Traveling with a dog to Saudi Arabia can seem quite intimidating, especially for first-time travelers. For years, Saudi Arabia had strict travel rules for pets, with pet owners needing to obtain a special permit to be able to bring their pets with them. Fortunately for any dog owners trying to visit the country, the law has recently eased up, and nowadays, Saudi Arabia is much more willing to accept dogs. But what should expectant pet owners do before heading to Saudi Arabia with their pets?
To begin, travelers should ensure they have all the necessary documents for their pet, including rabies vaccinations and microchip information. All pets entering Saudi Arabia must be accompanied by an authenticated certificate verifying their rabies vaccinations, and all dogs must be microchipped. Those who plan to take their pet outside the country once they’re in Saudi Arabia will need to get their pet vaccinated again before they can exit the country as well.
Pet owners should also be aware that they may need to stay in certain hotels. Due to religious considerations, Saudi Arabia does not allow pets to stay in many of their hotels, so pet owners should research the hotels and areas they plan to visit beforehand. Fortunately, there are some pet-friendly hotels which will allow pets, so it might just be a case of finding the right place for the duration of the stay.
As for what pets are allowed to do in the country, the good news is, Saudi Arabia is slowly becoming a more tolerant country for pet owners, which means dogs are slowly beginning to be viewed more favorably in the country. Pets are now allowed in some public areas, though it’s always best to double-check with the local authorities for specific instructions. Additionally, people who visit the pilgrimage to Mecca may have a hard time finding accommodations for their pet. It’s best to do your research beforehand if that’s the plan.
Traveling with a dog to Saudi Arabia is doable, and with the right preparation and research, it can be a fun and joyous experience. With pre-planned immunity papers, the right hotel, and a bit of knowledge about the country’s pet policies, travelers can have a great experience travelling with their pet in Saudi Arabia.
Pet vaccinations
When it comes to travelling with a pet, vaccinations are often the most important factor to consider, as it can be illegal to bring an animal abroad without them. Moreover, vaccinations are essential for protecting the pet from contracting harmful diseases, and to keep them safe while travelling.
Generally, Saudi Arabia demands that all animals have a valid international certificate of health, due to their strict laws during importation. This usually means they must be vaccinated against rabies, and the pet must have a valid microchip or tattoo.
Travelers should always double-check what documents they need for their pet before they are imported, as this differs from country to country. The best way to ensure the pet can safely pass through customs is to check the embassy or consulate’s website, and to find out what vaccinations are required for the pet to travel.
Additionally, pet owners should always contact their veterinarian for more information, or visit a government-run pet clinic to ensure their pet is up-to-date with all vaccinations before travelling. With the right preparation and research, vaccinations can help ensure a safe and stress-free journey for both the pet owners and their pets.
Transportation
Once pet owners have the necessary documents and vaccinations, the next step is to ensure they have the right means of transport. Planes are the most suitable option, as they are often the quickest and safest method of travelling with a pet.
Travelers must always check the airline’s policies when travelling with a pet before booking their flight. Most airlines require a copy of the pet’s health information and proof of rabies vaccinations. Additionally, there might be special rules depending on the breed of the pet, and they might even use an individual passenger plane just for your pet.
Saudi Arabia is a large country, so travelers might be better off renting a car for the duration of their stay. People travelling with a dog can rent a car from one of the many reputable car rental companies, and with a valid driving license, they should not have any trouble finding a vehicle for their travels.
In addition to traditional means of transportation, there are also pet-friendly airlines and pet-friendly buses, such as DoggyBuses. Some airlines even offer pet travel kits, which include a pet carry bag, comfy bedding, safety harnesses, and food and water dishes.
With the right preparation and a bit of research, travelers can easily find the best means of transport for their pet in Saudi Arabia.
Pet-friendly activities
Most travellers like to experience something unique during their trips, and for pet owners, Saudi Arabia has plenty of activities to keep them occupied. From travelling to places like the historic cities of Jeddah and Riyadh, to visiting the ancient ruins of Madain Saleh, there’s plenty of things to do while in the country with a pet.
In terms of recreation, Saudi Arabia has several pet-friendly parks and beaches. Some of the most popular spots include Al-Hazm park, which has a large lake and walking trails for dogs, and Tahlabah beach, which is one of the few beach destinations that allow dogs.
In addition, there are several pet-friendly restaurants and cafes to explore in the country, such as Westin Jeddah, which offers seating outside for dogs, pet-friendly menus and a wide range of dog-friendly activities such as agility courses. Similarly, King’s Tahlabah Resort offers pet owners a special area where they can enjoy meals with their pet in a relaxed environment.
By doing their research beforehand, pet owners can easily find plenty of activities and experiences to enjoy with their dog in Saudi Arabia.
Shopping for pets
Saudi Arabia is home to some of the world’s best pet shops and pet stores. From pet food and accessories to grooming supplies, pet owners can find everything they need for their pets in the country.
Some of the most popular pet shops and stores in Saudi Arabia are Club House, Pet Love, and Paw & Purr. All of these stores offer a wide selection of items, from treats to toys, collars and other accessories.
In addition, Saudi Arabia also has many online pet stores, such as SaudiPets, which offer a wide selection of pet supplies. Additionally, most pet owners also have the option to order pet supplies from overseas, though they should double check with the customs authorities to make sure they are not importing any illegal items.
Overall, Saudi Arabia is a pet-friendly country, and pet owners can easily find what they need for their pet while in the country.
Conclusion
Though it once had stringent regulations, Saudi Arabia is becoming a more pet-friendly country every year. By researching the necessary documents and vaccinations, planning the right kind of transportation, and looking for pet-friendly activities and resources, pet owners can easily enjoy a safe and comfortable journey with their pet in Saudi Arabia.
