If you wish to bring a cat or dog into Saudi Arabia you will need to obtain a Veterinary Health Certificate with an accompanying letter from the vet, and addressed to the Director of Customs, Saudi Arabia. The certificate must confirm that the animal is free from rabies and other diseases and has up-to-date vaccinations. The documents must be attested by the Ministry of Agriculture in your home country, and authenticated by the Saudi Arabian Embassy or consulate. Dogs can only be imported if they are defined as 'guard dogs' or 'hunting dogs'.

On arrival in Saudi Arabia, animals have to be collected from the Saudi Cargo depot, where a customs declaration must be completed.

Pets can often travel free on Saudi Arabian airlines if their owners are traveling on the same flight. A nominal charge is imposed if they are unaccompanied.

Submitted 8/7/07 by Nicola:

"Re. getting pets into Saudi - having just done this can you add that you MUST have an import permit for dogs issued in the Kingdom. They are not hard to get but without one the dogs won't get past the customs guy. Regardless of what other departments say this is mandatory (we've got that t-shirt - dogs at Riyadh airport for 18 hours in boxes due to misinformation!!) It is easy to get dogs in regardless of whether they are 'hunting' or 'guard' dogs - we got all five in as 'guard' dogs - various sizes and shapes!! Cats also require import permits. They are obtained from the Agricultural Directorate (not the ministry). Hope this helps future ex-pats."