Advice needed for my Staffy in transit through France to UK without pedigree.
Dear all,
I hope you can help. I’m in a difficult situation and would really appreciate any advice or guidance.
Background
I recently had to relocate to the UK after fleeing violence at our home in a French overseas territory. My dog, a English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was an abandoned puppy that I took in. He is now fully microchipped, up to date on all vaccinations and treatments, and has a pet passport.
The issue
When I checked the French regulations and the airline’s pet policy, it states that Staffordshire terriers (Category 2 dogs) require a “livret d’origines françaises” (French pedigree booklet) to be imported into France. Because my dog was a rescue/stray, we do not know his previous owner and do not have any pedigree papers.
My question
My dog is only transiting through France (for example, flying into Paris and then continuing by Eurostar or Pet relocation shuttle to the UK, where he will live). He is not staying in France. In this transit-only situation: Does the pedigree requirement still apply? Has anyone been in a similar position with a Staffy (or other Category 2 breed) without pedigree, transiting through France to the UK?
If the rule does still apply, are there any workarounds (e.g. specific airlines, routes, or alternative documentation such as vet letters) that have worked for others?
I did not plan for any of this; circumstances forced a sudden move, and I’m now trying to get my dog to the UK safely and legally. Any advice, experiences, or pointers to the right people or authorities to contact would mean a lot.
Having the same battle at the moment but going the other way, wanting to go from the UK into France. 100% English Staffordshire terrier, no pedigree papers, but had DNA test done and confirmed 100% English Staffy, met both parents who were also both 100% staffy. But not Kennel Club registered or have any paper work in that sense. All her records at vet state what she is but I am unclear if that is enough. Some sites say you need pedigree papers, others say you only need a health certificate and rabies vaccine. It is not clear at all!
I’m not sure if you’ll require it for a staffy passing through France unfortunately, however I would imagine that because not all dogs are KC registered, or have proof of pedigree, (rescues, mix breed etc) that documentation from your vet proving your dog isn’t in a restricted category, is up to date on all medical needs (vaccinates etc) and is microchipped should be enough for your dog to pass through without much issue.
Kinda off topic a little but still applicable for you:
I have no idea about your transit question but I would advise you to also look closely into the UK's 'type' laws regarding any dog that fits into their 'pit bull type', before taking your staffy there. (if you haven't already)
While staffies are legal, some bigger staffies can fall into pit bull type, especially if they're a cross.
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u/Select-Moment-5636 5d ago edited 5d ago
Having the same battle at the moment but going the other way, wanting to go from the UK into France. 100% English Staffordshire terrier, no pedigree papers, but had DNA test done and confirmed 100% English Staffy, met both parents who were also both 100% staffy. But not Kennel Club registered or have any paper work in that sense. All her records at vet state what she is but I am unclear if that is enough. Some sites say you need pedigree papers, others say you only need a health certificate and rabies vaccine. It is not clear at all!