Jordan – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues

What are the general attitudes toward pets and animals in Jordan?

As is true in many parts of the world, how Jordanians relate to animals is deeply tied to the country’s cultural heritage and religious outlook. Jordan has a long tradition of animal husbandry, and broadly speaking, animals are regarded as creatures deserving of human care and consideration. That said, the degree of attention and compassion animals receive varies considerably depending on the species in question, the surrounding environment, and the generational background of the people involved.

Cats are by far the more commonly kept household pet in Jordan. They are considered clean animals and can be found wandering freely through streets, neighbourhoods, and public spaces. This status is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition — the Prophet Muhammad is said to have had great affection for cats, and they are widely welcomed in homes and even mosques. The picture is quite different from Northern Europe, where dogs are treated much like family members with unrestricted access to most settings. In Jordan, dogs occupy a more ambiguous social position, which is explored in more detail later in this guide.

That said, both cats and dogs are kept as pets by many Jordanians, and it is not unusual to see owners out with their animals in public spaces. In Amman in particular, attitudes have become noticeably more open — an expanding middle class and a sizable expatriate community have helped shift perceptions of dogs from purely functional animals toward genuine companions. The concept of pet welfare has gained increasing traction in the capital.

Outside the cities, more traditional viewpoints tend to prevail. In rural communities, working animals such as donkeys, horses, and camels remain a practical part of daily life. A veterinarian speaking to the Jordan Times noted that many owners of such animals “abuse and overwork” them, often without realising the harm caused by inadequate care. This highlights a clear divide between urban and rural settings: while concern for animal wellbeing is growing in cities, working animals in rural regions and tourist destinations like Petra can still face difficult conditions.

What laws and regulations govern pet ownership in Jordan?

Pet ownership is entirely legal in Jordan and not subject to broad restrictions. However, there are a number of legal obligations that owners must fulfil. Jordanian law requires pet owners to keep their animals vaccinated against rabies and other diseases, and to register them with the relevant local municipality. Failure to do so can attract fines or other penalties.

Pet owners are also required to obtain an annual licence from the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture. This is conceptually similar to annual registration requirements for dogs seen in countries such as Germany, though enforcement in Jordan is less rigorous and systematic. Up-to-date information on licensing fees and application procedures can be found on the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture website, as these details are subject to change.

Jordan does not have a widely documented national list of banned dog breeds in the manner of some European countries, where breeds like pit bulls or Rottweilers may face outright prohibition. Nevertheless, expats who intend to keep large or powerful breeds should check current local rules with the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) or their local governorate, since municipal-level regulations can vary.

As a general rule, dogs in public spaces are expected to be kept under control, and responsible ownership practices call for dogs to be kept on a lead in built-up areas. For expats renting accommodation — as most do in Amman — it is crucial to discuss pet policies with landlords before signing a lease. Many landlords, particularly in apartment buildings, impose restrictions on pets or require a supplementary deposit. There is no national legislation compelling landlords to accept pets, making this a matter of individual negotiation.

Animal welfare advocates have called for additional measures, including mandatory microchipping, compulsory spaying and neutering programmes, and licensing requirements for breeders and pet shops. As of 2024, these remain largely aspirational rather than consistently enforced nationwide standards. Expats should always check current requirements directly with the Ministry of Agriculture or their local municipality rather than assuming any particular rule is in effect.

Are there animal welfare laws in Jordan, and how are they enforced?

The foundation of Jordan’s formal animal welfare system is Animal Welfare Regulation No. 11 of 2010. This regulation commits the Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with relevant authorities, to upholding animal welfare standards and preventing cruelty. It forms the central pillar of Jordan’s legislative approach to animal protection.

Under this framework, confining an animal or restricting its freedom of movement constitutes a welfare violation, as do acts of killing, wounding, or striking an animal with the intent to cause harm. The regulation also stipulates that sick animals must receive appropriate veterinary care, with a qualified specialist responsible for determining the necessary course of treatment. A committee of inspectors is mandated to carry out regular checks on relevant facilities.

Beyond the core regulation, supplementary ministerial instructions — such as Animal Welfare Instruction No. 85 — establish further requirements, including standards for the safe transport of animals to minimise the risk of injury. However, these practices are not yet uniformly applied across the country, illustrating a challenge common to many jurisdictions: legislation alone is insufficient without the resources and systems needed to enforce it consistently.

