Traveling to Tunisia with your pet
When planning your move to Tunisia, you will probably be wondering whether your pet can accompany you. The country is rather open to pets, provided you comply with existing regulations and obligations. Note that restrictions apply to some dog breeds, but in all cases, this should not be very complicated.
What are the procedures for traveling to Tunisia with pets?
The Direction Générale des Douanes Tunisiennes website requires all foreign nationals wishing to move to Tunisia with their pet to:
- request for a health certificate for their pet from a veterinary 3 days prior to the date of departure. This document has to be produced upon arrival in the country.
- make sure to update the pet's vaccination certificate (rabies vaccination and efficiency test required)
- request for a veterinarian to fit their pet with an identification microchip.
If you fail to comply with these obligations, your pet will be quarantined upon its arrival in Tunisia.
Are there any restrictions for traveling to Tunisia with pets?
The following dog breeds are not allowed into the country:
- Pitbull
- Rottweiler
- Tosa
- Mastiff or Boer bull
What are the costs of traveling to Tunisia with pets?
Moving to Tunisia with your pet definitely involves some fees, whether it is a cat or a dog. Here are a few indications:
- around 90 euros for the rabies antibodies test
- around 15 euros per kilo for the pet's transport along with its cage (varying from one airline company to another)
- around 50 euros for the identification microchip.
Transporting your pet to Tunisia
Most airlines will allow you to fly into Tunisia with your pet. However, the conditions in which your pet will be transported and the requirements for boarding may differ.
Thus, it is important to double-check your preferred airline pet policies prior to your trip. The best way to go about it is to contact an airline representative and inquire about transporting your pet.
Different airlines have different rules for flying with pets. This includes the size of the pet, the breeds that are allowed on board, the conditions in which your pet will travel in, and more. Ticket costs for your pet will also vary.
The size of your pet will most likely determine the way they will be transported. If your pet is over 8 kg, they will probably need to be flown in a special cargo area — a climate-controlled pet zone where your pet should be comfortable throughout the flight.
Some airlines also allow your pets to fly in the cabin with you — generally, this option is reserved for cats and dogs weighing under 8kg.
Different airlines may have different requirements regarding the pet carrier in which your pet should travel. However, most airlines will require an IATA (International Air Transport Association) approved cage.
Here is a list of standard requirements for pet carriers:
- The pet carrier must be without wheels.
- It must have a roof.
- If the carrier consists of two sections, the screws holding the two parts together must be properly installed and tightened.
- The carrier must have firmly attached bowls with food and water that should be enough for your pet during the trip.
- The carrier must be clean and waterproof.
- It must be ventilated and have openings on all four sides.
- The carrier must be properly locked — and the lock shouldn't open from the inside.
- Finally, it must have two clearly visible labels:
- The “live animal” label
- And the label indicating where the top and bottom of the cage are
When it comes to the size of the pet carrier, most airlines will require that your pet has enough space in the carrier that would allow them to fully turn, stand and have easy access to food and water.
Some airlines also have the term “flight ready”, which is also a requirement for transporting pets.
This means that your pet should listen to your commands and behave properly in public without disturbing other passengers.
How to obtain pet food in Tunisia?
When looking for pet food in Tunisia, you might not find your usual brands. However, the market is gradually diversifying. You are quite likely to find your pet's habitual kibbles and cans in hypermarkets.
How to find vet clinics in Tunisia?
There are many veterinarians in Tunisia, so you should not have to worry about your pet's health care. You will have more options in bigger cities, but even smaller towns in the country have dedicated vet clinics. To look for a vet in your area, you can simply search for the nearest clinic on Google Maps. Alternatively, you can check local forums for the best clinics in the area.
Local norms relating to pets in Tunisia
As Tunisia is a Muslim country, cats are more easily accepted than dogs. Although morals have evolved over the years, many property owners refuse to let their housing units to dog owners. The same applies to going out with your dog, especially to a restaurant. So make sure to gather all necessary information beforehand.
Good to know:
In all cases, make sure to inquire about all these formalities and norms with the Tunisian Customs before moving to avoid any surprises on your arrival.
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