From LA to France: How My Dog Helped My Move

Moving to a foreign country with a dog is not a walk in the park. (See what I did there?) Every country has its own requirements and navigating them can feel like a full-time job. Luckily for me, France was relatively straightforward—just a boatload of paperwork and deadlines that must be followed to the "T".

Do the Research

Start by digging into your destination country’s requirements. For France, the must-haves were:

• A health certificate from a USDA-certified vet

• Proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination

• A registered microchip

• A vet visit exactly 10 days before departure (not 11, not 9... 10)

During that appointment, your vet gives your dog a full exam and checks all vaccinations. And heads up, there is nothing special about this vet visit other than the cost, which is about $350! For U.S. pets, the microchip stays U.S.-based—so I registered Copper’s chip using my brother’s address. Slightly confusing, but it works.

Also, check breed restrictions. France prohibits certain breeds, and if your pup is a mix, you'll need documentation confirming their eligibility.

Extra Docs for Service Dogs

Since Copper is a service dog, I needed additional paperwork—her official credentials from her trainer—which allowed her to fly in the cabin with me rather than in a crate. Lifesaver.

Only the best for my girl!

Each airline has its own rules, so I sent them everything—every form, certificate, passport, her life story—between 10 days and 48 hours. But you are never submitting them 10 days prior as you are awaiting your health passport from the USDA, which typically takes 3-5 business days.

List of documents I had to provide either the airline and/or entering the country:

• ASDR Registration - this was her breed certificate

• CDC import receipt

• Health passport - provided by USDA (after your vet visit)

• Microchip form

• Rabies certificate

• Vaccination report

• U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form

Airport Surprises

• United States Department of Transportation Service Animal

Relief Attestation Form

• Waiver of Responsibility Form (for airline specifically)

On the LA side, you need to be to the airport with a pet three hours prior to departure. They re-scan all the documents you emailed in, which takes some time. They really are just covering themselves, being extra careful so you don’t have issues when you get to your destination. It took me 90 minutes just to get to my gate, which is bananas.

The flight was smooth. Copper did amazing. She slept most of the way. Mama, hour did not sleep a wink.

Upon arrival, we breezed through customs and handed our paperwork to security. Technically, they’re supposed to stamp your pet’s health passport... but in our case, they just waved us through and said there wasn’t a place for a stamp. Welcome to France.

The Emotional Side of the Move

What no one warns you about: the freakout. Mine lasted about a week. Poor Copper’s? More like a full-on meltdown. Everything was different—noises, smells, sidewalks, language. She was overwhelmed, which basically broke my heart.

I had to tune in and figure out what calmed her and what didn’t. Crowded cafés? Big no. Loud markets? Nope. Quiet parks? Yes, please. We also got her a natural calming collar which seems to be a big help. Full transparency, she is also on some medication to help during the transition which we will ease her off of. That is 100% a decision you need to make for your own pet. My decision was made with Copper's trainer and her vet AFTER natural methods did not help.

All the beds and the toys

A Quick Word of Advice

If you’re just going on vacation, really ask yourself if your pet should come. Moving is one thing—Copper had to come. But international travel is not easy for a sensitive dog like her. She needs slow introductions to new environments. Some dogs adjust instantly. Copper? Not so much. I honestly thought I’d made a huge mistake at first. I even considered moving her back in the States—something I could barely admit to myself.

But then we found our rhythm. We avoid the chaos and we go to the park three times a day for long walks and chasing the ball. She has even made some friends!

Vet Visits in France: Surprisingly Charming

Copper’s first vet visit in France cost just €35—around $40. There was a little mix-up about the appointment time, probably due to the language barrier, but no one blinked. If the next patient didn’t mind and the appointment wasn’t too long, they’d fit me in.

I sat at his desk—yes, desk—like we were discussing a business deal. Copper just needed a prescription refill, and it was super simple.

While I waited, a Brazilian man with a golden retriever struck up a conversation. He’d lived in France for ten years and still found the language hard. We talked about his new baby and his dog, and when it was his turn, he kindly let me go first. As "I was there first" even though he had the correct appointment. I love love the people in this country.

Also? There were fresh flowers in the lobby. Because of course—France.

Adjusting to Life

Lyon (or at least the parts I have experienced) is LOUD. Scooters, bikes, kids, car horns—all inches from the sidewalk. Copper and I take it one scenario at a time. She heels tight to me in crowded spots and gets leash freedom when it’s calm. Off-leash park time is our reward when no dogs are around. Step by step, she’s adjusting. And so am I.

Post playtime!

A Month In

Now, I honestly don’t know how I’d do this without her. Our daily walks keep me grounded. We laugh, we play, we explore. She wakes me up every morning with a tail wag and a toy. She’s my routine, my joy, my comfort. Having her here makes this whole leap into the unknown feel… doable.