What is a Pet Passport?
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents according to Saudi Arabia pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country. This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets. Your pet’s passport will include proof of microchip, rabies vaccination and international export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origin country.
Animals Eligible for These Regulations
Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats including service and assistance dogs and cats. These regulations do not include the import of wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree.
Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a difficult country to import a dog. Pet owners entering Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa are not permitted to import a pet. Pet owners must enter on a work or residency visa to import a pet. Take special note of step 8 which lists restrictions on breed import.
Pets in Saudi Arabia
The trend of keeping pets in Saudi Arabia has seen significant changes over the past few decades. While traditionally, pets were not a common feature in Saudi households, the influence of globalization, changing lifestyles, and increased urbanization have led to a growing interest in pet ownership.
Cats are the most popular pets in Saudi Arabia. In Islamic tradition, cats are revered animals, which contributes to their popularity. While not as commonly kept as cats, dogs are increasingly becoming popular, especially among younger Saudis. Although there are mixed views on pet ownership in Saudi Arabia, the trend is gradually shifting, with more people becoming accepting of dogs as pets.
There are designated areas where pets are allowed, though dogs are generally not permitted in public parks and beaches. Pet owners can find many pet shops in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam that provide pet food, accessories, and grooming products for pets. Veterinary services through veterinary clinics and hospitals have also increased.
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate with extreme heat during the day. Summer temperatures can exceed 50°C (122°F). Pet owners must be sensitive not to expose their pets to high temperatures and providing adequate hydration for them.
Find a Licensed Veterinarian
Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. The agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals should either license or employ your veterinarian.
Quarantine for Pets Entering Saudi Arabia
Quarantine will not be imposed on your pet if the following regulations are met. Pets not meeting import regulations will be quarantined, returned to the origin country or euthanized. All costs are the responsibility of the importer.
Saudi Arabia Pet Import Requirements
All steps required to import a pet to Saudi Arabia must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-7 in the order given.
Step 1: Pet Microchip
Having your pet identified with a microchip is important when traveling internationally for several reasons. Firstly, a microchip will tie your pet to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Secondly, if, for any reason, your pet is separated from you during travel, the chances of reuniting with your pet significantly increase if you register your information in a microchip database.
The first step to prepare your pet dog or cat to enter Saudi Arabia, is to identify them with a pet microchip that is compliant with International Standards Organization standard 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785. The chip should be 15 digits (no letters) and non-encrypted (can be read with a universal scanner). If your pet’s microchip is not ISO-compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner.
Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital or trained nurse should implant the microchip. Documentation should be provided as to the manufacturer of the microchip and registration instructions.
Step 2: Vaccinations
Proof of current vaccination against rabies is required for all dogs and cats over three months of age entering Saudi Arabia. The vaccination must be administered at least 30 days but not more than six months in advance of travel. Three-year vaccines are not recognized.
The administering veterinarian should record vaccination information, sign and stamp one of the following documents depending on veterinary practices in the country of origin:
- a rabies certificate
- a government-issued vaccination booklet or
- an EU Pet Passport
Other Vaccinations
Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. Cats must be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and feline leukemia.
Veterinarians must record vaccinations on the international health certificate (step 5) at intervals required by veterinary health procedures of the origination country.
Step 3: Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test, also known as a rabies antibody test or rabies serology test, is a blood test that measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. The test will assess the effectiveness of a rabies vaccination or determine your pet’s immune response to the rabies virus. When required, a licensed veterinarian will administer the test more than 30 days after the most current rabies vaccination.
A rabies titer test is not required for cats and dogs entering Saudi Arabia from any country. However, all pets originating in countries classified as having a high risk of rabies should always travel with a rabies titer test. In addition, the World Organization of Animal Health classifies Saudi Arabia as a high-rabies risk country. As such, if your pet will be returning to the country of origin, this test may be required.
Note that rabies titer test results or veterinary exemption letters are no substitution for proof of rabies vaccination.
Step 4: Import Permit
Owners or consignors of all live animals traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must register the import with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in advance of import. Import/export permits are required for pets transiting the country. Stays under these permits are limited to 10 days.
Whether your pet is a dog or cat, a permit to import from the Ministry of Agriculture in Saudi Arabia is required. For dogs or cats, the permit must be obtained by the owner (preferred) or an agent in Saudi Arabia at least 14 days in advance of entry. A copy of the health certificate and the owner’s identification (passport) must accompany the application. Sponsor or company information must also be included as well as a residency or work visa. You will need a picture of your pet to confirm its breed. You need to bring the same picture with you when claiming your dog.
The permit is valid for 30 days after issuance. Only 2 pets are permitted per import permit. Additional imports will need additional copies of owner passport with valid residency visa.
Saudi and Arab Nationals importing dogs must indicate on the paperwork and a licensed veterinarian must state that the dog is being imported as a certified service dog, guard dog or a hunting dog.
