Saudi Arabia Pet Import Guide: MEWA Requirements, Breed Restrictions, and Entry Rules

Saudi Arabia is home to a large expat population, and many families relocate there with pets. The import process is managed by MEWA (Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture) and is straightforward for most pets – but there are breed restrictions and documentation requirements that need careful attention.

Documentation required

  • ISO microchip (15-digit, 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination (valid, given at least 30 days before travel in most cases)
  • Core vaccinations: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus (dogs); panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus (cats)
  • Official health certificate issued by a government-accredited vet in the origin country, endorsed by the relevant authority (APHA for UK, USDA for USA), within 10 days of travel
  • Treatment for internal and external parasites

No rabies titre test is required for most origin countries.

Breed restrictions

Saudi Arabia restricts the import of certain dog breeds. These include pit bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermanns, and similar working/guard breeds. The list is enforced at the point of entry.

If you have a mixed-breed dog that resembles a restricted breed, carry documentation from a vet confirming the breed composition. Airlines may also require this.

Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports

The three main international airports – King Khalid (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), and King Fahd (Dammam) – all handle pet arrivals. Pets travelling as cargo are inspected by MEWA officials on arrival. Processing typically takes 1-3 hours when documentation is complete.

Practical notes for expats

Dogs in Saudi Arabia are generally kept as indoor or private garden pets. Public areas in most cities do not permit dogs, though enforcement varies by district and city. Cats face fewer social restrictions.

Veterinary care in Riyadh and Jeddah has improved considerably – there are now several international-standard vet clinics serving the expat community. The SCVS (Saudi Council of Veterinary Surgeons) maintains a register of licensed practitioners.

Source

MEWA (Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saudi Arabia): mewa.gov.sa (verified May 2026).

Frequently Asked Questions

Dogs are permitted in Saudi Arabia but face stricter social restrictions than in Western countries. All dogs require valid import documentation including a health certificate and vaccinations. Some breeds are restricted. Dogs are generally not permitted in public areas like parks and streets in many cities, though this varies.

Saudi Arabia restricts the import of breeds considered dangerous, including pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermanns, and similar breeds. The full restricted list should be verified with MEWA and your airline before travel. Some airlines also carry their own brachycephalic breed restrictions.

Yes. All cats entering Saudi Arabia require an official veterinary health certificate issued and endorsed within 10 days of travel, covering microchip, vaccinations (including rabies), and a declaration of health. The certificate must follow the MEWA-accepted format.

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