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AnneSansTete · Joined: 26 Jun 2012 Posts: 47

I now find myself in the OP's position.

I've read up on taking a cat to KSA, and most people agree that an import permit is needed from the Agricultural Directorate in Riyadh. Has anyone actually gotten this permit? What's the process?

TIA

johnslat · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 7:09 pm Post subject:

Dear AnneSansTete.

You need an Import Permit. Note without this all important document, your pet will never be allowed into the kingdom. You can get this form from the Agricultural Directorate in Riyadh (not to be confused with the Ministry of Agriculture). Fill in the details in (Arabic) and submit the same. Once you get the permit the rest of the documentation has to be done in your home country.
It would be helpful if you take a Saudi along with you. You would be required to fill in a form at the depot where you have to go to pick your pet up at the Cargo Depot. As the form will be in Arabic.

And also a Veterinary Health Certificate with a letter from your vet, addressed to the Director of Customs, Saudi Arabia. The certicficate must confirm that the pet is free from rabies and other diseases and has up-to-date vaccinations. The documents must be attested by the Ministry of Agriculture in your home country, and authenticated by the Saudi Arabian Emabassy or consulate. Dogs can only be imported if they are defined as 'guard dogs' or 'hunting dogs'.
On arrival in Saudi Arabia, animals must be collected from the Saudi Cargo Depot, where a customs declaration must be filled.

http://workinginsaudiarabia.blogspot.comï¿½

http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-sauï¿½

The cat has to be in an airline approved cage when traveling and travel in the hold. Some airlines may allow it to travel on board.
In here it says taking a cat is a very simple process. All that is required is a current rabies vaccination and health certification issued by your vet.
http://www.zajeddah.bravehost.com/pet.htï¿½

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110531074441AArJ98h

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:zy1P5v_pLDYJ:webportal.atlasintl.com/Customs%2520Docs/Saudi%2520Arabia.pdf+Agricultural+Directorate+in+Riyadh&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShltPgMRWS56-ASXcUmF5xR-jumjKgUhG6cmTQ1_purg7PWgiXOoy8zlMUtkJK1MEUg2xZOyQQeyAeYqKeR4RWFCmKIyalobteH3-UgP6lXOPdmaybphHNA2Hko6A_YMIgp0HeH&sig=AHIEtbRmFm3OmCiC6DCGbVWb4H-NO_PD5Q
Pages 2 and 3

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_exports_pets.shtml

http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/

http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/

Regards,
John

AnneSansTete · Joined: 26 Jun 2012 Posts: 47

AnneSansTete · Joined: 26 Jun 2012 Posts: 47

It appears that the import permit has to be gotten on your behalf by someone in KSA.

Does anyone know of a good vet in Riyadh?

We contacted saudivets.com, but they didn't respond. Sad

AnneSansTete · Joined: 26 Jun 2012 Posts: 47

It appears that the import permit has to be gotten on your behalf by someone in KSA.

Does anyone know of a good vet in Riyadh?

We contacted saudivets.com, but they didn't respond. Sad

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Try here

http://americanbedu.com/2008/05/19/operation-kitty-rescue-riyadh/

AnneSansTete · Joined: 26 Jun 2012 Posts: 47

johnslat · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 11:09 pm Post subject:

Dear AnneSansTete,

Perhaps scot47 was suggesting that you e-mail these people mentioned in the blog:

"Also, I urge anyone in the Kingdom who has a pet, is caring for a feral or just loves animals to join our Yahoo group, Saudipets,([email protected]) to link with people who want to try and do more for the animals in KSA."

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

My point ? I thought that was obvious. My idea was that you could contact her and ask about arrangements for taking your familiar to the Kingdom.

At the moment I am researching the best way for you to transport your broomstick.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Oh Scot... you silly... one just rides it over there. It is so nice to be able to avoid all those lines at the airport. Cool

VS

AnneSansTete · Joined: 26 Jun 2012 Posts: 47

EnglishDoYouSpeakIt · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 151 Location: Saudi Arabia

That's great. The 'just get one when you get here" line is totally bogus. People bond with their pets, they aren't like cell phones or desk lamps, you can't just replace it willy nilly. I've a cat here in KSA and wouldn't dream of leaving without it.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Oh... touched a nerve, did I?

Obviously I am talking about the many people who pack up to go to the airport for final departure, and leave the cat standing outside in front of their door.

And you know that it happens... way too often.

VS