Saudi Arabia – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues

What are the general attitudes toward pets and animals in Saudi Arabia?

The place of pets in Saudi society has shifted considerably over recent decades. Where animals were once rarely kept as household companions, growing urbanisation, exposure to global lifestyles, and evolving social norms have cultivated a genuine enthusiasm for pet ownership. This trend is most apparent among younger Saudis living in the major metropolitan centres of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

Cats occupy a unique position as the most cherished pets in the country, with birds, fish, and dogs following in that order. Dogs are a more recent addition to Saudi households, reflecting the gradual loosening of cultural and religious conventions that historically discouraged keeping canines as companions. In Islamic tradition, cats hold a place of special esteem — the Prophet Muhammad’s documented affection for them has embedded feline companionship deeply within Saudi cultural consciousness. This stands in marked contrast to Northern European norms, where dogs and cats are typically regarded as equals in the companion animal hierarchy; in Saudi Arabia, the cat reigns supreme.

Dogs are nonetheless gaining ground, particularly among younger generations and expatriate communities in gated residential compounds. Attitudes are softening noticeably in urban centres like Riyadh, though the pace of change varies considerably between social groups and geographic areas.

Beyond domestic pets, Saudi Arabia maintains a deep appreciation for its native wildlife. The Arabian oryx — a national emblem — is afforded legal protection as part of the country’s broader environmental heritage. A meaningful distinction exists between urban and rural attitudes: city dwellers increasingly view pets as family members and consumers of specialist products and services, while those in more traditional or agricultural settings tend to regard animals primarily through a practical lens. One marker of how quickly things are evolving is the recent allowance of pets on public transport when carried in appropriate travel bags — a small but symbolically significant step in the Kingdom’s changing relationship with animals.

What laws and regulations govern pet ownership in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s framework for pet ownership is designed to encourage responsible guardianship and is overseen by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA). Pet owners are required to register their animals with the ministry. Since procedures and associated fees can be updated at any time, always verify current requirements directly with MEWA at mewa.gov.sa.

Owners are legally obliged to ensure their animals receive adequate nutrition, clean water, and appropriate shelter. The law also places restrictions on which species may be kept — exotic animals such as monkeys or wild cats are off-limits without the proper permits. Pitbulls are banned entirely, while Chihuahuas and Persian cats are among the more popular companion choices.

Dogs face specific restrictions in public spaces. They are generally excluded from parks, beaches, and shopping malls. This is a notably different approach from countries such as Germany, where dogs routinely accompany their owners into urban spaces and even cafés — in Saudi Arabia, the separation of dogs from most communal areas remains firmly in place, especially where families gather.

For expats living in rented accommodation, reviewing the tenancy agreement before acquiring a pet is essential, as individual landlords may impose rules beyond the municipal baseline. Compound residences for expatriates are typically more accommodating, with some dedicated pet-friendly compounds in Riyadh even offering dog parks. Before bringing any animal into the country, confirm the full set of licensing, registration, and vaccination obligations with MEWA.

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

Saudi Arabia has outlawed a range of cruel practices under the GCC Animal Welfare Law, which was given royal approval via Royal Decree No. (M/44) dated 26/7/1434 H. Oversight lies with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, whose Undersecretariat of Animal Resources is responsible for developing the relevant policies and legislation — including provisions covering animal resources, quarantine, veterinary laboratories, veterinary professions, and animal welfare standards.

The law places a clear duty on owners of both pets and livestock to maintain appropriate conditions and deliver adequate care. Specific provisions require that animals be handled by suitably qualified personnel who possess both the knowledge and practical competence necessary to uphold welfare standards. The legislation also mandates that animals receive food in quantities suited to their species and developmental stage.

Financial penalties for violations are substantial. MEWA has stated that a first offence carries a fine of up to SAR 50,000 (approximately USD 13,000 as of 2022), with the penalty doubled for a repeat offence committed within a year.

Despite these protections, animal welfare advocates within the Kingdom have noted that cruelty and neglect remain widespread and that enforcement is inconsistent — documented cases frequently go unaddressed. This contrasts markedly with jurisdictions such as Germany or the Netherlands, where dedicated inspectorates routinely investigate and prosecute welfare breaches. Where abuse does come to the attention of the Saudi authorities — whether through citizen reports, surprise inspections, or investigation following an animal’s death — the ministry may refer the case to the Criminal Court for formal proceedings. Reports of animal abuse can be submitted through the MEWA website, and according to the ministry these are treated seriously. Strengthening the animal welfare framework is also cited as an objective within the broader ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.

What animal welfare charities and rescue organisations operate in Saudi Arabia?

The Saudi Animal Welfare Society, operating under the name ‘Refq’, is the country’s principal organisation dedicated to animal welfare. Founded on 1 February 2018 under the Law of Civil Society Associations and Organisations, it is based in Riyadh and extends its activities across all regions of the Kingdom. Refq’s mission encompasses promoting a culture of responsible animal care, curbing the uncontrolled breeding of strays and domestic animals, providing treatment and shelter to animals in need, and facilitating the rehoming of abandoned pets.

Among its strategic priorities, Refq is building cooperative relationships with key government ministries — including MEWA, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Interior. For expats hoping to adopt a rescue animal, Refq is an excellent starting point and can be reached through Saudipedia.

K9 Friends Saudi Arabia is another active body, concentrating specifically on the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs. It combines hands-on rescue work with education and advocacy efforts aimed at raising standards of responsible dog ownership across the country. Expats seeking to adopt rather than purchase a dog will find K9 Friends Saudi Arabia a valuable contact.

The national charity portal Ehsan also features animal welfare campaigns, including fundraising appeals for rescued animals’ food and medical costs. The Riyadh Shelter (riyadhshelter.org) offers rescue and rehabilitation services and is a useful resource for those in the capital. The AlUla Animal Welfare Centre, which opened on 1 September 2023, together with its associated veterinary clinic, leads a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return programme in AlUla County, aiming to improve animal welfare, reduce stray numbers, and limit the spread of disease.

What should expats know about bringing a pet into Saudi Arabia?

Relocating a pet to Saudi Arabia demands careful preparation and attention to a tightly sequenced set of documentary requirements, all administered by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA). The rules are subject to change, so it is essential to confirm current requirements with both MEWA and your home country’s veterinary authority well in advance of any travel. The guidance below reflects the general process as understood for 2024–2025.

1. Confirm your pet qualifies for import. Only dogs categorised as “working dogs” — including watchdogs, seeing-eye dogs, and hunting dogs — are officially permitted entry into Saudi Arabia. Small companion dogs in particular may not be considered to fall within this classification and frequently encounter difficulties at the border. Rabbits and birds are prohibited from entry altogether. Cats are generally admissible provided all documentation is correctly prepared.
2. Microchip your pet before vaccination. Saudi Arabia mandates an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip — a 15-digit, non-encrypted chip readable by standard international scanners. Crucially, this chip must be inserted prior to the rabies vaccination; any vaccination administered before microchipping will not count towards the import requirements.
3. Complete all required vaccinations. Every pet must have an original Rabies Certificate bearing the attending veterinarian’s signature. The rabies vaccine must be given no fewer than 30 days before departure and no more than six months prior. Three-year rabies vaccines are not fully recognised; an annual booster is the standard expectation. Dogs additionally require vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza; cats require the FVRCP combination vaccine and ideally the feline leukemia vaccine.
4. Obtain an official health certificate. A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required, confirming the animal’s good health, fitness for the journey, freedom from communicable disease, and proper identification. This document typically has a validity window of only 7 to 10 days, making the timing of the veterinary appointment and the flight date critically important.
5. Secure the necessary customs documentation. A certificate of origin must be obtained from the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture, and a letter addressed to the Director of Customs giving advance notice of the animal’s arrival is required. Where more than two pets are being imported simultaneously, a licensed freight agent must handle the logistics.
6. Travel through an approved entry point. Animals may only be brought into Saudi Arabia via the international airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam. Arriving on a weekday during standard working hours is strongly advisable, as this ensures that veterinary and customs personnel are available on-site.
7. Understand what happens on arrival. All arriving cats and dogs will be examined by a government veterinarian at the port of entry to confirm they are free of any disease transmissible to humans. Animals in apparent good health with complete documentation are typically released without undergoing quarantine. Should any paperwork be deficient, vaccinations fall outside the required timeframes, or the animal present signs of illness, authorities are empowered to impose quarantine at the owner’s cost, repatriate the animal, or — in the most serious circumstances — authorise euthanasia.

