Tunisia (TN)
North Africa's most Mediterranean country, Tunisia blends Carthaginian ruins, Saharan Desert, and French-influenced cafés with a warm, hospitable culture.
Bringing Pets to Tunisia
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
Plus Certain mastiff-type breeds may face additional scrutiny — check with DGPA before shipping
💰 Costs
DGPA import permit: DT 20–50. Veterinary health certificate from home country: €50–150. Titre test (if required): €100–200. Airline cargo fees: €200–600 depending on route and pet size. Quarantine (if required for incomplete documentation): DT 50–200/day. Local vet registration after arrival: DT 30–60.
🐕 Dog Tax / Registration
No annual dog tax in Tunisia. No mandatory registration fee for pets with local authorities. Some municipalities may have local ordinances regarding dogs in public spaces — ask your commune (municipality) or syndic de copropriété (building management) about specific rules.
Find a local vétérinaire through expat Facebook groups (Expats in Tunisia, Tunis Expats) or via the Ordre National des Vétérinaires de Tunisie (ONVT) directory. Annual vet visits and rabies booster are important — Tunisia has street dogs and the rabies risk is real. Cost: DT 30–80 per consultation. Stock up on flea/tick prevention medication as Tunisia has a warm, tick-active environment.
📋 Relocation Process
1. Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard — 15-digit chip). 2. Administer rabies vaccination after microchip (minimum 30 days before entry). 3. If travelling from a rabies-free country (e.g. UK, Australia), a rabies titre test (FAVN test) may be required — allow 30+ days for results. 4. Obtain an official veterinary health certificate from your home country's government-authorised vet (for EU pets: EU Animal Health Certificate form; for non-EU: national equivalent). 5. Apply for DGPA (Direction Générale de la Production Agricole) import permit online or via the Tunisian embassy — provide microchip number, vaccination records, and health certificate. 6. Notify your airline — most carriers require pets in cargo hold for international routes to Tunisia. 7. On arrival at Tunis-Carthage Airport: present DGPA import permit, health certificate, and vaccination records at the veterinary inspection counter. Inspection is mandatory. 8. Register with a local Tunisian vet within 2 weeks of arrival.
Tunisia is a rabies-endemic country — this is the most critical factor in pet importation. Incomplete vaccination or titre test documentation will result in quarantine or refusal of entry for your pet. Tunisia has a high population of stray dogs (Chiens Errants) and cats — keep your pet vaccinated and do not let them interact with strays. Outdoor cats face high risk from street animals. Many expat landlords in Tunisia do not accept pets — clarify your rental contract before bringing animals. Tunisia's warm climate and outdoor lifestyle suit dogs well, but the heat (38–45°C in summer) requires careful management — always provide shade and water.