Job Discussion Forums

fladude · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 432

A relative has been watching my dog while I work overseas, unfortunately that relative has passed away and the dog is being watched by friends until I am back in the states. So next year... I'm going to take the dog with me to Saudi. Any advice? I am aware of the vet requirements.

The dog is about 90 pounds in weight and part lab and part pit (if that matters).

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Wow. Given the reaction of our Saudi students (in Europe) to my dog, I'd be really hesitant to take him there....yours sounds big enough to command some respect, though.

Condolences on the loss of your relative!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

My advice ?

Do not take the dog with you to KSA.

End of advice.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Actually I can offer practical travel advice, though it's not specific to Saudi.

You will have to 'check' your dog. He'll fly in the compartment below the pilots - it's one of the quietest areas of the plane - he won't actually be among the suitcases, as some people imagine.

Problem: if you have transferring flights, they aren't going to give you the dog on any layovers.

Best/safest option is to fly one leg of your journey, then stay overnight somewhere, prior to connecting flight, so that they will allow you to pick up the dog. Wine and dine him on the layover, so that he learns to enjoy the experience of travel and hotels (also called creating a monster:-) Just watch me dragging the schnauzer past some 5-star hotel with red carpets and uniformed concierge on duty, which he thinks we should patronize.).

The time and place dogs tend to get lost or mishandled is on transfers.

Also, when you board the plane, ask the flight attendants to confirm with the pilots that your dog is on board prior to take off. This alerts the pilots to ventilate the space where your dog is secured.

Don't fly in hot weather. Many airlines put the live cargo last in line for handling, behind everybodys' suitcases and crap, and so they can be stuck on hot (or cold) tarmac long enough to expire in some cases.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 9:59 pm Post subject:

Dear fladude,

Spiral's advice is all good, You might want to check out this link, too.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=70682&start=0

Regards,
John

P.S. I brought a dog to Saudi (a smallish one) in 1980.

abayababy · Joined: 26 Dec 2012 Posts: 109

You can also transport your dog as cargo, which I have done, though not to or from Saudi. You might want to contact Dubai Kennel and Cattery. If you ship your dog to Dubai and then onward, they will collect the animal in Dubai, feed it and let it do its business, and then transport it on to its final destination. Here is their website: http://www.dkc.ae/ I can attest to the excellent job they do. I believe it is more expensive to do it this route, but in the long run may save you a lot of headache and hassle. Good luck!

Captain Willard · Joined: 11 Sep 2010 Posts: 251

Any updates on dogs in KSA?

I have a friend who has a dog that is not quite as big as a Saluki, but a big enough hound that it can be called a hunting dog. I know it needs a permit, but a short stay and driving it across KSA is a better option than flying it in the summer months. (Flying the dog is very expensive, and the airlines won't guarantee the dog arrives alive.)

While they can't be kept in an apartment, are there any kennels that anyone knows about in Riyadh or elsewhere? Maybe someone knows of someone who runs a private service at home and can PM me.

C. W.

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

Agree with scot47

Don't!

SA is one of the most dog unfriendly places in the world.

SheikMilkShake · Joined: 02 Jul 2014 Posts: 84

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140713211387 http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=2008080213332 hope this helps

johnslat · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 1:32 pm Post subject:

It's true that Saudi can be tough on pets, but I took a (small) dog there and kept her in Jeddah from 1980 to 1983.

http://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/2014/04/12/things-that-you-thought-are-banned-in-saudi-arabia-but-they-actually-arent/comment-page-1/#comment-157

Regards,
John

MuscatGary · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 1:45 pm Post subject:

I've noticed anti-dog sentiments in Kuwait and Oman as well and tried to find out the reason. I've been told, by different people, the following reasons:

Dogs gave away the location of the Prophet Mohammed to his enemies by barking.

Dogs scare the angels away from your house.

Dogs are dirty.

and we're kidding ourselves that we can educate these people?

johnslat · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 1:48 pm Post subject:

Check out these threads:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=61238&highlight=dogs+pets

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=69281&highlight=dogs+pets

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=70682&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=dogs&start=0

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Muscat
Who said that your job was "to educate these people" ? You are supposed to teach English, not Etiquette or Animal Husbandry.

The Fifth Column · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 2:24 pm Post subject:

MuscatGary · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 2:28 pm Post subject: