on animal ownership (all in French). Very useful contacts throughout France available in the searchable Annuaire.

The SPA France web site (in French) has further useful information and general contacts (in French).

Other contacts: 

• Société Centrale Canine (S.C.C) Organisation for breed dogs in France
• Animal Services for general information relating to animals in France

Animal Shelters/Refuges in Brittany

• See the SPA France website
• Les Mistoufles
  At: 24 Route de la Plage, Plougasnou 
  Tel: 02 98 67 34 74
• Filiale Finistère
  At: Trohonan, Plouhinec 
  Tel: 02 98 70 44 93

• See the Spa France website
• Refuge de Boudeville 
  At: Château-Malo, St-Malo
  Tel: 02 99 82 06 91
  Website
• D’Armor 
  At: Les Loges de le Morinais, Iffendic 
  Tel: 02 99 09 70 95

• APAA Refuge
  At: La Garenne, 22420 Trégrom 
  Tel: 02 96 47 84 30 
  Website
• SPA du Penthièvre
  At: La Ville Pierre, Brehand 
  Tel: 02 96 42 01 13
  Website
• La Briochine Refuge
  At: Chemin des Courses, St-Brieuc 
  Tel: 02 96 61 26 89

• SPA d'Hennebont - Inzinzac Refuge Marthe Brun
  At: Forêt de Tremelin, Inzinzac
  Tel: 02 97 36 02 26
• SPA de Lorient
  At: 80, rue de Ploemeur Kercaves, Larmor-Plage
  Tel: 02 97 33 70 90
• SPA de Vannes Refuge Emilienne Prado
  At: ZI du Prat avenue E. Michelin, Vannes 
  Tel: 02 97 42 43 74
• SOS Zanimaux en Detresse SOSAD (Société Organisant le Sauvetage des Animaux en Detresse) 
  Registered charity practicing a systematic sterilisation of cats and dogs; specialised in enquiries about badly treated animals in Brittany. English and French-speaking volunteers. 
  Tel: 02 97 23 56 35
  e-mail

Identification and Registration

Dogs

• All dogs entering France from within or out side of the EU of it must be identified by tattoo or microchip
• All dogs in départements declared as having rabies must be identified (consult your vet)
• All dogs being bought or sold must be identified
• Note: The only exemption is in the case of a dog born before 6 January 1999 that has remained in France all it's life with the same owner.

Cats

• All cats entering France from within or out side of the EU of it must be identified by tattoo or microchip
• All cats in départements declared as having rabies must be identified (consult your vet)
• All cats being bought or sold must be identified (kittens can be sold under the registration number of their mother)

Ferrets

• All ferrets entering France from within or out side of the EU of it must be identified by tattoo or microchip
• All ferrets in départements declared as having rabies must be identified (consult your vet)

General Laws

• Identification is compulsory for dogs (either tattoo in the ear or a microchip inserted beneath the skin)
• A certificate of sale and vet's "clean bill of health" must be issued by the seller to the buyer of an animal.
• The sale of puppies and kittens under eight weeks old is banned.
• Public inspectors may enter business premises and animal transport vehicles if they feel that an animal may be in distress. 
• Public inspectors may also break into a vehicle parked in full sun if an animal's life is endangered, and in an emergency, they may order that an animal is removed to a shelter.
• There are heavy penalties for cruelty and mistreatment of an animal.

Buying a pet

You should receive:

• Identification tattoo (3 letters and 3 figures) & ID card.
• Contract or sales certificate which must show the full names and address of seller and buyer, the date of sale, price and the consulting vet.

In addition for a pedigree animal:

• Birth certificate or pedigree:
• Vaccination book (not compulsory)
• Information booklet detailing tips on needs, features and training recommendations of the animal.

Animals Lost and Found

If you lose an animal

• Take action as quickly as possible
• Notify the local police, pompiers and vets in the area the animal was lost. 
• Put up notices (with a photograph of the pet, if possible) in the vets, Mairie and shops of the area it went missing. 
• Contact the local animal shelters in the area. 
• If your animal has a tattoo, contact:

The National Dog Register (Fichier National Canin) Tel: 01 49 37 54 54. 
The National Cat Register (Fichier National Félin) Tel: 01 44 93 30 30

If you find an animal

• Notify the local police, pompiers and vets in the area the animal was found supplying a full description and the tattoo number if the animal has one (usually stamped inside the ear or on the inner thigh)
• If the animal has a tattoo contact:

The National Dog Register (Fichier National Canin) Tel: 01 49 37 54 54. 
The National Cat Register (Fichier National Félin) Tel: 01 44 93 30 30.

These organisations have a records of the owner and will contact them giving them your contact details. 

• If the animal has no tattoo, or you are unable to look after it while the owner is found, take it to your local animal shelter.
• If you do this, make sure that the police, pompiers and vets know where you have taken the animal. 

Abused Animal, What to do

Assault, ill-treatment, abandonment, torture and neglect all constitute mistreatment and punishable by fine or imprisonment under French law. Conviction and sentencing is the jurisdiction of the Courts.

• Report what you have seen to the local police, Court authorities, or if there is one, at your local or animal protection organisation.
• Your complaint will be taken to the State prosecutor who will decide whether to lay charges.
• If you find the police unhelpful, you are entitled to write (giving full details) to the State prosecutor at the Tribunal de Grande Instance (Regional Court) in the area where the events took place. They may decide whether to order an investigation.

