Where to go on holiday with your dog in Tunisia: our ideas and tips

Going on holiday without leaving your dog behind is perfectly possible in Tunisia, as long as you choose the right destination, season and accommodation. Here are our ideas, region by region, plus the precautions that help you avoid nasty surprises.

Choose the right season

In Tunisia, heat is the number one risk for a dog on holiday. In July and August, temperatures often climb above 35 °C, sand and tarmac burn paw pads, and heatstroke can set in quickly, especially in short-nosed dogs (bulldogs, pugs) and thick-coated dogs (huskies, shepherds).

The best times to go: spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). In summer, favour the north and wooded regions, and only go out during the cooler hours of the day.

Our destination ideas

Kroumirie: Aïn Draham, Tabarka

Cork oak forests, cool summers, hiking trails: this is the ideal region for dogs who love to walk. Keep your dog on the lead in the forest, because of wild animals, herding dogs and winding roads.

Bizerte and the northern coast

Quieter beaches out of season, a seafront corniche for evening walks, and green countryside close by. In high season, head to the beach early in the morning or late in the day, when it's almost empty.

Cap Bon: Kélibia, El Haouaria, Korbous

Coves, cliffs, olive groves and countryside: there are lots of holiday homes to rent here, and they're often more flexible than a hotel when it comes to welcoming a dog.

Hammamet, Nabeul, Sousse, Monastir

Very touristy and lively in summer. With a dog, it's better to go out of season and choose accommodation with a garden or a shaded terrace.

Djerba

Peaceful out of season, with long beaches and country lanes. If you're crossing by ferry, check the conditions for animals in advance and keep your dog in the car or on a short lead.

The South: Tozeur, Douz, Matmata

Stunning… but best avoided with a dog in summer. In winter, the days are mild but the nights are cool. Hot sand and the lack of shade and water are real dangers.

Finding accommodation that accepts dogs

Dog-friendly hotels are still rare in Tunisia. The most common options are:

• holiday homes and apartments rented directly from private owners: before booking, ask clearly whether your dog is welcome;
• guesthouses and rural gîtes, which are often more flexible;
• family and friends, the most common solution for holidays in Tunisia.

When you arrive, check that the garden is securely fenced: an unfamiliar place is often where a dog runs off.

Your dog's suitcase

• bowls, and enough kibble for the trip (your brand won't necessarily be available everywhere);
• plenty of water and a collapsible bowl for the road;
• lead, harness, and a long line for open spaces;
• their bed or blanket;
• vaccination booklet showing an up-to-date rabies vaccination;
• up-to-date parasite protection (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes) — check with your vet;
• the number of a vet at your destination, found in advance.

On the road

• Your dog should be secured with a safety harness or in a crate, never with their head out of the window.
• Take a break every two hours, in the shade, with water.
• Never leave them alone in the car, not even for five minutes: the inside of a car turns into an oven within minutes.

Identification matters even more on holiday

A dog who gets lost in a town they don't know can't find their way back. Before you leave, check that their identification is up to date. With a Homy QR tag, you can even add the number of a friend or relative at your destination to their contact numbers, which are displayed as soon as you report them lost: whoever finds them will be able to alert you straight away.

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