Change of law re bringing puppies into France

[Nickndrachael]

My wife and I were in the process of buying a (rare) puppy from a Swiss breeder.  We had done our research on the various websites about the procedure for importing into France, - the puppy had to be at least 3 months old and have received the second lot of vaccinations.  We confirmed this with the vet at the douane to confirm just a week or two ago and he said that we didn't need to stop at the border but if we were stopped then we would just need to show the paperwork that proved the age and that the vaccinations had happened.

Now that the puppies are born we have discussed this with the breeder.  Apparently, and this has just been confirmed with the ministry in Paris, the law has changed recently so now the puppies have to have received the rabies jab AND WAIT ANOTHER 30 DAYS before they can be brought in - something to do with recent rabies problems from Morocco.

16 weeks is too late for us and the breeder.

Ignoring the ethics issues for now, what would happen if we brought the dog in at 3 months.  We would want a pet passport, and would want it to have all the correct jabs, so we will obviously need to visit a vet.  Would the vet report us?  Would he perform the chipping for us?

We're trying to come up with ideas at the moment as this seems ridiculous (Switzerland is a rabies free country) and had our hearts set.

 

[Deimos]

I can only think that you will need to wait. I would certainly not put such a young dog into quarantine. Maybe the breeder (or breed club in Switzerland) knows somebody in Switzerland who could look after the pup for the additional delay (that way the pup would be with a knowledgeable person who would be socialising, etc. during the critical period of the puppy’s life).

Ignoring the ethical aspects (which are actually pretty serious), should you be stopped, the consequences would be pretty disastrous for the puppy. I guess he/she would be taken to a quarantine kennels, etc. – which would be traumatic for a puppy of that age, would ensure the pup was NOT decently socialised during the critical stage of its life, etc..

Judging from the last rabies incident, France takes these things pretty seriously so if you were caught I would expect something quite severe. Also, I would expect that people breaking the rules tend to then make the rules and enforcement stricter for others. What would you expect to happen if you took a dog illegally into the UK from France (France is “rabies free”) – severe consequences even though its pretty easy and you would probably not get stopped.

(I’m trying not to be judgemental)

When countries set their regulations they have to ensure they are not allowing “loopholes”. Thus, for example, Switzerland may be rabies free but might also have laxer regulations than those being implemented by France. Thus, including entry from Switzerland might be to avoid people bringing in pups from elsewhere through Switzerland where they would not be allowed to enter France directly.

[Deimos]

Another aspect is that most breeders I have ever taken puppies from would have no problem in keeping a pup a bit longer to comply with regulations. Most are happy to see their puppies going to good caring homes and are sad to see them go. I don’t know the specifics of the breeder you are getting your pup from but have you asked yourself why they have a problem keeping the pup a bit longer. When you visited them and saw the parents/mum, would their place have room for an additional pup for a few (8) extra weeks. What was your impression when you saw the kennels – or are you just desperate to get your pup away from below standard kennels ? (in which case maybe you should ask yourself if it is the right breeder to be using).

[Nickndrachael]

The reason that the breeder wants the pups to go at 8-9 weeks is because for her this is an important time for bonding with the dog - I think she is worried that if the dog isn't picked up until it is 4 months old then it will have past the best "getting to know us" period.  I know there are different arguments for letting them go at different ages but this is what the breeder wants.

The annoying thing is that the rules are very inconsistent.  It is possible for a pup to cross the border with the mother before 12 weeks without the jabs, but it is not allowed to stay without the mother. Where is the sense in that?!

Apparently dogs cross all the borders (Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland) all the time without paperwork, but clearly it is not the "right" thing to do.

[Deimos]

The rules make a bit more sense to me (i.e. the bit about visiting with the mother but needing to return with the mother). Would seem (to me) to be a method of allowing people to visit with their pets but to prevent importing through other countries (who may have easier regulations).

Have you checked for breeders in France. What is the breed and I may be able to find some French breeders.

[Boghound]

As long as you have the paper work from the Swiss breeder....just bring the dog in....it will not be checked at the French/Swiss border...then take the dog to your vet to get it microchipped and start the course of vacinations for the passport. Simple!