One important restriction to note: pets cannot be imported by travellers entering on a tourist visa; a valid Saudi residency permit is a prerequisite. Additionally, because the World Organisation for Animal Health designates Saudi Arabia as a high-rabies risk country, returning to your home country with a pet may trigger additional entry requirements there. Always confirm the relevant rules with the appropriate authority in your destination country before finalising travel arrangements.

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

The growth in pet ownership across Saudi Arabia has driven a corresponding expansion in the retail market for animal products. Cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam now host a range of specialist pet shops selling food, accessories, and grooming products at a level of variety comparable to other Gulf markets.

Pet Arabia stands out as one of the most established and widely distributed pet supply chains in the country, operating multiple outlets and stocking a comprehensive range of food, toys, bedding, and accessories. Petland and Saudi Pet Market are among the other notable retailers. International premium brands — including Hills Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina — are stocked both in specialist stores and within the pet sections of major supermarkets such as Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket.

Online shopping is well served by Petzone, which offers home delivery of pet supplies across the country. Broader e-commerce platforms including Amazon.sa and Noon.com also carry extensive pet product ranges with nationwide shipping, giving those in less urbanised areas reasonable access to supplies.

Veterinary standards in the major cities are generally reliable, with private clinics operating under trained professionals. The AlUla Veterinary Clinic serves as one example of the expanding provision of animal healthcare outside the biggest urban centres. That said, expats based in smaller towns or remote locations may find qualified veterinary services harder to reach, and identifying the nearest clinic promptly on arrival — particularly if travelling with a pet that has complex health requirements — is strongly advisable.

Another practical consideration for pet owners is the extreme climate. Summer temperatures can climb to 45°C and above, with intense solar radiation and pavement surfaces that can scorch paws. The principal risks to pets are heatstroke and dehydration. Keep animals indoors with access to shade, cool water, and air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day, and restrict exercise to the cooler hours of early morning or evening.

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

The cultural prominence of cats in Saudi Arabia is closely tied to Islamic tradition. Hadith literature records the Prophet Muhammad’s tenderness toward cats, a legacy that remains very much alive in everyday Saudi life. Caring for cats — including community strays — is broadly regarded as a meritorious act, and it is common to encounter well-nourished cats in residential neighbourhoods, fed by local residents as a matter of routine.

Dogs occupy a more layered position in Saudi culture. Several schools of Islamic jurisprudence regard dogs — particularly their saliva — as ritually impure, requiring a specific cleansing ritual following contact. This does not translate into a blanket prohibition on dog ownership, but it does mean that allowing a dog to approach, jump at, or make unsolicited contact with people in public can cause genuine discomfort or offence. Dog owners should keep their animals on a lead at all times in public, prevent them from approaching individuals who have not welcomed the interaction, and be conscious that neighbours or visitors may have strong reservations about the animal’s presence.

Pigs are considered haram — forbidden — under Islamic law, and neither live pigs nor pork products are legally available in Saudi Arabia. Among wildlife, the Arabian oryx carries deep national significance as a symbol of the country’s natural heritage and is protected under Saudi law.

When exercising a dog outdoors, it is courteous to choose quieter routes away from mosques, prayer grounds, and busy market areas, where encounters with people uncomfortable around dogs are more likely. Publicly displaying responsible ownership — using a lead, clearing up after your animal, and keeping it calm and controlled — will go a long way towards building goodwill with the surrounding community.

On the question of end-of-life arrangements, cremation is generally not permitted in Saudi Arabia for religious and legal reasons, applying to animals as well as humans. Some owners choose to bury pets in their gardens or at informal sites, though neither practice is formally sanctioned. Expats should raise this topic with their veterinary clinic early on to understand what practical options are currently available.

What is the situation regarding stray or feral animals in Saudi Arabia?

Stray cats are a familiar sight across the Kingdom — in car parks, around restaurant bins, in residential streets, and in public gardens. They are largely tolerated by the population and are frequently fed by local residents. Stray dogs are less visible in city centres but become more prevalent on urban fringes and in rural areas, where loose packs can occasionally present a safety concern.

