lifestyle

Pets in Saudi Arabia — Bringing, Owning & Caring for Pets as an Expat

Keeping pets in Saudi Arabia is common among expat families — cats in particular are widely owned and culturally accepted. Dogs are also kept but face more restrictions. This guide covers how to bring your pet to Saudi Arabia, the import requirements, finding vets, pet shops, and the rules around keeping different types of animals.

Highlights

★Cats are the most commonly kept pets in Saudi Arabia — culturally accepted and widely loved. Finding a vet, food, and accessories is easy.
★Dogs can be kept but face more restrictions — many apartment buildings and some compounds do not allow dogs. Large or 'aggressive' breeds face additional regulations.
★Bringing a pet to Saudi Arabia requires a health certificate from a government-approved vet, rabies vaccination, microchip, and import permit from the Saudi Ministry of Environment.
★Pet shops, vets, and pet food are widely available in all major Saudi cities.
★Stray cats are very common in Saudi Arabia — many expats adopt or feed neighbourhood strays. Local shelters and rescue groups exist in Riyadh and Jeddah.
★Exotic pets (certain reptiles, primates, endangered species) are prohibited — penalties are severe.

Who Is This For?

Expats relocating to Saudi Arabia with pets, or residents looking to adopt or buy a pet in the Kingdom.

Step-by-Step Process

1Check import eligibility — confirm your pet species is permitted. Dogs and cats are generally allowed. Some breeds of dogs are restricted.
2Microchip your pet — an ISO 11784/11785 standard microchip is required. Most vets can implant this.
3Vaccinate against rabies — the rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months before arrival.
4Get a health certificate from a government-approved vet in your home country — issued within 10 days of travel.
5Obtain an import permit from the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) — apply online through the MEWA portal before travel.
6Have all documents translated into Arabic if they are not already — or carry certified translations.
7Arrange pet-friendly air transport — not all airlines accept pets in cabin. Check with your airline. Cargo (hold) options are available but stressful for animals.
8On arrival, present documents at the airport's animal quarantine desk — inspection is usually quick if paperwork is in order.

Practical Tips

💡Start the import process at least 6–8 weeks before your travel date — gathering documents, getting the microchip, waiting for the import permit, and scheduling vaccinations takes time.
💡Join expat Facebook groups in your destination city (Riyadh Expats, Jeddah Expats) — these have active pet communities with current vet recommendations and pet-friendly housing advice.
💡Confirm your housing allows pets before signing a lease — many apartments restrict dogs specifically. Compounds are generally more pet-friendly.
💡Saudi summers are extremely dangerous for pets left outside or in cars — never leave animals in parked cars and limit outdoor time between May and September.
💡Flea and tick prevention is important — the warm climate means year-round parasite risk. Ask your vet about monthly prevention treatments.
💡Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, and Purina are all widely available in Saudi Arabia — international pet food brands are well-stocked.
💡Adopting from a local rescue organisation is possible and growing in popularity — search 'pet rescue Riyadh' or 'cat rescue Jeddah' on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog to Saudi Arabia?

Yes — dogs are permitted in Saudi Arabia with the correct import documentation. However, some breeds face restrictions (certain large or 'aggressive' breeds). Many apartments and some residential areas do not allow dogs. Confirm your housing situation before bringing a dog. Cats face fewer restrictions.

What vaccinations does my pet need to enter Saudi Arabia?

At minimum: rabies vaccination (given 30+ days before arrival, not more than 12 months before), and a current health certificate from a government-approved vet. Additional vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus for dogs; feline herpesvirus, calicivirus for cats) are recommended. Requirements can change — check with the Saudi embassy or MEWA portal before travel.

Is there a quarantine period for pets arriving in Saudi Arabia?

Generally no quarantine for pets with complete documentation (microchip, valid rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit). Pets are inspected at the airport's animal quarantine desk and released if paperwork is in order. Incomplete documentation can result in detention or return of the animal.

Are there good vets in Saudi Arabia?

Yes — all major cities have private veterinary clinics with qualified vets, many of whom trained internationally and speak English. Quality varies — ask in expat communities for current recommendations. Emergency vet services are available in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Can I adopt a pet in Saudi Arabia?

Yes — rescue groups and shelters operate in Riyadh and Jeddah. Stray cats are very common and many expats adopt them. Dog rescue organisations also exist but are smaller. Search on Instagram and Facebook for current groups. Adopted pets can usually be taken back to your home country when you leave.