Iqama for pet import?

Hi Sanroy12,

We did not need iqamas when bringing our first dog with us from the US using an agent. We later imported a second dog from Europe doing all of the paperwork ourselves, but by that time we already had iqamas. I don't know if the iqama requirement depends on the country of import - but would surprise me if they do. I would ask your pet import agent to check again if the rules apply for someone arriving for the first time in Kingdom, especially if the agent has not handled Aramcon pets going to Said before. It may be that the rules require a valid visa for the pet owners (which I can believe), and the agent is interpreting that as needing an iqama.

Best of luck,
Wutz

We came to Saudi with the first dog in late 2012. If you're coming from the States, I would say that your Pet relo agent definitely needs to recheck the requirements. We used an agent in Florida back in 2012 that we were referred to by ASC in Houston if I recall correctly. I came to KSA six weeks before my wife, daughter and dog did, but we definitely did not need iqama for the dog's import. I haven't heard anything about the requirements changing since then.

Wutz

We brought our dog with us from Canada. All we needed was a letter from the vet and an international health certificate. The health certificate was stamped by the Federal Department of Agriculture in Canada. I will note that what I sent in for my import visa was much less than what Aramco told me to do and what the Saudi Embassy in Ottawa said to do.

There is a Facebook group called 'Pet Imports Saudi Arabia'. That page has everything you need to know. This is what I followed and I had no problems...

Oh be prepared to find your dog in his/her kennel on the baggage carousel after you clear customs. Rather unfortunate, but that's how it works here.