Traveling to Algeria with your pet

If you intend to move to Algeria, you will probably consider taking your pet with you if you have one. But in this case, you are advised to inquire on related formalities with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or with the National Veterinary Medicine Institute, or even with the Algerian embassy or consulate in your home country. Regulations may vary from one country to another.

Formalities

In general, you will have to obtain a pet passport for your pet, whether it is a cat or a dog. Moreover, your pet's vaccination record must be up to date. In fact, it has to be vaccinated against the following diseases: hepatitis, distemper and parvovirus. A health certificate, issued 48 hours prior to the scheduled travel date by a licensed veterinarian in your home country will also be required.

As regards the rabies vaccination, it has to be administered between 30 days and a year before the scheduled travel date.

Good to know:

During the trip to Algeria, whether by air or by sea, your pet must wear a collar with a tag indicating your name, address and phone number. In case your pet is aggressive, it must also wear a muzzle.

Quarantine

Your animal will be authorized into the country if the above mentioned conditions are met and if it does not suffer from any disease. Note that your pet will be also be examined by a licensed veterinarian on its arrival. In case it does not comply with all recommendations, it can either be repatriated to its home country or be quarantined. However, expenses will be your responsibility.

Transport

By air

If you are traveling to Algeria by air, you are advised to check with the airline company whether your pet will be kept in the hold or if it will be allowed into the cabin. Aigle Azur, for instance, authorizes small pets weighing less than 5kg to travel in the cabin a closed bag as approved by the IATA, provided it allows them to breathe. Air Algeria, for its part, allows pets in the hold, except in the case of guide dogs.

In general, the IATA approved bag costs 40 euros in the cabin and 70 euros in the hold, depending on its availability. So it is best to inquire about it with your airline company while booking your travel tickets.

By sea

Conditions for pets traveling to Algeria by sea are more lenient. But you are advised to bring all necessary documents so as to make sure that your pet will be accepted in the country.

Pet food

Pet breeding is very widespread in Algeria. Hence, pet food is easily available in pet stores as well as in supermarkets where you are likely to find various brands. Other accessories are also available.

Veterinarian services

You will also find veterinarian services almost everywhere in Algeria, especially in Algiers, Tlemcen or Constantine, etc. The National Veterinary Medicine Institute, operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, also runs a veterinarian laboratory in Tlemcen, providing technical, logistical and scientific support.

Useful links:

Expat.com - Directory of veterinarians in Algeria