The primary public health concern linked to stray dog populations is the transmission of zoonotic disease. Rabies remains a significant threat, and although vaccination campaigns have taken place, the continued presence of unvaccinated strays sustains the risk. Stray dogs may also carry other pathogens including leptospirosis and canine distemper.

The World Organisation for Animal Health formally classifies Saudi Arabia as a high-rabies risk country. Expats should not approach, pet, or feed stray dogs — especially those showing signs of illness or unusual behaviour. In the event that a person or pet is bitten or scratched by a stray animal, immediate medical attention is essential. The Saudi Ministry of Health (moh.gov.sa) and the nearest hospital can provide guidance on post-exposure treatment, and the WHO’s Saudi Arabia country office (emro.who.int/sau) publishes relevant public health information.

The AlUla Veterinary Clinic has pioneered the application of the internationally recognised Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return model for managing free-roaming animals in AlUla County — an approach that parallels trap-neuter-return programmes used in parts of Europe and Southeast Asia. This represents a more humane strategy than culling, though it has not yet been rolled out uniformly across the Kingdom.

Refq, the Saudi Animal Welfare Society, works to reduce uncontrolled breeding of strays through evidence-based methods, provides shelter and medical care for animals in need, and helps rehome abandoned pets. The society also campaigns against indiscriminate hunting and promotes humane, scientifically grounded approaches to animal management. Expats who wish to contribute to improving the situation for stray animals can volunteer with or donate to organisations such as Refq or the Riyadh Shelter — both of which have experience working alongside the international community.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my pet dog to Saudi Arabia when I relocate?

Only dogs classified as “working dogs” — such as watchdogs, seeing-eye dogs, or hunting dogs — may officially enter Saudi Arabia. Small companion dogs may encounter significant obstacles, as they frequently do not meet this classification. If you own a small dog, consult a professional pet relocation specialist and contact MEWA directly before making any arrangements, as the rules are complex and subject to change. Cats are generally admitted more straightforwardly, provided all documentation is properly prepared.

Do I need to quarantine my pet when arriving in Saudi Arabia?

Animals arriving with a complete and compliant set of documents are typically released without any quarantine period. However, where documentation is incomplete, vaccination dates fall outside the required window, permits have lapsed, or the animal appears unwell, authorities may impose quarantine at the owner’s expense, return the animal to its country of origin, or in the most extreme cases authorise euthanasia. Thorough preparation is therefore not optional.

How do I find a vet in Saudi Arabia?

Veterinary services are available in major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Expat community networks and compound management offices are often the most reliable sources of trusted local recommendations. In more rural or remote parts of the country, access to professional veterinary care can be limited, making it wise to locate your nearest clinic as soon as you arrive.

Is it legal to own a cat in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Cats are the most popular pets in the Kingdom and occupy a place of special esteem in Islamic tradition. Ownership is both legally straightforward and culturally celebrated. Ensure your cat is registered with MEWA and that vaccinations required by law are kept current.

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

Take your pet to a veterinary clinic without delay. Saudi Arabia is designated a high-rabies risk country by the World Organisation for Animal Health, meaning any bite or scratch from a stray animal must be assessed professionally and promptly. Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up to date at all times. If you yourself are bitten or scratched, seek immediate medical care and consult the Saudi Ministry of Health at moh.gov.sa.

Are there breed bans for dogs in Saudi Arabia?

Pitbulls are prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Beyond this specific ban, the broader rule restricting dog imports to working breeds effectively limits entry for many companion dog types. Verify current breed-specific regulations with MEWA before travelling, as this area of policy can change.

Can I adopt a rescue pet in Saudi Arabia rather than buying one?

Yes. Refq, the Saudi Animal Welfare Society, actively facilitates the adoption of abandoned animals and operates shelters and treatment services. K9 Friends Saudi Arabia focuses on rescuing and rehoming dogs specifically. The Riyadh Shelter (riyadhshelter.org) provides a further option. Adopting from a rescue organisation is a practical and compassionate route for expats, and these organisations are experienced at working with international residents.

How do I report animal cruelty in Saudi Arabia?

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture provides a mechanism for submitting reports of animal abuse or mistreatment directly through its website at mewa.gov.sa, and the ministry states that such reports are taken seriously. Saudi authorities have also deployed cybercrime units to track down individuals who share footage or images of animal cruelty on social media platforms.