Moving to Saudi Arabia with Pets — Import Rules & Airline Guide

TL;DR: Saudi Arabia requires an import permit via the Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture’s Naama/Anaam portal. Cats are widely permitted with an import permit and endorsed health paperwork. Dogs are restricted—official guidance says imports are generally not allowed except for hunting/guarding/service (guide) roles and still require a permit. Both cats and dogs need an ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination, a USDA/officially endorsed veterinary health certificate, and a certificate of origin. Airline rules (e.g., Saudia) add their own conditions and may limit carriage in hot months. Start 8–12 weeks ahead.

Quick snapshot of the rules (what’s different in Saudi)

• Permits & platform: Import/export is managed by MEWA through the Naama/Anaam e‑services. There are dedicated services (e.g., Import Cats Permit, and export permits for pets).

• Official guidance on dogs: As of July 30, 2025, U.S. APHIS (citing MEWA) says dogs are not generally allowed into KSA except for hunting, guarding, and guides for the disabled. If eligible, you still need a MEWA import permit, endorsed health certificate, and certificate of origin.

• Cats: Require MEWA import permit, endorsed health certificate, and a certificate of origin.

• Microchip & documents: Dogs and cats must be electronically identified (ISO microchip) and travel with original health certificate, vaccination record, and certificate of origin; imports are from approved countries via specified ports, and permits have a validity window (e.g., 30 days).

• Airlines add rules: Saudia notes pets must meet MEWA (Naama) registration and be properly caged; airline carriage can be limited to direct point‑to‑point and seasonally constrained by temperature. Always check your carrier.

Bottom line: For cats, the path is straightforward if you start early. For dogs, confirm eligibility (hunting/guarding/service) with MEWA before any bookings.

Step‑by‑step timeline (12→0 weeks before arrival)

T‑12 to 10 weeks:

• Confirm eligibility (especially for dogs) and choose a port of entry (as per your future import permit).

• Book a USDA‑accredited/official veterinarian consult (or the competent authority in your country) to map vaccinations, microchip, and certificate timeline.

• Shortlist airlines and routes (prefer non‑stop into your arrival city).

T‑10 to 8 weeks:

• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) if your pet isn’t already chipped, then rabies vaccination (if due). Keep the chip number on the vaccination record.

• Open your Naama/Anaam account and gather MEWA permit requirements (passport/ID, pet photo, vaccination record, health certificate once ready).

T‑8 to 6 weeks:

• Ask your vet for the official health certificate template endorsed by your authority (e.g., USDA APHIS VEHCS) and schedule your endorsement date aligned with the flight.

• For dogs (if eligible), prepare additional statements proving role (e.g., guide/guard/hunting) as required in the veterinary certificate.

T‑4 to 2 weeks:

• Apply for your MEWA import permit; check validity (often 30 days) to ensure it covers your travel date.

• Buy an IATA‑compliant crate; begin crate training (meals inside crate, short “quiet time” sessions).

• Confirm airline pet booking (cargo vs excess baggage vs in‑cabin, where offered).

T‑7 to 3 days:

• Complete final health check; obtain the endorsed health certificate and certificate of origin; print multiple copies.

• Label the crate (name, microchip, your contacts in Saudi, destination address/plus code).

Travel day:

• Arrive early; bring the original documents and spares. Attach a small zip‑lock with photocopies to the crate.

Import requirements (cats vs dogs) — permits, microchip, vaccines, certificates

Notes:

• MEWA’s importing procedures emphasize that consignments must comply with Veterinary Quarantine Law and may be scheduled according to quarantine capacity; import is allowed only from countries listed on the platform and through ports indicated on the permit.

• For dogs, APHIS (quoting MEWA guidance) is explicit about purpose‑based admission (hunting/guarding/guide); plan on additional scrutiny and documentation.

Airline booking, IATA crates & heat planning

• Carrier rules vary: Airlines define whether pets travel in cabin, as excess baggage, or as cargo; some limit carriage to direct flights and to certain temperatures. Check your carrier’s “traveling with pets” page.

• IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR): Use an IATA‑compliant crate sized for stand/turn/lie; attach water bowls and absorbent bedding; avoid sedation unless your vet insists.

• Heat planning: In summer, aim for night flights; confirm airline temperature embargoes and airport ramp handling.

• Crate practice: Feed in the crate daily and do calm practice stays (10–30 minutes) in the weeks before travel.

Arrival at the airport — inspection, paperwork, and ground handling

1) Ground arrival & customs: Present your MEWA import permit, endorsed health certificate, certificate of origin, vaccination record, and ID. 2) MEWA/Quarantine review: Officials may inspect the animal and the documents; your permit specifies the port and timing. MEWA reserves the right to schedule arrivals against quarantine capacity. 3) Release: Once cleared, collect your pet and proceed. Keep originals handy for compound/landlord verification, if requested.

If documentation is incomplete: Officials can route you for additional steps or deny entry; always align your travel date with the permit validity window.

Housing with pets — compounds, apartments, and lease clauses

Compounds

• Often the most pet‑tolerant option; still, each compound sets its own rules (size limits, breeds, leash rules, quiet hours).

• Expect registration at the gate for recurring dog walks; some compounds have pet areas.

Apartments & villas (city neighborhoods)

• Many landlords list “no pets” by default; others allow cats or small dogs with conditions (extra deposit/cleaning fee).

• Put a pet clause in your Ejar lease: specify species/breed/size, max number, noise/waste obligations, and end‑of‑tenancy cleaning.

• Be a great neighbor: quiet hours (10 p.m. onward), leash outside premises, waste bags always, no filming neighbors/families around pets.

Heat, dust & access

• Prioritize shade, balcony safety, and early/late walks; keep a water bowl by the door.

• Check your building’s service elevator rules for pet access.

Everyday care — vets, food, grooming, and heat safety

• Vets: Major cities have multi‑branch veterinary hospitals and boutique clinics; ask about 24/7 emergency coverage, imaging, and surgery capacity.

• Food & supplies: Most pet stores stock major kibble/wet brands, litter, and grooming gear; confirm delivery windows to your area.

• Grooming: Book during cooler hours; keep muzzle training light and positive if your groomer requests it.

• Heat safety: Never leave pets in cars; plan pre‑sunrise and after‑sunset walks; check paw temperature on pavements; keep electrolyte‑safe water for long outings.

Costs — realistic ranges (permit, vet work, crates, flights, handling)

Ranges vary by city/airline/season. Use these to budget, then request formal quotes.

Tip: Get two airline quotes (excess baggage vs cargo) and ask whether summer embargoes or direct‑flight only policies apply.

Leaving Saudi with pets — export permits, rabies titers & routes

• MEWA export permit: Use Naama for outbound permits; bring your current vaccination record and microchip details.

• Rabies titer tests (destination‑dependent): For the EU/UK/Japan/Australia and other rabies‑controlled destinations, a rabies antibody titer (≥ 5 IU/mL) at an approved lab is standard, sometimes with waiting periods (e.g., 90 days for EU).

• U.S. return/transit: If you’ll later re‑enter the U.S. with a dog, note CDC rules (post‑2024) including forms and, for high‑risk countries, rabies titers and route restrictions. Check CDC/APHIS guidance before booking.

Routing tip: Avoid long daytime transits in hot hubs; pick overnight connections or non‑stop flights where possible.

Checklists you can save (documents, travel day, housing)

A) Document pack (print + PDF on phone)

• MEWA import permit (Naama/Anaam) with validity dates.

• Endorsed health certificate (USDA/competent authority).

• Certificate of origin (per APHIS/MEWA guidance).

• Vaccination record (rabies current; chip number on record).

• Pet photo, owner ID/passport, flight booking, address/plus code in KSA.

B) Travel‑day kit

• Crate with ID, water bowls, absorbent bedding, copy pouch (docs), and a small snack (if your vet approves).

