Logistics of traveling with my dog

Question
Planning to go to France from US with my Plott hound for 2 months and then return to US, via Air France. What paperwork is necessary for my dog on both ends?  I know that when booking tickets we are to tell the airline that we are traveling with a dog.  Do we simply take her in her crate to the regular "people" check in area? From where do we retrieve her once the plane lands?  I want my dog to have a great first "international" travel experience.  Thank you so much for your time.
Kathryn

Answer
Very easy
'Plott' will need microchip.  Rabies vac at least 30 days old and less
than 1 yr.  APHIS 7001 international health cert issued within 10 days
of flight and endorsed by usda.  Most important: EU form 998 bilingual
English French also endorsed by usda
Yes, notify passenger reservation people of AF to book dog as excess
baggage.  Much cheaper than cargo and would clear customs with you
You would collect him with your other checked baggage.  Airline will
walk you thru this.
If you plan to visit other EU countries you may wish to get the
EU pet passport once you are in France.
Do NOT sedate.    Do NOT feed for at least 8 hrs before flight and
nothing during flight.   Water ok
Hope this helps.  Let me know
Regards, Jerry Mishler