Pet Transport from the US to Saudi Arabia: 2026 Process
US-based expats relocating to Saudi Arabia face a two-part documentation challenge: the USDA APHIS endorsement process on the US side, followed by Saudi embassy attestation of that endorsed certificate. Add in the MEWA import permit and the dog classification …
The United States 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
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: USDA APHIS accredited vet and USDA regional office
Responsible: Owner or agent
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 restricts dog imports to working dog classifications only. Companion dogs are generally not permitted. Confirm your situation with a specialist before starting the process.
Both USDA endorsement and Saudi embassy attestation must happen sequentially, adding 2-4 weeks to your timeline after the health certificate is issued.
The MEWA permit is only valid for 30 days. Coordinate the permit application timing so it does not expire before your travel date.
Rabies vaccination must retain at least 6 months of validity at the time of Saudi arrival. Check the expiry date on your pet's vaccination certificate.
Saudia operates the most direct US-Saudi cargo routes. Summer heat embargoes may restrict cargo pet services June to September at the Saudi end.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
The dog restriction is the first thing to resolve
Saudi Arabia’s MEWA only permits the import of dogs that fall within specific working classifications: guard dogs, guide dogs, and hunting dogs. Companion dogs, regardless of breed or temperament, are not generally permitted under standard import channels.
Many US expats heading to Saudi Arabia have dogs that do not fit any of these categories. If that is your situation, you need specialist advice on whether an employer-sponsored arrangement or other special permission exists before you invest time and money in the MEWA permit process. Some employers with significant operations in Saudi Arabia have established relationships with MEWA that may help. But this is not guaranteed.
Cats have no equivalent classification restriction and can be imported using the standard permit and health certificate process.
USDA endorsement and Saudi embassy attestation
Getting a health certificate from Saudi Arabia requires two layers of official verification that most other international pet moves do not. First, the health certificate from your USDA-accredited vet must be endorsed by USDA APHIS. This confirms the vet’s credentials to Saudi authorities. The USDA APHIS endorsement takes three to ten business days depending on your regional office and whether you use express processing.
Once the USDA endorsement is in place, the endorsed certificate must be presented to the Saudi Arabian embassy in Washington DC (or a consulate) for attestation. This attestation step adds another one to two weeks and a separate fee. Only after both steps are complete is the health certificate accepted by MEWA for entry.
Plan for a total of two to four weeks for the full documentation chain after your vet issues the base certificate.
Airlines from the US to Saudi Arabia
Saudia operates the most direct routes from the US to Saudi Arabia, including services from New York JFK and Washington Dulles to Riyadh. These are cargo-only routes for pets, but Saudia’s direct service reduces the number of transit handling points, which is better for the animal.
United Airlines connects via European hubs. Emirates SkyCargo via Dubai offers flexibility for owners who need to route through a Middle East hub. Whichever airline you choose, confirm the route accepts live animal cargo for the specific date you need, as cargo capacity for live animals is not guaranteed on every flight.