Job Discussion Forums

[ceceliaaking]

I plan to be moving to Ibri soon to work at Ibri College of Technology. I want to bring my small dog (Pug) with me. Will I have a problem finding housing with a pet? My contract is with TATI. Does anyone have any idea how long I might be in temporary housing? (I have been offered a housing allowance, not accommodations.) Would temporary housing with a dog be a problem?

Thanks for your input.

[runninggirl]

I too have a dog and found some older posts of some people bringing their dogs to Oman. It did not seem to be a problem I also found that there are pet stores scattered around. I don't know about Ib r specifically but hopefully someone living there will see your message.

You have a PM from me as well.

[Opti]

Hi - As you may know, dogs are not the most popular creatures in the Middle East. Some Omanis have pet dogs, often German Shepherds, but they usually live outdoors and are treated pretty casually. Some of the more urban, westernized families might have small purebred dogs as inside pets.

That said, Ibri is small city, so it might be difficult to find a landlord willing to rent a flat to someone with an inside pet dog. Since you are just receiving a housing allowance and have to find your own flat, it might take some time. It's up to you to make sure with your employer that the temporary accommodation they have arranged for you will accept the dog too.

Maybe there is another expat teacher at Ibri CT who would be willing to take care of the dog for you while you search for your own flat? Colleges here are closed until Saturday, 5 December, for an Eid holiday, but if you are in a hurry, then I think you should call Ibri Tech's English Language Center on Sat. or Sun. morning and ask for the email address of one of the western ESL teachers. Then, email them and ask if they know someone who could keep the dog while you search for a flat.

Bring a few cute photos of your pug to show potential landlords how small and harmless he is!

Otherwise, could you board your dog wherever you are now and then have him shipped to you after you've found a place to live? I know that's more expensive that bringing him with you on the plane.
If you need info about bringing/shipping your dog into Oman, here is the email address of a good vet in Muscat, Louise Waters, who helps clients do that (she helped me with my cat): [email protected]

Good luck!

[ceceliaaking]

I appreciate the advice on bring my dog to Oman. Thanks!

From older posts I had gotten the idea that the only appropriate wear in Oman for women are skirts/dresses. I just saw a video with a western woman teaching in pants! Is that ok?

[ceceliaaking]

I emailed a veterinary hospital in Muscat that helps people import their pets. Mucho expensivo!

[Opti]

This post doesn't belong here, but you asked: Yes, pants are okay, though ideally they shouldn't be too tight, or too short (no capris), and not so low on the hips so that any of your skin shows. Ibri is probably more conservative than the Muscat area, so for work clothes, it's probably better to be more conservative. You can wear tunic tops over your pants - even light cotton ones that have long sleeves and aren't too low-cut. I wear big shirts untucked over my pants, with long or 3/4 length sleeves. I've been told that Omanis don't like it when women wear short sleeves at work, though many teachers I know wear them anyway. A lot just depends on how much you personally care about the impression you make on conservative Muslims. Some people just don't care and that's that. After work and on weekends, I often wear short sleeves or sleeveless if I'm at a mostly expat event - but I live in the big city.

If you are thin-average build and not a giant, you will able to find shirts, peasant-style skirts, and maybe pants to fit you here. You can also find a tailor to make things, though the choice of fabrics is not that great (a lot of polyester and blends).

The only real shoes you might need here are hiking boots/shoes and sneakers or trainers (and maybe bedroom slippers for the cool winter evenings). Otherwise, you'll wear sandals all the time.

[ceceliaaking]

That sounds good. I'm in South Korea now, and thought I'd buy some cotton fabric and have some skirts made before I leave. That way I'll be ready for the hot weather.

I'll dress conservatively for teaching--never want to offend the host country.

[Opti]

Sounds good!

[ceceliaaking]

Thanks runninggirl and Opti for your help!

[veiledsentiments]

Yes, I would certainly dress conservatively for work in a small town like this. If you can... find some nice gauze-type cotton and have long fullish skirts done. I wore mine to the floor and it really is cooler!! It is also great for long tunic tops if you choose to wear pants while you teach. (I never did, but that was personal choice)

I used to bring a suitcase full of fabric back with me every year. I loved my tailors.

VS

[Opti]

Well, VS, I haven't seen any western female wearing a floor-length skirt since I've been here, unless it's a ball gown. Frankly, I think those days of all-out modesty at work are gone unless you are Muslim or very dowdy. Mid-calf or "European" length is still cool and sleek. Some young teachers where I work wear knee-length skirts and no-one has said anything to them, but I think that's too short for work in Muscat, and certainly in Ibri.

[Duffy]

Opti

[veiledsentiments]

If I were still there, I would still wear them. It is absolutely the coolest and most comfortable way to dress for the climate. I have never been a slave to anyone else's fashion choices.

VS

[Expatkorea]

Hi ceciliaking-
I am moving to Ibra soon and also have a dog that I am taking with. You are in Daegu? I am in Wonju, just a little North. The Vet in Muscat is great and will do all the paperwork and get the permit. www.tafani-vets.com
We should stay in touch

[helenl]

One thing about your pug - some airlines will not transport pugs and other short nosed/pushed in nosed dogs. Best to check that out carefully.

I've transported my animals as excess baggage (they still fly cargo) but the fees were cheaper than cargo. You will need an import certificate to allow the dog to enter Oman as well as proof of vaccinations/rabies shots and probably a vet health certificate.