• Collapsible bowl, spare leash, wipes, litter pads, waste bags.

• Backup contacts: airline pet desk, ground handler, a local vet near your home.

C) Housing check

• Pet clause in Ejar lease (species, number, noise/waste, cleaning).

• Neighbor etiquette and building pet access rules (elevators, stairs).

• Heat plan (early/late walks, balcony shade, water station).

Scripts you’ll actually use (EN/AR)

Ask an airline about pet carriage — EN

“Hi, I’m relocating to [city] with a [cat/dog, weight, crate size]. Does your route allow in‑cabin / excess baggage / cargo for pets in [month]? Do you require MEWA/Naama registration or direct flights only?”

استفسار عن نقل الحيوانات الأليفة — AR

«مرحباً، سأنتقل إلى [المدينة] مع [قط/كلب، الوزن، مقاس القفص]. هل تسمح رحلاتكم بـ الكابينة / الأمتعة / الشحن للحيوانات الأليفة في [الشهر]؟ وهل تشترطون تسجيل ناعة/أنعام أو رحلات مباشرة فقط؟»

MEWA permit follow‑up — EN

“Hello, I’m applying via Naama/Anaam for an import permit for my [cat/dog]. Could you confirm the validity window and approved port of entry so I can align my flight?”

متابعة تصريح الاستيراد — AR

«مرحباً، أتقدم عبر نعمة/أنعام للحصول على إذن استيراد لـ [قط/كلب]. هل يمكن تأكيد مدة الصلاحية ومنفذ الدخول المعتمد ليتوافق مع رحلتي؟»

Dog eligibility check — EN

“We’re relocating with a dog trained for [guarding/assistance/hunting]. What evidence is required in the veterinary certificate to meet import eligibility?”

التحقق من أهلية الكلب — AR

«ننتقل مع كلب مُدرَّب على [حراسة/مساعدة/صيد]. ما المستند المطلوب في الشهادة البيطرية لإثبات الأهلية؟»

FAQs

A|: Your country’s competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS via VEHCS in the U.S.) must endorse it. Bring the original on travel day.

Airline details that matter — crates, dimensions & transit

• Crate sizing: Measure nose‑to‑tail base, floor to ear‑tip, and elbow‑to‑ground; add clearance so your pet can stand and turn. Most airlines require bolts, not clips, on medium/large crates.

• Food/water: Fix bowls inside the door; attach a zip‑bag with dry food for contingencies. Avoid heavy meals 4–6 hours before departure unless your vet directs otherwise.

• Transit through the EU/other hubs: If your itinerary transits the EU, you typically need an EU transit health certificate even if your final destination is Saudi Arabia—plan the extra paperwork.

• Temperature holds: Ask whether your airline uses climate‑controlled holding areas and air‑conditioned tugs on the ramp; this can decide your airline choice in summer.

Cultural etiquette & public access (keep life easy)

• Respect shared spaces: Many malls and indoor venues restrict pets; look for signage and ask staff kindly. Leashes are expected in public; always carry waste bags.

• Neighbors first: Let neighbors know you’re moving in with a pet; share your walk hours and a contact for noise issues.

• Kids & families: Some families are uncomfortable around dogs—give extra distance and avoid busy family play zones.

Case study — a smooth cat relocation (8‑week plan)

• Week 1–2: Microchip + rabies; vet maps certificate dates; family opens Naama account.

• Week 3–4: Airline chosen (non‑stop), crate bought and introduced, permit window planned; school search timed so lease matches bus‑map and pet policy.

• Week 5–6: Health certificate endorsed; certificate of origin obtained; crate training daily + short drives.

• Week 7–8: Permit issued; copies printed; flight confirmed with pet booking; arrival handling phone numbers saved; first vet near new home pinned.

Birds & small mammals — caution

Rules differ by species and may involve additional health certificates and permits. Start by searching the Naama portal for species‑specific services and consult your airline early—some carriers do not accept birds/rodents in cabin or as baggage on certain routes.