In practice, the enforcement of animal welfare standards in Jordan falls short of what is seen in countries with well-funded enforcement bodies, such as the RSPCA in the United Kingdom or comparable agencies in Germany and the Netherlands. The gaps in the legal framework have enabled irresponsible owners to abandon animals, contributing to a growth in stray populations and compounding problems that arise from limited public awareness around responsible pet ownership. Expats who witness animal cruelty may report it to the Ministry of Agriculture or to local welfare organisations (covered in the next section), though outcomes can be inconsistent. The Ministry of Agriculture can be contacted via www.moagr.gov.jo.

What animal welfare charities and rescue organisations operate in Jordan?

Despite constrained government resources and enforcement limitations, a number of committed organisations are working to improve conditions for animals in Jordan. These groups are invaluable contacts for expats hoping to adopt a rescue animal, contribute as a volunteer, or simply gain a better understanding of the local welfare landscape.

Humane Center for Animal Welfare (HCAW)
The Humane Center for Animal Welfare has been active in Jordan since 2000, offering professional veterinary services, running public awareness campaigns, and delivering educational programmes in cooperation with both state and private schools. HCAW handles animal rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption, and is well accustomed to engaging with Jordan’s international community. Their website is www.hcaw-jordan.org, and adoption enquiries can be directed to [email protected].

Al-Rahmeh Association for Animals
Formally registered in October 2017 by a coalition of animal welfare advocates, Al-Rahmeh Association is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Jordan’s stray animals, alongside educating the wider public about animal care. Their work encompasses rescue operations, vaccination, sterilisation, and adoption facilitation, making them an excellent resource for expats looking to give a home to a local rescue animal. Their website is www.alrahmehforanimals.org, and they can also be reached at [email protected].

Al Ma’wa for Nature and Wildlife
Established in 2011 through a collaboration between the Princess Alia Foundation and Four Paws, Al Ma’wa for Nature and Wildlife was created to provide a regional facility for rescued wildlife. Its New Hope Centre in Amman functions as a veterinary clinic, quarantine facility, and rehabilitation centre for confiscated and rescued wild animals. Their website is www.almawajordan.org. Although their focus is on wildlife rather than domestic pets, Al Ma’wa plays a significant role in Jordan’s broader animal welfare ecosystem.

Malath Canaan Rescue Jordan
Malath Canaan Rescue Jordan is an Amman-based rescue group with a particular focus on the Canaan dog, the ancient breed indigenous to the region. They can be contacted at [email protected].

Expats moving to Jordan with plans to adopt a rescue pet are encouraged to reach out to HCAW or Al-Rahmeh either before or shortly after arrival. Both organisations have considerable experience working alongside the international community in Amman.

What should expats know about bringing a pet into Jordan?

Relocating to Jordan with a pet demands thorough advance planning. The authority responsible for setting and overseeing import requirements is the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture (www.moagr.gov.jo). Since requirements are subject to change, always confirm the most current rules directly with the Ministry before making any travel arrangements.

The following step-by-step process applies to dogs and cats entering Jordan, as of 2024:

1. Microchip your pet. Dogs and cats entering Jordan must be microchipped. It is advisable to have an ISO-compatible chip implanted prior to vaccination, as the majority of countries require the microchip to be in place before any vaccines are recorded against it.
2. Vaccinate against rabies. Jordanian authorities require both dogs and cats to have received a rabies vaccination at least 30 days before the date of travel. The vaccine must be administered after microchipping, and animals must arrive in Jordan within one year of the date of vaccination.
3. Treat against parasites. Dogs and cats must be treated for both internal and external parasites, with the treatment completed no more than 14 days before the flight.
4. Obtain a health certificate. A health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian is required, and must be issued within 14 days of the animal’s arrival in Jordan. Digital copies are not currently accepted by the Jordanian authorities.
5. Apply for an import permit if shipping as cargo. If your pet will be travelling as manifest cargo, an import permit from the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture is required. This takes approximately 3–5 working days to process. The application must include a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin and proof of vaccination, submitted no fewer than two weeks before arrival.
6. Check for breed-specific restrictions. Wolf hybrids, and Savannah and Bengal cats, may not be imported unless they are at least five generations removed from the wild pedigree. Confirm any further species-specific restrictions with the Ministry of Agriculture in advance.
7. Arrive and clear customs. Provided all import requirements have been satisfied, your pet will not be subject to mandatory quarantine on arrival. If documentation is not in order, the animal may be placed in quarantine (subject to facility availability), returned to the country of origin, or euthanised.

Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to rabies vaccination requirements, but they will still need to satisfy other conditions and must enter with an import permit and health certificate. It is also worth noting that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) restricts or prohibits the international movement of certain species — this is particularly relevant for owners of parrots or turtles.

A rabies blood titre test is not currently required to bring a pet into Jordan, in contrast to some other destinations. That said, arranging one is advisable, since many countries do require a titre test when importing dogs or cats, and Jordan does not have an approved rabies testing laboratory — meaning the test would need to be completed in your home country before departure.

Where can expats buy pet food, supplies, and veterinary care in Jordan?

Dedicated pet supply retailers are less prevalent in Jordan than in many Western countries, though the situation has been improving steadily, particularly in Amman. The range of available products remains noticeably narrower than in major cities across Western Europe or North America, but most basic needs can be met without great difficulty.

Among the most well-known pet retailers operating in Jordan is Petzone, which has branches in Amman, Aqaba, and other locations around the country. Petzone stocks a broad selection of products catering to dogs, cats, birds, and other animals. For everyday essentials, large supermarkets in Amman — including branches of international chains such as Carrefour — carry standard pet food and supplies focused primarily on cats and dogs. Specialist or premium imported brands can be harder to source and tend to be significantly more expensive than their equivalents in Europe or Australia.

Private veterinary clinics have expanded in Amman and other major cities, with services covering routine consultations, vaccinations, neutering, dental procedures, and more. The standard of care at well-equipped urban clinics is broadly comparable to that found in other major Middle Eastern cities. Animal welfare organisations have called on the government to direct funding toward clinics in underserved areas, which reflects the reality that veterinary access outside the capital and larger towns can be limited and unreliable.

Expats based in rural locations or smaller governorates should anticipate travelling to Amman for any veterinary care beyond basic treatment. Online ordering of pet supplies is possible through local e-commerce platforms and some regional retailers, though the product range is more restricted than through dedicated online pet stores in countries with well-developed retail sectors. Always check that your specific area is covered for delivery before placing an order.

Are there cultural taboos, sensitivities, or religious considerations around specific animals in Jordan?

Jordan is a majority-Muslim country, and Islamic teaching plays a meaningful role in shaping how people relate to particular animals. A basic awareness of these considerations will help expats navigate daily life with sensitivity and avoid causing unintended offence.

Dogs: In Islamic jurisprudence, dogs are generally regarded as ritually impure (najis), with particular concern attaching to their saliva. This does not translate into universal hostility toward dogs — many Jordanians keep them, especially as guard animals — but it does mean that a significant portion of the population will be uncomfortable with close contact with dogs, whether that means being touched, having a dog near food, or having one inside their home. When taking a dog out in public, always keep it on a lead and be prepared for some people to actively move away. Never let your dog approach strangers without invitation, and exercise particular care near mosques, in traditional residential neighbourhoods, and in market areas.

Cats: Cats are considerably more accepted in Jordanian society and are considered clean animals by most people. They move freely through public and private spaces, and feeding community cats is a normalised and socially appreciated practice. Cats do not carry the same sensitivities as dogs and are generally welcomed wherever they go.

Pigs: Pigs are considered haram (forbidden) in Islam and are neither kept as pets nor farmed in Jordan. Any attempt to import or keep a pig as a pet would be both culturally unacceptable and practically unworkable — this is best avoided entirely.

Wildlife and exotic animals: Exotic or wild animals cannot be brought into Jordan without a specific permit from the authorities. Awareness of wildlife trafficking has been growing, driven in part by the work of organisations such as Al Ma’wa. Keeping wild animals as pets — a practice that has attracted scrutiny across the broader Gulf region — is increasingly subject to official attention. Expats should stick to conventional pets and always verify the legal and regulatory status of any unusual species before acquiring one.

General etiquette in public: Expats are advised to avoid publicly challenging local norms around animal treatment in ways that could come across as culturally dismissive. Engaging with local organisations and anchoring discussions in shared values — mercy, community responsibility, and the Islamic tradition of compassion toward animals — tends to be far more constructive and better received than confrontational approaches.

What is the situation regarding stray or feral animals in Jordan?

The presence of stray dogs in Jordan’s residential areas is an ongoing challenge that calls for coordinated action between authorities and the public to protect both human safety and animal welfare. The issue has persisted for many years and continues to generate concern among residents, veterinarians, and animal rights advocates.

Incidents involving stray dogs in urban neighbourhoods have become a growing public safety matter, with reports of increasing numbers of injuries and, in some instances, fatalities. Residents have called for a systematic national response capable of balancing the protection of public health with the humane treatment of animals. Bite incidents recorded in 2024 totalled 3,242 — a figure that underscores the scale and urgency of the problem.

Jordan’s primary approach to managing stray populations is the humane method known as ABC (Animal Birth Control), also referred to as TNR (trap-neuter-return). In 2024, the Greater Amman Municipality’s Animal Care Centre sterilised close to 7,000 dogs using this internationally recognised methodology, which involves surgical sterilisation by certified veterinarians, vaccination, ear-tagging, and the return of animals to their original location. Authorities assert that this approach reduces aggression and helps stabilise dog populations over time. A number of governorates have also constructed humane animal centres where stray dogs can be sterilised, vaccinated, and kept safely away from residential areas.

Despite these programmes, the overall stray population remains large. The problem has intensified in recent years due to high reproduction rates among free-roaming animals, continued public feeding, and practical difficulties in accessing certain locations.

From a public health standpoint, expats should be aware that rabies is present in the region and that bites from stray dogs or cats carry genuine risk. Jordan does not have an approved rabies testing laboratory, so if you or a family member is bitten, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be sought from a hospital or clinic immediately — do not wait for symptoms to develop. The WHO Jordan country office (www.emro.who.int/jor/) and the Jordan Ministry of Health are the appropriate sources for current guidance on rabies exposure and treatment availability. Keep your own pet’s rabies vaccinations strictly current.

When encountering stray animals, refrain from approaching them or feeding them in ways that might trigger territorial behaviour. Members of the public can support broader efforts by adopting animals rather than abandoning them, reporting strays to the relevant authorities or welfare organisations, and actively promoting responsible pet ownership in their communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to microchip my pet before bringing it to Jordan?

Yes, microchipping is required for dogs and cats entering Jordan. It is recommended to have an ISO-compatible chip implanted before any vaccinations are administered, since most countries require the chip to be in place prior to recording vaccines. Although enforcement on arrival may not always be rigorous, microchipping is strongly recommended both for identification purposes and for future international travel, as the majority of destination countries require it.

Is there mandatory quarantine when I arrive in Jordan with my pet?

No mandatory quarantine is imposed on pets arriving in Jordan, provided all import requirements have been satisfied. For unaccompanied pets travelling as air cargo, home quarantine applies. Should documentation be incomplete or requirements unmet, authorities may quarantine the animal where facilities allow, return it to the country of origin, or euthanise it — making thorough preparation essential.

How do I find a vet in Amman?

Amman is home to a growing number of private veterinary clinics offering both routine and specialist services. The Humane Center for Animal Welfare (www.hcaw-jordan.org) is a useful first port of call — they offer professional veterinary care and can provide guidance on reputable local practices. Recommendations from expat community groups on social media platforms are also a reliable way to identify well-regarded clinics.

Can I walk my dog freely in public in Jordan?

Dogs may be taken out in public in Jordan, but responsible ownership requires keeping them on a lead at all times and remaining attentive to those around you. A notable portion of the population has a cultural or religious aversion to close contact with dogs, and your dog should never be permitted to approach strangers without their consent. Particular care should be taken near mosques, in markets, and in more conservative residential areas where the presence of a dog may cause significant discomfort.

Are there any breed bans for dogs in Jordan?

Jordan does not maintain a widely publicised national list of banned dog breeds comparable to those found in Germany or the United Kingdom. However, wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats cannot be imported unless they are at least five generations removed from the wild pedigree. Before importing any breed, it is advisable to confirm the current position with the Ministry of Agriculture, as rules can be revised.

What should I do if my pet is bitten by a stray animal in Jordan?

Seek veterinary or medical attention immediately. Rabies is present in the region, and any bite from an unknown or stray animal must be treated as a potential exposure until it can be assessed otherwise. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water, then attend a hospital or clinic at once for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) — do not delay treatment while waiting for symptoms. The WHO Jordan country office at www.emro.who.int/jor/ provides current guidance on rabies risk and treatment options.

Can I adopt a rescue pet in Jordan?

Yes, and several organisations are well positioned to assist. Both Al-Rahmeh Association (www.alrahmehforanimals.org) and the Humane Center for Animal Welfare (www.hcaw-jordan.org) facilitate adoptions and have substantial experience working with the international community in Amman. Adopting locally is a meaningful way to provide a home to an animal in need while directly supporting Jordan’s animal welfare sector.

Where can I verify current pet import requirements before travelling?

The Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture is the principal authority for pet import requirements, and its website at www.moagr.gov.jo is the primary official source. Because requirements are updated periodically, always verify the latest rules directly with the Ministry — and with your airline — well in advance of your travel date.