Affenpinscher
Saudi Arabia is a pet-friendly country, allowing those who plan to live and work in Saudi to bring their pets along with them. As long as you meet the required pet import criteria, you should have no trouble entering Saudi Arabia with your pet.
Provided you meet the following import requirements, no quarantine will be imposed on your pet while entering Saudi Arabia.
1. Pet Microchip
Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 pet microchip to enter Saudi Arabia. The chip should be 15-digit and non-encrypted. Make sure to get the microchip implanted before or with your pet’s rabies vaccination and register that microchip before travelling.
2. Rabies Vaccination
Your pet will need to be vaccinated against Rabies. Your pet will also need a proof of current rabies vaccination, at least 30 days but no more than 6 months before pet travel to Saudi Arabia.
Canine distemper, canine hepatitis, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza, canine parvovirus.
Feline distemper, feline herpes, feline calicivirus.
3. Health Certificate
A licensed vet based in the country of origin must complete and sign the Saudi Arabia pet health certificate. Additionally, this certificate must be endorsed by the government agency responsible for pet import/export, as well as the Ministry of Saudi Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin.
4. Pet Import Permit
Your pet dog or cat will require a pet import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture in Saudi Arabia. The permit must be acquired by either the owner or an agent in Saudi Arabia at least 14 days in advance. Permits are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
A copy of the health certificate and owner’s passport should be affixed to the application. Sponsor/company details as well as residency/work visa information must be included in the application.
As for your pet, make sure to affix a picture of your pet to confirm its breed to the authorities. Make sure to keep this picture handy, as you may need the same picture when claiming your pet.
5. Dangerous and Banned Breeds
Dangerous and aggressive dogs are not permitted entry into Saudi Arabia under any circumstances:
Affenpinscher
Boxer
Brussels griffon
Bulldog/English bulldog
Bullmastiff
Bull terrier
Great Dane/Deutscher
Hovawart
Japanese spitz
Japanese akita / Akita inu
Lancashire Heeler
Leonberger
Mastiff / Old English mastiff
Neapolitan
Newfoundland
Rottweiler
Staffordshire bull terrier/Pitbull
Swedish Vallhund /Swedish cattle-dog
All terrier breeds
All toy breeds
6. Other animals
Rabbits and birds are not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia. Invertebrates, tropical fish, and animals like rodents do not require a rabies vaccination but may require other requirements such as a health certificate. Owners are advised to clarify the import requirements for their specific pet with the designated authorities to avoid any hassle on the day of travel.
7. Cites
If your pet is not a ‘regular’ house pet, you should check whether it is protected under CITES. CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Any animal under CITES regulations will require additional permits and professional assistance to import/export.
To get a pet passport in Saudi Arabia, your pet will need to be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, have a pet health certificate, a pet import permit, and approval from the Director of Customs in Saud Arabia.
Yes, Saudi Arabia is a pet-friendly country and welcomes pet parents and their pets.
Dogs, cats, and birds are generally allowed and welcomed in Saudi Arabia as pets.
On an average, pet travel to Saudi Arabia can cost between $100 and $300 USD.
Some pet friendly airlines operating to and from Saudi Arabia include Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Saudia, Oman Air, and Air Arabia,
