Moving into Saudi Arabia with your beloved canine companion can seem daunting. With some of the most complex pet import processes globally, Saudi Arabia also has an extensive list of banned dog breeds. In accordance with the strict interpretation of Islamic sharia, dogs are primarily allowed for specific roles such as hunting, protection, assistance (e.g., seeing-eye dogs), and work. Despite the challenges, relocating with your pet is possible with careful research and planning.
It's important to know that certain dog breeds are prohibited from entering Saudi Arabia, including but not limited to:
This is a challenging situation. We comply with all international pet import regulations. We recommend consulting with our team to assess your options and determine the feasibility of pet relocation.
Most people call their dogs one primary breed—aka “Labrador Retriever mix”—using her dominant features even if she has characteristics from one of Saudi’s banned breeds. If your dog qualifies as a mix of one of the allowed breeds, this may be a viable way to bring her into the country.
Perhaps! Some of our past clients have brought their small dogs into Saudi Arabia using a working dog letter. Essentially, this is an official statement from your veterinarian explaining that you have a guard dog. As mentioned, we recommend speaking with one of our consultants about your situation to discuss some possible options.
Although it’s almost impossible to predict how customs will go, we’ve never had a circumstance where a pet was turned away upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. After spending weeks preparing your dog’s paperwork, obtaining U.S. State Department/Saudi Consulate Endorsements, and obtaining the import permit from The Ministry, you can rest assured we have permission to bring your dog into the country.
This situation can be tricky, but we are here to help. If you are unsure if your pet will be allowed into Saudi Arabia, please allow us to help! To ensure your pet’s move is on track to be safe and smooth, please reach out to us here for more specific information.