Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Saudi Arabia with your dog or cat is far from just “extra baggage.” Between extreme climate, strict regulations, airline constraints, and cultural realities, a poorly prepared project can turn into a nightmare… for both you and your pet. Conversely, a well-planned, well-documented, and realistic relocation typically goes smoothly.
This article presents a complete guide to the administrative steps, the country’s specific regulations, and practical advice to ensure your pet’s safe arrival and adaptation.
Understanding the General Framework for Pet Relocation to Saudi Arabia
Before getting into forms and vaccines, you need to grasp three realities that structure the entire project: the authorities involved, the legal status of imported animals, and the social standing of animals – especially dogs – in the country.
In Saudi Arabia, the importation of any live animal is regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA). All procedures go through this authority, via a dedicated electronic platform, Naama (also often spelled Anaam). This ministry applies both Saudi law and several regional and international frameworks, such as the Gulf States Veterinary Quarantine Law and the CITES Convention for protected species.
Saudi legislation does not consider dogs as pets, but as ‘working dogs’ (for hunting, guarding, or as guide dogs). This crucial status directly influences the possibilities for importing certain breeds and the required description in official documents, applying to all dogs, including assistance dogs, and cats.
Finally, the social perception of dogs is very different from that in many Western countries. Cats are widely accepted and even valued by religious tradition, while dogs are often considered impure in domestic and public spaces. This difference explains both restrictions on access to certain places and sometimes wary, even fearful, glances at dogs in the street.
Authorities, Permits, and Owner: Who Can Import an Animal and Under What Conditions?
Saudi Arabia does not allow any visitor to bring an animal into its territory. The animal is legally attached to an “importer,” who must meet a number of conditions.
The owner must enter the country with a work or residence visa (Iqama). Holders of a simple tourist visa are not authorized to import pets. The importer must generally be at least 30 years old. Diplomates may be exempt from this age limit by presenting an official document.
An individual can import a maximum of two dogs and two cats every six months into Saudi Arabia. This limit is set by the mandatory import permit issued by MEWA. The application is made via the Naama platform. The permit, once obtained, is valid for only 30 days, which requires precise coordination of veterinary procedures, transport booking, and the animal’s actual arrival date.
To submit the application, you must provide personal documents (copy of passport, Iqama, or national ID), details about the animal (clear photo, vaccination record showing the microchip number), and a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian in the country of origin. The microchip number must appear on all documents.
For Saudi nationals or nationals of another Arab country wishing to import a dog, prior authorization from the local police is required to verify housing conditions. For commercial import of cats, presentation of a valid commercial register is mandatory.
Table 1 – Main Conditions for the Owner-Importer
| Condition | Requirement in Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Type of Visa | Work or residence visa (Iqama), no tourist visa |
| Minimum Age of Importer | In principle 30 years old (excluding justified diplomatic cases) |
| Maximum Number of Animals | 2 dogs and 2 cats per person every 6 months |
| MEWA Import Permit | Mandatory, via Naama, valid for 30 days |
| Identity Documents | Copy of passport / Iqama / national ID card |
| Animal-related Documents | Photo, vaccination record, health certificate, microchip number |
| Special Authorization for Certain Cases | Local police (dogs of Saudis/Arabs), commercial register (cats) |
This administrative dimension is often underestimated. Yet an expired permit, an application filed too early or too late, or an incomplete document can lead to the refusal of entry of the animal, its placement in quarantine, or its return – at the owner’s expense.
Allowed Breeds, “Working” Dogs, and Prohibited Animals
One of the most delicate aspects of the dossier concerns the type of dog. MEWA in principle only considers three acceptable categories: hunting dogs, guard dogs, guide (or assistance) dogs. The animal’s function must be indicated in black and white on the veterinary certificate and, ideally, supported by documents (certificates, proof of training, etc.).
The list of dogs prohibited in certain contexts goes far beyond breeds reputed to be dangerous. It effectively includes molossers like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Boxers, Mastiffs, Akita Inus, and Tosas, but also large dogs like Great Danes, Leonbergers, and Newfoundlands. It extends to terriers (Bull Terrier, Dandie Dinmont…) and, more surprisingly, to small companion and ‘toy’ breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Japanese Spitz, which are frequently refused.
The rule is all the more risky because the Saudi authorities reserve the right to deny entry to a dog that “closely resembles” a prohibited breed, even if its papers mention another origin. Mixed breeds are therefore exposed to this type of interpretation, especially when passing through Jeddah or Dammam airports, reputed to be stricter than Riyadh for small dogs.
The minimum generation required to import a hybrid cat like a Savannah or Bengal relative to its wild ancestor.
Table 2 – Overview of Breed and Species Restrictions
| Category | Status for Import to Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Hunting/Guard/Guide Dogs | Admitted under conditions, function to be mentioned on veterinary certificate |
| Pit Bull-type, Rottweiler, Boxer, Mastiff, Akita, Tosa… Breeds | Prohibited |
| Terriers (many), small “toy” breeds (Yorkie, Chihuahua, etc.) | Very widely refused |
| Mixed breeds resembling a banned breed | Subject to refusal at the border |
| Domestic Cats | Allowed, subject to health conditions |
| Hybrid Cats (Bengal, Savannah) | Acceptable from the 5th generation onwards, with a special certificate |
| Rabbits and Birds | Import prohibited |
| Reptiles, rodents, tropical fish, invertebrates | Outside rabies scope, but subject to other rules |
| Protected Species (CITES) | Highly regulated, require specific permits |
This table shows that it is essential, before any project, to compare the breed, crossbreed, or type of animal you own with Saudi regulations. If your dog clearly falls under a banned breed, there is no real legal “workaround” today: it is better to consider another solution than having it travel to Saudi Arabia.
Identification, Vaccinations, and Certificates: The Veterinary Aspect to Prepare Well in Advance
Even when the breed is not an issue, the veterinary part is heavy and very time-sensitive. Three pillars structure this dossier: the microchip, the rabies vaccination, and the health certificate.
Saudi Arabia requires a microchip compliant with ISO standards 11784 or 11785. This is a 15-digit, non-encrypted chip, readable by standard readers used worldwide. This chip must absolutely be implanted before the rabies vaccination; otherwise, the vaccination will not be recognized for import purposes. If your animal already has a non-compliant chip, it is possible to implant a new one, but then you must record all chip numbers on the documents to avoid any dispute upon reading upon arrival.
Rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs and cats over 3 months old. It must be done at least 30 days before travel and no more than 6 months before entry into the territory, with authorities preferring a residual validity of at least 6 months at the time of the permit application. So-called ‘3-year’ vaccines are not fully recognized; an annual booster is generally required. Accepted brands include Defensor 3, Nobivac Rabies, and Rabisin.
In addition to this vaccination, booster shots are required for other major diseases: for dogs, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza (DHLPP schedule) and protection against kennel cough (Bordetella type); for cats, an FVRCP combo (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) and, preferably, feline leukemia. These vaccines must be valid at the time of travel and ideally administered at least two weeks before departure.
In addition to vaccines, a health certificate, written by an authorized veterinarian, is required for the animal. It must attest to its good health, fitness for transport, absence of contagious diseases, and correct identification. This certificate then requires double authentication: first by the veterinary authority of the country of origin (e.g., USDA, DEFRA), then by legalization at the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate.
The certificate has a limited validity period – often 7 to 10 days – which requires very precise scheduling of the veterinary visit, the appointment with the national authority, and the flight.
Table 3 – Typical Timeline for Health Procedures
| Step | Recommended Time Before Departure | Particularities |
|---|---|---|
| Implantation of ISO Microchip | 2 to 4 months before departure | Mandatory before rabies vaccination |
| Rabies Vaccine | ≥ 30 days before, ≤ 6 months before | Desired residual validity ≥ 6 months |
| Other Vaccines (dog/cat) | ≥ 14 days before | Must be valid upon entry |
| Parasite Treatments | From a few days to 2 weeks before | Strongly advised (worms, fleas, ticks) |
| Health Certificate | 7 to 10 days before | Written by veterinarian, then endorsed by authority |
| Legalization by Embassy | Immediately following endorsement | Essential for acceptance upon arrival |
| MEWA Permit Application | At least 14 days before arrival | Valid for 30 days, to be coordinated with flight date |
In most cases, a rabies serology test is not required to enter Saudi Arabia. However, if you plan a future return to a country requiring this test for animals coming from a high-risk rabies country, it is prudent to have it done before your initial departure, to avoid a long waiting period upon return.