Advance permission from the local police department is required for Saudi and Arab nationals to import a pet into Saudi Arabia to confirm they have a suitable residence for a pet. Dogs imported by citizens should be classified as working, guard or service dogs. This permission must be obtained before the permit is issued.
Step 5: Parasite Treatments
According to all preventative measures to ensure public health and the safety of your pet, treatments for internal and external parasites should be administered prior to entering Saudi Arabia as the landscape is predominantly desert.
The treatment of pets for internal parasites, especially Echinococcus multilocularis, as well as external parasites (fleas and ticks) should be discussed with your veterinarian who will administer according to disease status of the origination country. These treatments are strongly recommended, but not required.
The administering veterinarian can record these treatments on the health certificate or issue you a record of treatment.
Step 6: Health Certificate
All countries worldwide require an original health certificate (sometimes known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) for live animals entering their country. The certificate is issued by a licensed veterinarian and should include the following information:
- details of your pet and
- vaccinations and treatments and
- veterinary attestations regarding symptoms of contagious diseases at the time of export.
Further, your veterinarian must certify that your pet is healthy enough to travel and is not from a region that is subject to rabies restrictions. The health certificate must properly identify your pet. Your veterinarian will include additional details and treatments on the certificate depending on the country of origin.
A certificate of origin must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture in Saudi Arabia. An agent can assist with this requirement. The certificate does not require endorsement by a government veterinarian.
Step 7: Other Required Forms
A letter to the Director of Customs in Saudi Arabia is required notifying them of your pet’s arrival. The final step is to apply for in Saudi Arabia either by the company for which you work or by an agent in Saudi Arabia.
Other Information
Importing Puppies and Kittens to Saudi Arabia
As puppies and kittens that are not yet 3 months old should not be vaccinated for rabies, they may enter Saudi Arabia until 12 weeks of age on proof of rabies vaccination of their mother according to regulations in step 2.
Related: More information on transporting a puppy.
Breeds Banned from Import to Saudi Arabia
The following breeds or their mixes may be considered aggressive breeds or do not meet the requirements of a hunting, guard or seeing eye dog (resident import).
Japanese Spitz, Japanese Akita/Akita Inu, Affenpinscher, Griffon Bruxellios/Brussels Griffon/Brabancon/Belgian griffon, Hovawart, Boxer, Bull dog/English Bulldog, Rottweiler, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier Lancashire heeler Swedish Vallhund/Swedish Cattle dog/Vasgotspets Mastiff/ Old English Mastiff Neapolitan. Newfoundland. Pitbull. Great Dane/ Deutscher dog. Bull Mastiff. Leon Berger and all terrier breeds.
If you have a dog that even resembles any of these breeds, like a Boxer mix, then entry may be denied regardless of a different breed being shown on the health documentation.
Small/toy breeds may enter Saudi Arabia at Riyadh; however, clearance in Dammam and Jeddah may be more difficult.
Entering Saudi Arabia by Air
Pets can enter Saudi Arabia at the international airport in Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam. Notice should be given to veterinary officials so they will be available to inspect your pet upon landing. This is especially important if your pet will be arriving outside of normal business hours. Pets can arrive as excess baggage or air cargo.
One person can import two cats and two dogs per every six months to Saudi Arabia. Pet registration is mandatory, especially for dogs, to ensure they are vaccinated and healthy.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
Flights to Saudi Arabia should be direct or transit through a rabies-controlled country or another EU Member State if possible*. *Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.
Flights should be direct if the duration of the flight does not violate animal welfare laws. Layovers should be short and not involve a change in airline companies. If your pet’s itinerary involves a layover in the European Union, then additional requirements will apply.
Whenever your pet travels to a foreign country like Saudi Arabia, it is always advisable to carry some form of identification indicating ownership of your pet.
All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport.
A government veterinarian will provide further examination if your dog or cat is not in apparent good health when entering Saudi Arabia. All costs associated with further inspections or treatments will be borne by the importer.
Importing Other Pet Animals to Saudi Arabia
Rabbits and birds are not permitted to enter Saudi Arabia. Invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia,
mammals such as rodents are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter Saudi Arabia Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.
Exporting Resident Pets from Saudi Arabia
Pets leaving Saudi Arabia will need to have proof of vaccinations, a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, an export permit and a copy of the owner’s passport.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is crucial if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If this is the case, importers will have to submit additional permit applications. The agency that issues these permits is responsible for the protection of wildlife in your country.
Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations.
Related: Search the CITES database or Search the Species+ database
Related: Read more about CITES
Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to Saudi Arabia?
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Please note that the accuracy of comments made below by users other than Pet Travel have not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.
Current Information
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. To avoid these consequences, we suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Saudi Arabia pet import requirements.
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