Pet Relocation to Tunisia: Practical Tips

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Relocating to Tunisia with your pets can be a rewarding adventure, but it requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth journey.

If you’re planning to bring your four-legged companion, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and quarantine procedures in effect in the host country.

This practical guide will provide essential tips and detail the administrative steps to take, ranging from preparing health certificates to tips for helping your pet adapt to their new Tunisian environment.

With this information, you can approach this transition with peace of mind and help ensure your companion’s well-being throughout this new adventure.

Administrative and Health Procedures for Importing Animals to Tunisia

Documents Required for Animal Import to Tunisia

• Health certificate issued by an official veterinarian from the country of origin. This document must certify that the animal is free from contagious diseases and fit for transport.
• Vaccination certificate, particularly against rabies for dogs and cats, accompanied by the animal’s health record.
• Transport certificate, also issued by the official veterinary services of the country of origin, specifying the animal’s transport conditions.
• For certain protected species, CITES certificate required to guarantee the animal is not from illegal trafficking.
• No specific import permit is generally required for common pets (dogs, cats, common birds), but it may be required for exotic or protected species.

Required Document	Required For	Issued By
Health Certificate	All	Official Veterinarian (country of origin)
Vaccination Certificate	Dogs, Cats	Official Veterinarian (country of origin)
Transport Certificate	All	Veterinary Services (country of origin)
CITES Certificate	Protected Species	CITES Authority of Exporting Country

Specific Requirements by Species

• Dogs and Cats: mandatory rabies vaccination, health record, health certificate. Microchip identification not mandatory in Tunisia, but recommended for frequent travelers.
• Birds: specific health certificate, sometimes CITES certificate depending on species.
• Exotic or Protected Species: mandatory CITES certificate.

Quarantine Protocols and Health Tests

• Upon arrival, animals may undergo veterinary inspection at the border.
• If disease is suspected, quarantine may be imposed, duration set by veterinary services.
• Pre-export clinical examination (generally within 48 hours before departure).
• For certain countries or species, rabies serological test (antibody titration) may be required.

Prohibited or Restricted Breeds

Certain dog breeds considered dangerous or with aggressive potential may be prohibited or subject to import restrictions (e.g., Pitbulls, Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa Inu). The list may change, so it’s essential to check with Tunisian authorities before any procedures.

Practical Tips and Steps to Follow

• Contact the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture (General Directorate of Veterinary Services) or Tunisian Customs to verify specific requirements for your animal and obtain necessary forms.
• Plan document preparation several weeks in advance.
• Keep original copies of each certificate with you during travel.
• Check airline requirements for live animal transport.
• For protected species, request CITES certificate from competent authorities in the country of origin.

Legal Implications and Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Animal entry refused, return to sender, or quarantine at owner’s expense.
• Possible seizure or euthanasia in case of serious health risk.
• Administrative fines for missing documents or non-compliant certificates.
• For illegal import of protected species, criminal penalties and legal prosecution.

Best Practices for Safe Pet Transport

Best Practices for Safe Pet Transport During Relocation to Tunisia

Specific Requirements and Regulations in Tunisia

• Verify that your animal does not belong to a prohibited breed for import, such as Pitbull and Rottweiler.
• Prepare mandatory documents:

• Original veterinary health certificate issued by official veterinary services of the country of origin.
• Animal health record or passport with up-to-date vaccinations, particularly rabies (mandatory, administered at least 30 days before departure).
• Animals don’t necessarily require a microchip, but it’s recommended for traceability.

Regulations can change quickly, so it’s advisable to consult Tunisian authorities or embassies before departure.

Available Transport Methods

Air Transport:

• Use an approved travel crate (IATA standard) suitable for the animal’s size.
• Choose an airline offering dedicated animal services (air-conditioned cargo hold boarding, specific assistance).
• Book in advance and inquire about the airline’s animal policies.

Road Transport:

• Plan regular stops for hydration and exercise.
• Ensure animal safety with appropriate crate or harness.

Animal Health and Well-being

• Consult a veterinarian before travel to verify the animal is fit to travel and vaccinations are up to date.
• Gradually train the animal to stay in its transport crate (short then extended sessions, positive association).
• Avoid feeding the animal right before departure to limit vomiting risk.

