Bringing Your Pet to Saudi Arabia: Rules & Process

Moving to Saudi Arabia with a beloved cat or dog is entirely possible, but it takes planning, paperwork, and a clear understanding of the rules before you travel. Pet imports are regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) under veterinary quarantine and animal-welfare standards. In this Saudi Living guide, we walk you through the permits, health requirements, and step-by-step process so your pet arrives smoothly and legally.

Start with an import permit

Before your pet enters the Kingdom, you must obtain an official import permit through MEWA's Anaam/Naama electronic platform. This is the single most important step, and it must be done in advance — arriving without a valid permit can lead to serious complications at the border.

• The permit is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued, so time your application close to your travel date.
• Each permit typically covers up to 2 pets, and one importer may generally obtain a permit roughly once every 180 days.
• Processing takes around 10 working days from the date you submit your application, so apply early.

Who is eligible to enter

Not every pet qualifies for entry, and the rules differ between cats and dogs.

• Pets under 4 months of age are not permitted to enter Saudi Arabia.
• Cats are admitted as household pets, subject to the health requirements below.
• Dogs are admitted only as working animals — guard, hunting, or guide dogs — rather than general household pets, with a cap of two working dogs per person every six months.
• All dogs and cats must be identified with an ISO-compliant electronic microchip or another approved form of identification.

Allowed dog breeds

Imported dogs must belong to specific approved types framed as guard or working breeds. The MEWA rules list breeds such as:

• Pit Bull
• Rottweiler
• Boxer
• Mastiff
• Tosa
• Bulldog
• Perro de Presa Canario

Because these classifications can be updated, always confirm the current approved list on the official MEWA platform before you make travel arrangements.

Core health requirements

Both cats and dogs must meet strict veterinary conditions. Missing or incorrectly timed vaccinations are among the most common reasons pets are turned away, so track dates carefully.

• Microchip: an ISO-compliant chip fitted before vaccinations, so records can be matched to your animal.
• Rabies vaccination: administered at least 21–30 days before travel and generally no more than 6–12 months old at the time of entry.
• FAVN rabies antibody titer test: for many origin countries, a blood test showing a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml is required before travel.
• Government-issued veterinary health certificate from the exporting country, endorsed by its national authority, usually issued within 10 days of travel.
• Embassy authentication: the health certificate and supporting documents must be authenticated by the Saudi embassy or consulate in the country of origin.
• Vaccination records must include batch and manufacturer details and confirm the pet is free of parasites and infections.

Extra requirements for dogs

In addition to the shared requirements above, dogs need documented core vaccination — the DHP / DHC2PP combination — alongside rabies. You may also be asked for a supporting letter confirming the dog's working purpose. Keep all vaccination and identification records together in one folder for inspection on arrival.

Travelling out and back with your pet

If you plan to leave the Kingdom temporarily with your pet and return, you can apply for an exit-and-return permit electronically through the Anaam platform. The return period specified in the permit must not exceed 60 days, so plan your trip within that window to avoid re-importing your pet from scratch.

Practical tips before you fly

• Start the process at least two to three months ahead to allow for the rabies waiting period and titer test timing.
• Confirm your airline's pet policy, crate specifications, and whether your pet travels in cabin or as cargo.
• Keep original documents plus copies, and carry them in your hand luggage.
• Since fees, breed lists, and timelines can change, always verify the latest details on the official MEWA/Anaam portal before booking.

With careful preparation and the right paperwork, bringing your pet to Saudi Arabia is a manageable process — and having your companion settle in with you makes the move feel like home much faster.

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