Air Transport: Cabin, Hold, or Cargo, and Airline Specifics
Once the administrative and veterinary aspects are completed, it remains to transport the animal to the airports of Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, the only authorized points of entry. This step is far from anecdotal, especially given the extreme temperatures that can prevail in the region.
On Saudia, only cats and certain small birds (with a permit) are accepted in the cabin, in a crate not exceeding 5 kg and with precise dimensions. Dogs must travel in the hold, in a pressurized and air-conditioned compartment. Three modes of transport exist on commercial flights: in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo.
Booking for the animal cannot be done online: you must contact a Saudia agency or the sales center, or go through the cargo service when the animal travels as cargo. Fees vary according to routes and can be calculated either as a flat rate (for example around $100 for a small animal in the cabin, over $300 for a dog in the hold), or by applying an excess baggage rate. For long journeys, the total transport cost, including approved crate, tickets, veterinary formalities, and airport logistics, often ranges between $2,000 and $5,000.
Crates for air cargo must be rigid (hard plastic, metal, wood) with a lockable door, ventilation on several sides, a leak-proof bottom, and bowls accessible from the outside. Crates made entirely of metal mesh are generally refused. Brachycephalic animals (flat-faced) require a crate larger than the minimum size to facilitate their breathing. The animal must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in it.
Temperature constraints weigh heavily on planning. Most airlines, including Saudia, refuse transport in the hold if the ground temperature exceeds 29‑30 °C or falls below 7 °C, with even stricter thresholds for certain breeds. In practice, in Saudi Arabia where summer temperatures regularly exceed 45 °C and where ground surfaces can reach over 60 °C, it is often safer to schedule arrivals and departures at night or outside the hot season.
Using a Specialist: When and Why to Outsource Logistics
Many expatriates choose to entrust all or part of these procedures to companies specializing in pet relocation. These companies, based in various countries, present themselves as experts in Saudi regulations and take charge, for a fee, of designing a customized “journey”: choice of route, appointment scheduling with veterinarians, obtaining the MEWA permit, crate preparation, cargo booking with airlines, drop-off and pick-up in the cargo zone.
Some carriers, based or represented in Saudi Arabia, are familiar with the specifics of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports, as well as customs sensitivities and points of vigilance (sensitive breeds, documents, schedules). Others, members of networks like IPATA, guarantee compliance with IATA standards and animal welfare laws.
The cost of these services is in addition to the transport fees themselves, but can, for very busy profiles or complicated cases (multiple animals, breeds close to prohibited lists, complex itineraries), represent a form of insurance against administrative errors or bad surprises upon arrival. It does not in any way exempt the owner from their responsibility: in case of an unreadable microchip or a vaccine with an incorrect date, the animal can still be refused.
Customs Clearance, Veterinary Check, and Quarantine Risks
Upon landing, dogs and cats do not exit through the same circuit as regular luggage. They are routed to the airport’s cargo facilities, where the owner or an authorized agent must retrieve them after inspection.
Saudi authorities require the presentation of original documents (MEWA permit, legalized health certificate, vaccination record, certificate of origin, copy of passport) and proceed to verify the microchip. Any discrepancy between the microchip number and the documents, or an inability to read it, can lead to the import procedure being blocked.
If everything is in order, the animal is released without quarantine. On the other hand, if a vaccine is missing, if the rabies date does not comply with deadlines, if the permit is expired, or if the animal appears sick, the authorities have several options: local quarantine (at the owner’s expense), return to the country of origin, or, in the most extreme case, euthanasia. This is why recommendations emphasize the need to arrive on weekdays and during working hours, allowing for the presence of all veterinary and customs teams on site.
After Arrival: Desert Climate and Health Adaptation
Once the administrative stage is passed, another challenge begins: that of the animal’s adaptation to a desert environment, hot and dry, with marked seasonal variations.
In summer, daytime temperatures regularly reach 45 °C, with intense solar radiation and scorching ground surfaces. For a dog or cat, the major risk is heatstroke and dehydration. Warning signs are quite similar for both species: excessive panting, abundant drooling, weakness, vomiting, up to loss of consciousness. Paw pads can also be seriously burned by hot asphalt or sand.
