On taking a dog from the United States to France.

The European Union treats the United States as a non-listed third country with controlled rabies status. That distinction means a rabies titer test is not required (well). It also means a specific Animal Health Certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS, valid for ten days from the moment of issue (less well).

The five things, in order.

1. An ISO 11784/11785 microchip, implanted before any rabies vaccination. If the dog was chipped after vaccination, you must re-vaccinate.
2. The rabies vaccine itself, administered no fewer than twenty-one days before travel. Boosters administered within the existing validity window do not reset the twenty-one days.
3. A USDA-accredited veterinarian visit within ten days of departure. Not any veterinarian — accredited.
4. USDA APHIS endorsement. Your veterinarian ships the certificate to APHIS or hand-delivers; APHIS stamps and returns. Some Veterinary Service Centers offer same-day endorsement; mail-back can require a week.
5. The certificate is valid ten days from issue, then four months for onward European travel if you intend to move once you arrive.

Common landmines.

• The rabies certificate is missing the lot number. EU customs will reject this.
• The microchip number on the certificate does not exactly match the chip implanted. Likewise rejected.
• A veterinarian stamps the AHC but is not USDA-accredited. The AHC is invalid; APHIS will not endorse it.
• Mail-back from APHIS requires five business days and the flight is in three. Use an in-person Veterinary Service Center if the timing demands it.

Sources: USDA APHIS — Pet Travel from US to EU · EU Regulation 576/2013. Verified XV · IV · MMXXVI.