Pet Transport UK to Saudi Arabia: 2026 Process and MEWA Requirements
Saudi Arabia is a common destination for UK expats working in the oil, gas, and construction sectors. Moving a pet there is achievable but requires navigating the MEWA permit system, health certificate embassy attestation, and a critical restriction on which …
The United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
Responsible: Owner, with advice from pet agent
Responsible: APHA-authorised OV
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Vet
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
Responsible: Airline cargo
What your pet needs to enter Saudi Arabia
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Saudi Arabia permits dog imports only for working dog classifications: guard dogs, guide dogs, and hunting dogs. Companion dogs are not generally permitted. Confirm your dog's status with MEWA before investing time in the permit process.
The MEWA import permit is valid for 30 days only. If your travel date changes outside this window, you must apply for a new permit.
Embassy attestation of the health certificate is mandatory and takes 1-2 weeks. Do not leave this to the last moment.
Rabies vaccination must retain at least 6 months of validity at the time of arrival in Saudi Arabia, not just at the time of issue. Check the expiry date carefully.
Summer heat embargoes (June to September) affect cargo pet services out of UK airports for some Middle East destinations. Confirm cargo availability before booking.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
The dog import restriction you must check first
Before you start any paperwork, check whether your dog qualifies under MEWA’s import regulations. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture permits dog imports only for recognised working dog categories: guard dogs, guide dogs, and hunting dogs. Standard companion dogs, regardless of breed or size, are not generally permitted to enter.
This restriction catches many UK expats off guard. If you are relocating to Saudi Arabia with a family pet dog, you need to understand whether an exemption or special arrangement is available in your specific situation. Some companies and individuals have navigated this through employer sponsorship or specific import permissions, but this is not straightforward. Contact a specialist pet relocation company with Saudi Arabia experience before assuming you can bring a companion dog.
Cats face no equivalent restriction. Bringing a cat from the UK to Saudi Arabia follows the standard permit and health certificate process without the classification complication.
The MEWA permit process and embassy attestation
The MEWA import permit is the central document for this route. You apply through the Anaam electronic platform at least four weeks before your planned travel date. The permit specifies the number and species of animals and is valid for 30 days from issue.
The health certificate is issued by an Official Veterinarian in the UK, but Saudi Arabia also requires this certificate to be attested by the Saudi embassy in London before use. Embassy attestation is not a rubber stamp: allow one to two weeks for the process, and factor this into your timeline. The attested certificate must be presented alongside the import permit on arrival.
The good news is that Saudi Arabia does not require quarantine for pets arriving with complete documentation. Your cat or dog will go through a veterinary inspection at the port of entry, and if all documents are in order, will be cleared to enter the same day.
Airlines and timing your move
British Airways and Saudia both operate direct Heathrow to Riyadh and Jeddah services, making them the primary cargo options. PetAir UK works alongside British Airways cargo and can handle the UK-side logistics. Etihad via Abu Dhabi offers a connecting alternative.
Timing matters for two reasons. The MEWA permit is only valid for 30 days, so your travel must happen within that window. And the summer heat restrictions (roughly June to September) reduce cargo pet availability from UK airports on Middle East routes. Spring and autumn are the most reliable periods for booking cargo pet services on this route.