Bringing Pets to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The importation of pets into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is strictly regulated to ensure public health, animal welfare, and biosecurity. All pet imports must comply with the requirements established by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), including health certifications, vaccinations, and quarantine procedures where applicable. These regulations apply to cats, dogs, and certain other companion animals.

Eligibility

  • Only healthy pets of allowed species may enter the Kingdom.

  • Pets must be free of contagious diseases and meet age and vaccination requirements as specified by MEWA.

  • Certain breeds may be restricted or prohibited in accordance with national regulations.

Required Documents

Pet owners must submit the following documentation for approval:

  • Veterinary Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, confirming the pet is healthy and fit for travel.

  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days prior to travel.

  • Import Permit: Issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) prior to shipping.

  • Microchip Certificate: Pets must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip for identification.

  • Other Vaccinations and Treatments: Proof of vaccination against common diseases (e.g., canine distemper, feline panleukopenia) and treatments against parasites may be required.

  • Quarantine Documentation: Where applicable, records confirming quarantine compliance from the country of origin.

Application Process

  1. Obtain Import Permit: Pet owners must apply for an import permit from MEWA before departure.

  2. Prepare Health Documentation: Secure all required veterinary certificates, vaccinations, and microchip documentation.

  3. Travel Arrangements: Ensure that pets travel in airline-approved containers and comply with airline-specific regulations.

  4. Customs Clearance: Upon arrival in the Kingdom, pets are inspected by MEWA veterinary officers to verify compliance.

  5. Quarantine (if required): Pets may be subject to quarantine based on species, country of origin, or health status.

Important Notes

  • Pet owners must ensure all documentation is accurate and issued by authorized authorities; incomplete or falsified documents may result in refusal of entry.

  • Advance application for the import permit is mandatory; pets arriving without a valid permit will be denied entry or returned to the country of origin.

  • Certain breeds considered dangerous may be prohibited. Owners should consult MEWA for an updated list of restricted animals.

  • Compliance with international health and travel regulations is required in addition to Saudi national requirements.

FAQ

Q1: Are cats and dogs allowed in Saudi Arabia?
 Yes, healthy cats and dogs are permitted, provided all documentation, vaccinations, and permits are in order.

Q2: Is a quarantine period mandatory for all pets?
 Not always. Quarantine may be required depending on the pet’s health status, species, or country of origin. MEWA determines the necessity.

Q3: How far in advance should I apply for an import permit?
 Owners should apply at least 30 days before travel to allow processing and verification of health documents.

Q4: Are there breed restrictions for dogs?
 Yes. Certain breeds may be restricted or prohibited. Owners should consult MEWA for the latest list of restricted breeds.

Q5: Can pets travel with owners in the cabin of the aircraft?
 This depends on airline regulations and the pet’s size. Owners must confirm with the airline and comply with Saudi import requirements.