To protect your pet from intense heat, schedule walks early in the morning or late in the evening. Before going out, test the ground temperature with your hand: if you cannot hold it on the asphalt for a few seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paw pads. During the day, keep the animal in an air-conditioned or well-ventilated place, with constant access to fresh water, replenished several times. To encourage water consumption, especially in cats, have multiple water points in the house and consider using a water fountain.
Air conditioning strongly dries out indoor air, which can lead to skin or respiratory problems. Using humidifiers, moisturizing shampoos, and, on veterinary advice, omega-3 fatty acid supplements helps preserve coat and skin quality. Outdoors, some less hairy areas like the nose or ear tips can be protected with specific animal sunscreens to limit sunburn, especially in light-colored animals.
Tips to protect your pets from low temperatures and cold ground in winter.
Concrete and tiles, very cold in winter, can discomfort older animals or those suffering from arthritis.
Choose bedding that is insulated from the floor and slightly raised to avoid dampness and drafts.
Add extra blankets, especially for short-haired dogs and older cats.
Finding Accommodation and a Lifestyle Compatible with a Pet
Beyond the climate, the success of the expatriation largely depends on the living environment you can provide for your companion. Yet, in many Saudi cities, finding pet-friendly accommodation is a headache.
Compounds are often more open to pets than regular apartment buildings and may offer dedicated spaces, but their rules vary (size, number, or type restrictions, sometimes a ban on dogs). Villas with gardens are an option for large dogs, but many landlords prohibit them in leases.
It is therefore essential, from the housing search stage, to explicitly ask about the policy regarding pets. Online ads do not always mention this point, and only written confirmation from the landlord or agency really protects against future conflict. Specific clauses about pets (increased security deposit, commitment to repair any damages, limit on number or weight) are frequently added to rental contracts.
In major cities, some expatriate neighborhoods are more welcoming to pets. However, dogs are generally prohibited in public spaces such as parks, beaches, shopping malls, and restaurants. It is rare to see people walking a dog on the street, and this can arouse concern or hostility among some residents.
This reality imposes compromises: prioritizing walks in less frequented areas (some desert areas, quiet sidewalks, private clubs), careful socialization of the dog to avoid any behavior that could reinforce fears (barking, jumping on passersby), and giving up certain “European-style” habits (dog on café terraces, entering shops, etc.).
Access to Veterinary Care, Products, and Services for Pets
The good news is that alongside the increase in the number of pet owners, the veterinary and commercial offering has significantly developed in Saudi Arabia, particularly in major metropolises.
In major Saudi cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, modern veterinary clinics offer a complete range of care. They are equipped with advanced medical imaging equipment (digital radiography, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI), operating rooms, intensive care units, and internal pharmacies. These establishments perform both basic procedures (vaccinations, sterilization, dentistry) and specialties such as orthopedics, dermatology, ophthalmology, neurology, and oncology.
Clinics often operate with extended hours, some offering 24/7 emergency services. Remote consultations (telemedicine) may be offered in some facilities, simplifying follow-up for owners living far from urban centers.
The pet market in Saudi Arabia has greatly expanded. Pet stores and specialized shops offer a complete range of products: industrial foods from major brands, accessories, hygiene products, and toys. Many services are now accessible online with home delivery. The ecosystem also includes grooming salons, boarding facilities, as well as professional pet-sitting and dog walking services. Dedicated apps and websites for the local pet world facilitate access to these offerings.
However, the quality of care can be uneven, and prices can be surprising, especially for specialized services. It is therefore useful to rely on expatriate networks, online groups, and recommendations from owners already in place to identify trustworthy facilities. Upon arrival, establishing contact with a reference veterinarian, providing past medical records, and scheduling an initial health check-up allows for a good start.
Domestic Transport and Daily Mobility
Saudi Arabia has recently begun to regulate the presence of animals on public transport (buses, trains, boats). The principle adopted by the transport authority is to allow only small animals, provided they are placed in a suitable container, pose no danger to passengers, and do not obstruct movement. In practice, a medium or large dog will therefore have very little chance of being accepted on a bus or train. In case of non-compliance, passengers face a fine and, above all, a refusal of service.
For car travel, never leave an animal alone in the vehicle, even briefly, due to the risk of a deadly temperature rise. While driving, ensure good ventilation, plan for water and breaks, and secure the animal with a harness-seatbelt or a travel crate to prevent injuries during braking.
