Bringing Your Pet to Saudi Arabia: Rules & Process

Relocating to Saudi Arabia with a beloved dog or cat is entirely possible, but it takes early planning and careful coordination. Pet import is regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) through its electronic Anaam/Naama platform, and every step — from microchipping to rabies testing to the import permit — must line up on a fairly tight timeline. This guide walks you through who is eligible, what documents you need, and how the process flows so your pet arrives smoothly.

Who can import a pet

Pet import is reserved for residents and workers — you cannot bring an animal in on a simple tourist visa. In general, the owner must hold a valid residence or work visa (Iqama) and be at least 30 years old. Diplomats may be exempted from the age requirement with the proper official documentation.

• An individual may import a maximum of two dogs and two cats every six months.
• Saudi and other Arab nationals importing a dog need prior authorization from local police, who verify that the housing conditions are suitable.
• Commercial import of cats requires a valid commercial registration.

Approved countries and entry points

Import is only permitted from countries listed as approved on the Anaam/Naama platform, so check that your origin country is eligible before booking anything. Entry with pets is also restricted to specific airports and ports named in your permit — you must arrive through the designated port stated on the document, not just any airport. Animals transiting Saudi territory also require the appropriate transit permit.

Identification and vaccinations

Before travel, your pet must be properly identified and vaccinated. Getting the sequence right matters, because a vaccine given too early or too late can invalidate the whole trip.

• Microchip: Dogs and cats must carry an ISO-compliant electronic microchip (or other official identification). Ideally, chip the animal before the rabies vaccination so records match.
• Rabies vaccination: A current rabies vaccine is mandatory, typically administered at least 21–30 days before travel and no more than 6–12 months before travel, depending on the applicable guidance.
• FAVN titer test: Many origin countries require a FAVN rabies antibody titer test showing a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml before travel.

Documents you'll need

Gather these before starting your Anaam application, as several must be recent:

• A veterinary health certificate — a government-issued or government-endorsed certificate from the exporting country, typically issued within 10 days of travel.
• The pet passport or vaccination record showing the microchip number/ID.
• The owner's national ID, passport, or residence card.
• A race or competition invitation, if relevant.
• A recent photo of the pet.

The Anaam/Naama permit process

All live animals must be registered in MEWA's Naama/Anaam system before travel, and the import permit itself is requested online through the same platform. Keep these points in mind:

• The import permit is valid for 30 days from issuance, so time your veterinary procedures, flight booking, and arrival date carefully around it.
• All imported pets must comply with the GCC Veterinary Quarantine Law and the Animal Welfare Act and their executive regulations.
• Because the timeline is tight, coordinate the microchip, vaccination, titer test, health certificate, permit, and flight so everything remains valid on arrival day.

Traveling out and returning with your pet

If your pet is already in Saudi Arabia and will accompany you on a trip abroad, you can obtain an exit and return permit through Anaam. The maximum return period is 60 days, so plan your travel to fall within that window.

Practical tips

• Start at least a couple of months ahead — the rabies vaccination and titer waiting periods are the main bottlenecks.
• Confirm your origin country is on the approved list and note the exact designated entry port before booking flights.
• Because specific fees and requirements can change, always verify current details on the official MEWA Anaam/Naama platform before you travel.

With early preparation and a clear checklist, bringing your cat or dog to the Kingdom is a manageable process — and having them settle in with you makes the move feel like home much faster.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving