Bringing a dog or cat from Ireland to Saudi Arabia
Under Saudi Arabia's rules, pets from Ireland are in the group “All permitted origin countries”. A dog from Ireland needs a microchip, a rabies vaccine, an import permit and an official health certificate. There is no quarantine if every rule is met. There is no long waiting period, so a few weeks of preparation is usually enough.
About Saudi Arabia: Cats are fairly easy: get an import permit on MEWA's Anaam platform before flying. Dogs are restricted: guard, hunting and guide dogs are the traditional exceptions, other dogs need prior written approval, and many large or bull-type breeds are refused.
All permitted origin countries Paperwork only
- Titer test
- Not required
- Wait after blood test
- —
- Import permit
- Required
- Quarantine
- None if rules are met
No long wait: MEWA requires the rabies vaccine to have at least 6 months of validity left on arrival. UK export guidance says it must be given 30 days to 6 months before export.
Step by step
Check your dog is eligible
Dogs other than guard, hunting or guide dogs need prior written approval, and many breeds are refused (see banned breeds). Confirm with MEWA before booking.
Microchip and vaccinate
Microchip or other approved ID, and a rabies vaccine with at least 6 months of validity left on arrival (given at least 30 days before export).
Apply for the import permit on Anaam
Upload the vet health certificate, pet passport or vaccination record with the chip number, the owner's ID or passport, and a photo of the pet. The permit is valid 30 days and names the entry port.
Get official export papers
Original veterinary health certificate endorsed by your government vet authority, the vaccination record, and a certificate of origin with each shipment.
Fly via the permitted port
The airline must hold prior permission to carry the animal. Do not route through countries banned from exporting animals to Saudi Arabia.
Pets arriving without a permit are sent back to the country of origin. MEWA can schedule arrivals based on quarantine capacity.
Good to know
- Cats
- No breed or use restrictions for cats. MEWA asks that cats be free of parasites, especially Toxoplasma.
- Banned breeds
- Pit Bull types, Rottweiler, Boxer, Mastiff types (incl. Bullmastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff), Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Leonberger, Hovawart, Japanese Akita, Lancashire Heeler, Swedish Vallhund, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Chinese Spitz, Affenpinscher, Griffon Bruxellois
- How many pets
- Not specified.
- Parasite treatment
- Not specified for dogs. Cats must be free of parasites (Toxoplasma mentioned).
- Arrival
- Only the port named on the import permit. The airline must have prior permission to carry the animal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to bring a dog from Ireland to Saudi Arabia?
Ireland counts as "All permitted origin countries" for Saudi Arabia. There is no rabies blood test or long wait. MEWA requires the rabies vaccine to have at least 6 months of validity left on arrival. UK export guidance says it must be given 30 days to 6 months before export. Allow a few weeks for the vet visits and the health certificate.
Does my pet need a rabies titer test to travel from Ireland to Saudi Arabia?
No. Pets from Ireland do not need a titer test for Saudi Arabia if the other rules are met.
Will my pet be quarantined in Saudi Arabia?
Not if every rule is met. Pets arriving without a permit are sent back to the country of origin. MEWA can schedule arrivals based on quarantine capacity.
Do I need an import permit?
Yes. Saudi Arabia requires an import permit.
Are the rules the same for cats?
No breed or use restrictions for cats. MEWA asks that cats be free of parasites, especially Toxoplasma.
Sources
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-28. Full rules: Saudi Arabia pet import rules.