In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Singapore to Saudi Arabia
typically takes around 20-26 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
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Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Reviewed guides prioritise government and carrier sources; older pages are clearly flagged.
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Overview
Planning a pet relocation from Singapore to Saudi Arabia is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Allow about 20-26 weeks; the requirements are detailed but predictable once mapped out. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely.
A rabies titre test may apply depending on where your pet is coming from, so check the requirements below. The guide below walks through each stage so nothing gets missed.
Step by step
The Singapore to Saudi Arabia process
1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
2
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
4
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Saudi Arabia
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
5
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
6
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
7
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Checklist
Saudi Arabia: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Valid rabies vaccination within the past 12 months.
Rabies titre test
Required for: Varies. Check current MEWA requirementsnge periodically
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant pets. Airport veterinary inspection on arrival.
Import permit
Required. Import permit from MEWA required before travel. Some pet relocation companies can handle this. Permit specifies number and species of animals.
Health certificate
Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Valid for 14 days from issue. Embassy attestation adds 1-2 weeks. Plan accordingly. Certificate must list microchip, vaccinations, parasite treatments, and declare the animal free of infectious disease.
Must meet destination country requirements. Contact destination authority for specific format.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
2
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
3
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
4
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
5
Import permit application fee (Saudi Arabia)
6
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
⚠ Breed restrictions apply at destination. Check if your dog is affected before booking.
⚠ Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Restricted breeds
Saudi Arabia breed rules
Pit Bull Terrier
Rottweiler (restricted)
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Etihad Airways
Cargo: Pets travel through Etihad Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds subject to seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during Abu Dhabi summer months
Cargo Only
How Saudi Arabia handles incoming pets
Saudi Arabia has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
What experienced owners do
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
FAQ
Common questions
Allow at least 20 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Saudi Arabia for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Saudi Arabia. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from the Saudi Arabia veterinary authority. Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Singapore. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Saudi Arabia’s authority for the exact format required.
Yes, Saudi Arabia bans or restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler (restricted). If your dog is one of these types or a mix, contact the destination authority before making any travel arrangements.