Expat Pet Guide: Moving with Pets to Bordeaux

Pets Overview

Bordeaux scores 4.0/5 for family-friendliness and 3.0/5 for security, important factors for pet owners relocating abroad. Plan for approximately 17 pet-related costs including veterinary care and import fees.

Bordeaux follows French national pet regulations with some local municipal rules. Pet owners must ensure proper identification of their animals and maintain control in public spaces. The city generally maintains a pet-friendly atmosphere while enforcing regulations to ensure public health and safety.

Quick Stats

Family Score

4.0 /5

Security Score

3.0 /5

Weather Score

3.0 /5

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$2,330

Monthly Costs

$160/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

Pet Import Permit $0

Health Certificate $125

Customs Clearance $25

Monthly

Pet Food Monthly $45/mo

Pet Insurance Monthly $35/mo

Vet Checkups Monthly $25/mo

Showing 6 of 17 costs — sign up to see all

Key Pets Details

Full Guide →

Pet Import Requirements

France has standardized EU pet import requirements with specific documentation needed for bringing pets into Bordeaux.

Housing Considerations

Finding pet-friendly housing in Bordeaux requires careful consideration of rental policies and landlord preferences.

Public Spaces & Recreation

Bordeaux offers various public spaces for pets, though regulations apply to ensure cleanliness and safety.

Want to See Your Numbers?

Get personalized pets costs, timelines, and checklists for your family in Bordeaux.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Practical Tips

they have a multi-lingual staff and provide EU pet passports on the same day while others typically require a week-long wait

Visit the dog park at Parc Bordelais before 9AM or after 7PM

local dog clubs don't use these hours, making it less crowded and more accessible for newcomers whose dogs need space to adjust

Purchase pet supplies at Maxi Zoo in Bègles rather than city center pet shops

prices are often more competitive than smaller central Bordeaux shops, and they offer a broad selection of products

Use the 'Pets in Bordeaux' Facebook group to find pet sitters instead of commercial services

local students from the veterinary school often offer pet sitting services at half the price of professional agencies and have more flexible schedules

Useful Links

Ministry of Agriculture - Pet Import Rules

Official government information on importing pets to France with health requirements, microchipping, and vaccination regulations.

›

Bordeaux Veterinary Services

Official directory of certified veterinarians in Bordeaux from the National Veterinary Order, searchable by location and specialties.

›

SPA Bordeaux - Animal Shelter

Bordeaux's main animal protection society offering adoption services, lost pet reporting, and advice for new pet owners.

›

I-CAD - Pet Identification Registry

Official French pet microchip registry where all dogs, cats and ferrets must be registered upon arrival in France.

›

Bordeaux Pet-Friendly Services

Official tourism guide to pet-friendly accommodations, parks and establishments in Bordeaux for visitors with animals.

›

Explore Other Guides

Immigration Guide Housing Guide Education Guide Healthcare Guide Finance Guide Transport Guide

Pets Guides in France

View all 140+ city guides →

Frequently Asked Questions

Bringing a pet to Bordeaux requires specific documentation including vaccination records, microchip, and health certificates. Requirements vary by pet type and origin country. Use ReloPlanner for a personalized pet import checklist.

Bordeaux offers various pet-friendly amenities including parks, veterinary clinics, and pet-friendly housing options. Use ReloPlanner to find pet-friendly neighborhoods and compare costs.

There are approximately 17 pets-related costs to consider when moving to Bordeaux, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

Plan Your Entire Move to Bordeaux

Access step-by-step guides, personalized budgets, and expert tips for pets and 6 other relocation categories across 140+ cities.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Data verified: March 2026

This was the general picture

Your move to Bordeaux looks nothing like this

This guide covers Bordeaux for everyone. Your plan covers your origin country, your kids' ages, your budget, your dog — with real costs, a sequenced task list, and the things most families don't find out until it's too late.

Build your personalised plan — free →

Takes 2 minutes to set up