Taxis and ride-hailing services do not always clearly display their policy towards animals. It is therefore necessary to be transparent at the time of booking and anticipate a possible refusal. Some drivers accept small dogs and cats in a crate, others do not.
Animal Welfare, Religious Context, and Protection Associations
The Saudi context is sometimes associated with practices unfavorable to animals. The reality is more nuanced. Legally, Saudi Arabia has adopted, within the Gulf Cooperation Council, a reference text on animal welfare, which prohibits mistreatment, abandonment, and certain practices like dog fighting. MEWA and the Saudi wildlife authority (former Saudi Wildlife Authority) refer to these principles and can investigate in case of reported mistreatment.
The population of stray dogs and cats is significant, with cases of neglect and violence. Convenience euthanasia, sometimes practiced around Ramadan based on religious misunderstandings, is common. Local associations promote adoption, sterilization, respect for animal suffering, and remind that Islamic sources advocate compassion towards animals.
For an expatriate, integrating this context involves both respecting the dominant religious sensitivity (avoid bringing a dog in or near a mosque, for example, or into most dining establishments), ensuring cleanliness (systematically picking up feces, avoiding repeated barking in a dense neighborhood), and staying informed of local rules. In parallel, participating, if desired, in protection initiatives (donations to an association, fostering an adopted animal) can modestly contribute to improving the overall situation.
Also Think About the Return: Exporting Your Animal from Saudi Arabia
Many expatriate families only think about the outbound journey… until the moment a return or new departure looms and they discover that taking an animal out of Saudi Arabia is as, if not more, complex than bringing it in.
For export as for import, some constants remain: the animal must be up to date with its vaccines, identified, examined by a veterinarian, and provided with a recent health certificate (often within the 10 days preceding departure). An export permit is issued by MEWA, after submission of a dossier including certificates, proof of vaccination, and the owner’s identity documents.
The requirements of the destination country, such as a rabies serology test done several months in advance for a return to the EU, are in addition to those of the departure country. Failing to anticipate these deadlines can lead to forced temporary separation or, in the worst case, abandonment of the animal.
Given these constraints, some poorly informed expatriates unfortunately give up taking their animal back with them. Hence the importance of considering the “complete cycle” of the animal’s life from the beginning of the expatriation project: entry, stay, but also future exit.
Preparing Your Pet for Change: Routine, Environment, and Support
Beyond regulatory aspects, an international move remains an ordeal for a dog or cat. Changes in temperature, light, noises, smells, household rhythm: everything contributes to creating more or less lasting stress.
To reduce your pet’s stress during air travel, prioritize preparation in advance. Accustom it to its travel crate several weeks before departure by making it welcoming (treats, toys, bedding). Avoid chemical sedatives for the flight, as they can pose risks at altitude (breathing, thermoregulation). Consult a veterinarian for alternatives like calming pheromones or plant-based calming supplements.
Upon arrival, recreating as soon as possible a “spot of its own” with its blanket and familiar objects in the new home, preserving as much as possible the meal and play schedules, and gradually introducing new walking areas and new neighborhood noises help the animal settle in. For a cat, strongly limiting outdoor access at the beginning and securing windows and balconies is crucial, especially in high-rise buildings.
Finally, a medical check-up a few weeks after settling in allows you to ensure that the change in climate, food, and routine has not harmed the animal’s health, and to adapt, if necessary, the parasite prevention to the new context (ticks, fleas, worms, etc.).
In Summary: A Possible Expatriation, But Never Improvised
Taking your pet to Saudi Arabia is far from impossible, despite a demanding legal, climatic, and cultural environment. Entry conditions are strict, especially for dogs, and the slightest irregularity can have dramatic consequences. But meticulous preparation, the support of a competent veterinarian, careful consultation of MEWA regulations, and, if necessary, the help of a professional pet relocation company allow, in the vast majority of cases, for a smooth arrival.
The key lies in anticipation: verifying the breed and status of the animal well before any commitment, planning vaccinations and microchip implantation several months in advance, scheduling the health certificate and import permit calendar, carefully choosing the flight and crate, organizing accommodation and veterinary care on site. Never lose sight that the animal’s welfare does not stop at customs clearance. A successful expatriation is one that allows the entire family, humans and animals, to adapt durably to their new country, respecting the local framework and the specific needs of each.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