Taking your animal on holiday

• See Pet Travel & Moving with Animals to France, an AngloINFO INFOrmation Page

Up-to-date vaccinations, tattoo and a health certificate issued by your vet are compulsory to enter another country (including Corsica), and for visiting most French campsites, holiday resorts and hotels. Please consult your vet for full details.

Public transport

• Train: You will pay a supplement for your animal to travel in a basket, and half-fare if on a lead.
• Air: your animal may travel in a basket as hand-baggage (if small enough) or in the baggage hold on some airlines.
• Ship: the animal has to stay in the kennels or the hold

Boarding

Ask a local vet for contact details of reliable dog-minders or kennels.

• Check with the Prefecture that the kennel/boarding facility is licensed.
• Pay a visit to make sure you are satisfied.
• Get a written agreement on dates and details from the kennel.
• Remember to provide instructions with any special medication or food your pet may need.
• Provide copies of tattoo identification and health certificate.
• Contact details where you can be reached (or the details of a friend) while away.

Beaches

Some beaches allow dogs, and some have restrictions on when they are allowed on a beach. All syndicats d'initiative and Tourist Offices (offices du tourisme) make this information available. If information is needed about a specific location, contact either of them. The SPA also publishes dog beaches on its website but be aware, that the list may be incomplete - if a town has not responded to their request for information it does not feature on the page.

• For information on which beaches in Brittany allow dogs, from the SPA: Click here  
• For contacts from the AngloFILE directory see Tourist Offices & Information

Dog Droppings

Law in Paris, requires owners to pick up their dog dropping or risk being fined. This may well spread to other regions of France.

Dangerous Dogs: Owning Attack and Guard Dogs

On 1 January 2010 new regulations take full effect. Owners of category 1 and category 2 dogs (dogs classed as dangerous) have certain obligations to fulfill: the dog must be registered with the town hall and the owner must carry a licence for the dog issued by the town hall. This licence is the Permis de détention d'un chien de 1er ou 2eme categorie.

• Information brochure on Chiens Dangereux: Click here (PDF in French)

Note: Any person selling or giving away a dog must provide certificate issued by a vet, indicating the category to which the dog belongs. Note that category 1 dogs may not be sold or given away.

Dogs classed as dangerous

• Category 1: Attack dogs (chiens d'attaque): Staffordshire terrier and American Staffordshire terrier (Pitbull terriers) without pedigree registration, Mastiff (Boerbull) without pedigree registration, Tosa without pedigree papers
• Category 2: Guard dogs (chiens de guarde et défense): Rottweiler (pedigreed), Staffordshire terrier and American Staffordshire terrier (pedigreed), Tosa Inu (pedigree). These dogs must be registered with a pedigree which is recognised by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Also included, unpedigree and cross breeds dogs with "the appearance of a Rottweiller". 

Note: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smaller breed than other Staffordshire breeds, with no proven dangerous tendencies. It is not classified as a dangerous dog.

• More information on the Staffordshire Bull Terrier under point "2": Click here (in French)

Owning a dangerous dog

A person may only own a dog on the list of "dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs" (chien susceptible d'être dangereux) if they:

• are aged 18 or older and if over 18 must not be under supervision
• have not have been convicted of a crime or imprisoned
• have not previously have had the right to own a dangerous dog withdrawn 

Getting a permit/licence

It is obligatory to register the dog at the Town Hall (Mairie) and receive a licence (Permis de détention). Any dangerous dog owner without a permit may be fined and imprisoned. A form must be completed and submitted to the town hall along with the following documents: 

• A behavioral assessment of the dog, performed by a veterinarian
• A certificate of competency of the owner, issued by a certified trainer following a training course (the mairie can provide the contact details of certified dog trainers in a region)
• Proof of identification of the dog,
• Proof of valid anti-rabies inoculation
• Proof of third party public liability insurance for the owner or handler of the dog 
• Proof of sterilisation (in the case of a category 1 dog)

If the dog is not yet eight months old, a provisional permit is issued and the dog must undergo a full behavioral evaluation at one year of age before the full licence can be drawn up.

The registration forms can be downloaded online:

• Category 1 dog: Relevant documents for registration: Click here
• Category 2 dog: Relevant documents for registration: Click here

Dog owners' responsibilities

Any dog, regardless of its category, which bites or injures a person must be reported to the town hall by the owner. The dog then undergoes a behavioral evaluation by a vet who will advise on what to do next. 

Category 1 dog:

• Acquisition, sale, purchase and importing of these dogs is banned
• Sterilisation of male and female dogs is compulsory (must have a veterinary certificate to prove this)
• Access to public transport, public places and common areas in apartment buildings is prohibited
• The dog may be taken to wide open places but must be kept on a lead and muzzled

Category 2 dog:

• It must be leashed and muzzled in public places and on public transport

Official information and forms

Much information is available from the French government:

• For information on the Permis de détention: Click here (in French)
• The rules for owning an attack dog (specifically): Click here

Further Information

• 30 Millions d'Amis has useful information on laws and tips on animal ownership (in French)
• SPA Société Protectrice des Animaux 
• Pet Threats, an AngloINFO INFOrmation Page
• Pet Travel & Moving with Animals to France, an AngloINFO INFOrmation Page

0912ww