France, like every European Union country, applies strict rules to dogs arriving from Morocco. Because Morocco is classified as a "non-listed third country" for rabies, one extra step — the rabies antibody titration test — is mandatory. Planning ahead is essential: the full process takes at least 4 months.
The requirements
1. Microchip identification
Your dog must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, otherwise the vaccine will not be recognised.
2. Rabies vaccination
The rabies vaccine must be given after the microchip, to an animal at least 12 weeks old. A first vaccination is only valid after a 21-day waiting period.
3. Rabies antibody titration test
This is the key step for departures from Morocco. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination and analysed by an EU-approved laboratory. The result must be at or above 0.5 IU/ml. From the date of that successful blood draw, a 3-month waiting period applies before entry into the EU.
Tip: start the titration test as early as possible. That 3-month wait is what stretches the timeline the most.
4. ONSSA health certificate
In the days before the flight, an official veterinarian validates the export health certificate through ONSSA (Morocco's national food-safety authority). This document certifies the animal is healthy and compliant.
On travel day
- An IATA-compliant travel crate sized correctly for your dog.
- A confirmed booking with the airline (hold or cabin depending on weight).
- Original documents: passport/record book, titration certificate, ONSSA certificate.
How much time to allow?
Adding the 21-day vaccine validity, the titration analysis time and the 3-month regulatory wait, allow 4 to 5 months between the first step and departure. Professional support helps avoid scheduling mistakes, which are the most common cause of postponed flights.
Need help organising your dog's journey to France? Our IATA-certified team handles the entire logistics chain.