Are there dogs in Saudi Arabia?

In Islam, dogs are considered unclean animals — unlike cats — and are generally banned from public places in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is a culturally rich and diverse country with a strong Islamic heritage, making it an ideal place for travelers to explore. One of the most common questions people have about the country is whether there are dogs in Saudi Arabia. The answer to this question is a bit complicated and depends on the region and culture. Dogs are seen by some as unclean, and their presence is heavily restricted in some areas. In others, they are accepted and even beloved. In this blog post, we’ll explore the presence of dogs in the country, their roles, and the cultural implications of owning a pet. We’ll consider the legal regulations around pet ownership, and look at the options for those who wish to keep a pet in Saudi Arabia. Finally, we’ll discuss how best to care for a dog in a culture that may be unfamiliar to many pet owners.

Risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia with your pet

Traveling to Saudi Arabia with your pet carries a lot of risks. One of them is the heat, which is often intolerable, especially in the summer. Additionally, older animals may have a hard time adjusting to summer’s high temperatures.

Will you be able to stay up a little later or rise early enough to take it for a walk in order to enjoy cooler temperatures?

Additionally, confirm that the community or independent housing unit where you will reside allows pets. It is suggested that you discuss it with your employer so that you can locate accommodations that permit pets.

Important:

Dogs are not allowed on public transport in Saudi Arabia.

Pet ownership has never been widespread in the Arab world, but it is increasingly popular among Saudi Arabia’s upper class and other nations like Egypt.

On Thursday, salespeople at a few pet shops in Riyadh claimed they had not received any official orders from the commission prohibiting the sale of animals. Cats and dogs were still on display.

Although they are kept for hunting and guarding, dogs are avoided in Islamic tradition because they are considered unclean and dangerous. Stray dogs are regarded as a pest in large Middle Eastern cities where they frequently roam the streets.

The solution is to outlaw the sale of dogs and cats as pets and the walking of them in public.

Al-Abdullah, who also has an 8-month-old Labrador, claimed that the religious police had ordered two of his Western friends to leave the streets after they were seen walking their dogs.

Feline/Cat imports:

  • ISO-compliant microchip
  • Rabies vaccination – This must be administered at least 30 days but not more than 6 months
  • International Health Certificate for Export (issued in the exporting country)
  • Saudi Arabian Import Permit (issued by the MOA) – It is important to note that the import permit is valid for 30 days and only for the port/city for which it is issued.
  • FAQ

    Can you have dogs in Saudi Arabia?

    The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture must grant permission for the applicant to bring their pet(s) into the country. Obtain a veterinary health certificate. The pet must have a certificate stating that it has been examined, is healthy, and has received all necessary vaccinations.

    What kind of dogs are in Saudi Arabia?

    Belgian Malinois are the most frequently utilized breed of dog in Saudi Arabia for customs. “In my opinion, they are the best for our climate and can withstand the challenging working conditions.” The golden retriever, German shepherd, and Dutch shepherd mix is the next breed in line.

    Is there any country without dogs?

    According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 200 million stray dogs worldwide. Impressively, the Netherlands is not part of this statistic. The Dutch people adore their pets, and they have made their nation the first in the world to be dog-free.

    Are pets popular in Saudi Arabia?

    Pets are an integral part of a lot of families. They rely on them so much that they would never think about traveling without them. Knowing Saudi Arabia’s pet culture beforehand will help ensure that their adorable “expets” feel at home in their new residences.