Familiarization and Stress Management

• Keep the transport crate accessible several days before travel so the animal gets used to it.
• Place familiar objects in the crate (blanket, toy).
• If traveling by road, take regular breaks to allow the animal to relax and stretch.

Essential Items for Travel

• Pet first aid kit.
• Animal health record/passport.
• Sufficient food and water.
• Collapsible or travel-appropriate bowls.
• Familiar toys or blankets for comfort and stress reduction.
• Leash, harness, waste bags.

Essential Item	Primary Use
Health Record/Passport	Vaccination Verification
Health Certificate	Customs Clearance
Food and Water	Hydration and Feeding
Familiar Toy/Blanket	Stress Reduction
First Aid Kit	Emergency Care
Leash and Harness	Safety During Movement
Collapsible Bowls	Easy Feeding During Travel

Local Resources in Tunisia

• Veterinary clinics: for care, follow-up, emergencies.
• Shelters and animal associations: for help or advice.
• Specialized stores for food and accessories.
• Official veterinary services for administrative procedures or support in case of problems.

Practical Tips

• Anticipate administrative procedures several weeks before departure.
• Keep all original documents and copies with you.
• Contact local veterinary services upon arrival for check-up or advice.
• Remain attentive to any behavior changes in your animal during travel and upon arrival.

Take time to properly prepare each step to guarantee safe and comfortable transport for your pet during your relocation to Tunisia.

Adapting Domestic Animals to Their New Environment in Tunisia

Administrative Procedures for Introducing a Domestic Animal to Tunisia:

• Mandatory Identification: The animal must be tattooed or identified with a microchip.
• Health Certificate: Issued by an official veterinarian from the country of origin, certifying the animal’s good health and up-to-date vaccinations.
• Passport or Vaccination Record: European passport or up-to-date vaccination record is required.
• Rabies Vaccine: Mandatory for all pets. The vaccine must be current.
• Serological Control (for return to Europe): Rabies antibody titration may be requested.
• Document Transmission: Documents must be validated by competent authorities before departure.
• Transport Certificate: For certain animal types, a transport certificate may be required.

Required Document	Detail
Identification	Tattoo or Microchip
Health Certificate	Issued by Official Veterinarian (Country of Origin)
Passport/Vaccination Record	Mandatory, with Up-to-Date Vaccines
Rabies Vaccine	Mandatory, with Supporting Certificate
Serological Control	Recommended for Return to Europe
Transport Certificate	Sometimes Required for Certain Animals

Quarantine:

There’s generally no imposed quarantine upon arrival if all formalities are respected.

Climate and Cultural Differences:

• Climate: Tunisia experiences very hot summers, especially in the south and inland, with temperatures that can exceed 104°F (40°C). Winters are mild but can be humid on the coast.
• Animal Culture: Perception of pets varies. Dogs and cats are present, but dogs in public spaces are less common than in Europe. Some housing or neighborhoods may limit animal access.

Practical Tips for Animal Adaptation:

• Heat Management:
  • Walk animals early morning or evening, avoid outings during hottest hours.
  • Ensure permanent hydration (fresh water available).
  • Provide shaded or air-conditioned areas at home.
• Dietary Changes:
  • Adjust portions based on reduced physical activity during extreme heat.
  • Check availability of usual food or plan gradual dietary transition.
• Local Parasite Management:
  • Use appropriate antiparasitics against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes (leishmaniasis or heartworm risk).
  • Consult a veterinarian for adapted prevention protocol.
• Environmental Preparation:
  • Socialize the animal before departure to limit stress from new sounds and smells.
  • Bring familiar objects (blanket, toy) for reassurance.

Available Veterinary Services:

• French-Speaking Veterinarians: Most Tunisian veterinarians speak French.
• Specialized Clinics: Present in major cities (Tunis, Sousse, Sfax), some offer dermatology, surgery, testing, and hospitalization services.
• English-Speaking Veterinarians: Rarer, but some practitioners in tourist or expat areas may communicate in English.

