Moving to France: Why I Couldn’t Bring My Dog

When I moved to Uzès, I left my beloved Labradoodle, Bentley, behind.

“How could you do that?” friends and other animal lovers asked, especially those who believe in taking pets to live abroad.

“How could I do that?” I asked myself over and over. Bentley was the best friend I’d ever had.

It’s true—taking pets to live abroad can be simple, especially to France. France loves dogs. To bring one into the country, you need a current vaccination record and a microchip. Easy, right? “Piece of cake,” I thought. “Bentley, you’re moving to France!”

Not so fast.

The Challenge of Transporting Bentley

“How is Bentley getting to France?” That was the question I couldn’t shake. My 70-pound Labradoodle would have to fly in the baggage compartment of a commercial aircraft—noisy, dark, and frightening.

Some people suggested, “Give him a tranquilizer.” But Bentley was terrified of loud noises. He’d leap into bed with me during thunderstorms, stand on my head if someone sneezed, and even have seizures if he became too upset.

Putting Bentley underneath an airplane wasn’t just risky—it could have been a death sentence.

The Impossible Choice

So, what was my alternative? Stay home because of a dog? Give up the dream of living in France because I couldn’t bring Bentley? Anyone who’s considering taking pets to live abroad knows that sometimes, love means making the harder choice.

In the end, Bentley moved in with my son and his family in the U.S., joining their Goldendoodle, Maddy. He became the gentle guardian of my young grandchildren. Whenever I visited the States, Bentley and I picked up right where we left off—walks, TV on the couch, and his predictable leap onto my bed during a thunderstorm.

But he always knew what was coming when I packed my bags. We’d kiss, hug, and say goodbye, and I’d board another noisy airplane, thinking of him as the wheels left the ground.

The Final Goodbye

Five years later, as I was flying back to the U.S., Bentley crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I got the news just before boarding. It was daylight, and as the plane climbed above the clouds, I thought of his soft white coat. Fluffy clouds gathered, then parted. I pictured him running joyfully through them, off on his next adventure, free and fearless.

That day, Bentley and I were together. We still are—always, in our hearts.

What I Learned About Taking Pets to Live Abroad

My experience taught me that taking pets to live abroad is not always the right choice for every animal. You have to weigh the risks, the travel conditions, and the personality of your pet. For Bentley, staying behind was the most loving decision I could make.

I’d love to hear if you live or travel abroad and have a story about your pet. Feel free to add a comment to the post.

For the facts on taking pets to live abroad