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Pet owning has never been common in the Arab world, though it is increasingly becoming fashionable among the upper class in Saudi Arabia. In general, Saudi people prefer cats to dogs, as dogs are considered ‘unclean’ in Islam and are generally banned from public places in Saudi Arabia. Mindsets are a-changing nowadays with novel dog cafes and animal shelters springing up and laws against animal cruelty being put into place, a first for the ultra-conservative kingdom.

Hiring a pet travel expert takes away all the worry and time required for managing pet travel. As you start planning your trip overseas, you may consider hiring professional assistance to help with all the paperwork, health requirements etc. necessary for your pet’s journey and safe travel.

• Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip prior to travel.
• Your pet should have an updated rabies vaccination at least 1 month but not more than 6 months prior to entering Saudi Arabia.
• Other vaccinations for dogs include Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, Canine adenovirus, Canine parainfluenza and Canine parvovirus. Other vaccinations required for cats are Feline Distemper, Feline Herpes and Calicivirus.
• A licensed vet should complete a Saudi Arabia health certificate and an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture in Saudi Arabia is required 14 days before travel.
• A letter to the Director of Customs in Saudi Arabia is required notifying them of your pet's arrival and to apply for an entrance notification.
• Pets enter Saudi Arabia at the international airport in Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam with prior notice given to veterinary officials so they will be available to inspect your pet upon landing.
• Unvaccinated puppies and kittens under the age of 3 months may enter Saudi Arabia on the rabies certificate of their mother.
• The following breeds are banned from entry to Saudi Arabia: Japanese Spitz, Japanese Akita / Akita Imu, Affenpinscher, Griffon Bruxellois/Brussels Griffon/ Belgian Griffon, Hovawart, Boxer, Bulldog / English Bulldog, Rottweiler, All Terriers including Pit Bull and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Lancashire Heeler, Swedish Cattle Dog, Mastiff / Old English Mastiff / Bull Mastiff / Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Great Dane, and Leon Bergehni. Wolf hybrids are not permitted. 

Hiring a pet travel expert takes away all the worry and time required for managing pet travel. As you start planning your trip overseas, you may consider hiring professional assistance to help with all the paperwork, health requirements etc. necessary for your pet’s journey and safe travel.

If your journey includes pet relocation, get a free quote here on our website by entering your travel and pet details https://www.airpets.in/international-quote

You can get in touch with us for a professional consultation by calling +91-9257123123 or write to us at [email protected]