City	Veterinary Service Specificity
Tunis	Numerous clinics, specialized services, widespread French
Sousse/Sfax	Multiple practices, French-speaking, emergency services
Rural Areas	Limited services, sometimes requiring travel to cities

Expat Anecdotes and Testimonials:

A French expat in Tunis recounts that her cat, stressed upon arrival due to heat and noise, quickly adapted thanks to setting up a cool, quiet corner in the apartment. She easily found a French-speaking veterinarian for vaccination follow-up and parasite management advice.

An expat couple with two dogs testifies to changing walk schedules to avoid burning asphalt and adopted booties to protect paw pads. They also adapted diet by gradually introducing local kibble.

Several expats emphasize the importance of maintaining up-to-date vaccination records and quickly establishing contact with a local veterinarian, which facilitates integration and emergency care.

Expat Tip:

“Acclimating to the heat was a real challenge for our Nordic dog. The trick was investing in a cooling mat and prioritizing indoor games during summer. Tunisian veterinarians gave excellent advice, and the language barrier wasn’t a problem in French.”

Practical Box:

• Before Departure:
  • Verify your animal’s identification and vaccinations.
  • Have necessary certificates established by your veterinarian.
  • Research food and care availability in Tunisia.
• Upon Arrival:
  • Contact a local veterinarian for health check-up.
  • Gradually adapt diet and outing schedules.
  • Protect your animal against local parasites.

Tips on Animal Services and Local Cultural Particularities

Availability and Quality of Local Veterinarians

Tunisia has an extensive network of qualified veterinarians, particularly concentrated in major cities like Tunis, Sousse, Sfax, Nabeul, and La Marsa. In these urban centers, you can find veterinarians specialized in domestic animals, including preventive care, consultations, surgery, and emergencies. Online platforms allow searching for practitioners by city, specialty, or animal type, facilitating appointment booking and service comparison.

City	Available Services
Tunis	General medicine, surgery, emergencies, imaging
Sousse	Preventive care, surgery, testing
Sfax	Consultations, vaccination, hospitalization
La Marsa	24/7 emergencies, specialized surgery, ambulance
Nabeul	General and specialized care

Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals

Major cities have modern clinics offering 24/7 emergency services, surgical blocks equipped for abdominal, orthopedic, and thoracic interventions, plus laboratories for testing. Some clinics also offer advanced imaging services (radiology, ultrasound), monitored hospitalization, and dental care. The existence of veterinary ambulances in certain facilities allows rapid emergency response.

Local Regulations

Tunisian regulations require pet owners to respect certain obligations:

• Mandatory Vaccination: against rabies and other diseases per veterinary recommendations.
• Identification: by microchip, particularly for animals traveling abroad.
• Health Record: up-to-date, required during travel and inspections.
• Respect for Hygiene and Animal Welfare: mistreatment is subject to penalties.

Products and Pet Food

It’s easy to find industrial food (kibble, wet food) for dogs and cats in pet stores, supermarkets, and some veterinary clinics. Accessories (leashes, cages, toys) plus hygiene and antiparasitic products are widely available. Grooming services exist mainly in large cities, sometimes integrated into veterinary clinics.

Cultural Particularities

Perception of pets varies according to social and cultural backgrounds. In urban areas, dog and cat ownership is increasingly common, with growing attention to animal welfare. However, some animals, particularly dogs, may be less accepted in public spaces, especially in religious or traditional locations. Sterilization is encouraged but not systematic.

Networks and Associations

Several local associations work for animal protection and adoption assistance (SOS Animaux, Association de Défense des Animaux en Tunisie, etc.). Support groups exist on social media to exchange advice, organize adoptions, or get help in case of lost animals. Expats can rely on these networks for integration and finding reliable resources.

Practical Tips for Expats

• Connect with a veterinary clinic upon arrival to update the animal’s health record.
• Verify local vaccination and identification requirements.
• Contact associations and expat groups for recommendations and experience sharing.
• Anticipate specific needs (food, care) according to animal breed or species, as some specialized products may be less available outside major cities.
• Use online platforms and directories to quickly locate veterinary services and specialized stores.

In Tunisia, the quality of animal care is rapidly progressing, particularly in major urban centers. Growing awareness of animal welfare, availability of modern infrastructure, and presence of support networks facilitate integration and well-being of pets for expatriates.