Your cat or dog is family — and yes, they can come with you to the Gulf. It takes careful planning, some paperwork, and a bit of patience, but thousands of nurses have done it successfully. This guide covers everything you need to know.
At a Glance
Understanding the scale of what's involved will help you plan with confidence — not panic.
Country Requirements
Select your destination country to see specific import requirements. Requirements change — always verify with the official authority before travel.
Authority: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
Authority: Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)
Authority: Ministry of Municipality
Authority: Ministry of Interior
Authority: Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning
Authority: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Water Resources
Process
Follow this timeline carefully. The key mistakes people make are starting too late and not knowing that some steps must happen in a specific order.
Go directly to the official government authority website for your destination country (e.g. MOCCAE for UAE, MOA for Saudi). Rules change and third-party websites can be outdated. Find out: which breeds are permitted, whether a titer test is required, and what the permit application process involves.
If your pet is not already microchipped, do this now. The chip must be ISO 11784/11785 standard — a 15-digit chip. This is critical: ALL vaccinations and health paperwork must come AFTER the microchip is implanted, or they may not be accepted.
Ensure all core vaccinations are up to date. The rabies vaccination MUST be administered after the microchip is in place. If your pet has never had a rabies vaccine, they need their first dose now — some countries require the vaccine to be valid for at least 30 days before travel.
Saudi Arabia requires this for all pets. Several other GCC countries require it depending on your country of origin. The test must be done at an approved laboratory — your vet can advise. Results take 3–4 weeks. Saudi Arabia requires the results to be at least 3 months old before you travel.
Most GCC countries require you to obtain an import permit before your pet can enter. This is usually done online via the relevant government ministry portal. You will need microchip details, vaccination records, and your own residency/visa information. Processing times vary from days to several weeks.
Visit your vet for the official health certificate. This must be done within 10 days of departure (some countries allow up to 14 days — confirm yours). The vet will examine your pet and certify they are fit to travel and free of infectious disease. Bring all original vaccination certificates and the import permit.
In many countries, the vet health certificate needs to be officially endorsed or stamped by your national veterinary authority (e.g. APHA in the UK, USDA APHIS in the USA, BFAD or BAI in the Philippines). For Saudi Arabia, it then also needs authentication by the Saudi embassy. Check requirements well ahead of time.
Pets under approximately 8 kg (including carrier) can often travel in-cabin on certain airlines. Larger pets travel in the hold as manifested cargo — they are in a temperature-controlled, pressurised section, not with luggage. Have all original documents accessible. Arrive early and go to the check-in desk, not a kiosk.
Transport
Not all airlines accept pets, and policies vary significantly. Always confirm directly with the airline when booking — policies can change.
| Airline | In-Cabin | Cargo Hold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Yes <8 kg | Yes | Strong reputation for pet care; specific IATA carrier requirements; book pet space early |
| Etihad Airways | Yes <8 kg | Yes | Abu Dhabi based; dedicated LIVE ANIMALS program; good option for UAE destination |
| Qatar Airways | No in-cabin | Yes | Must book separately through QR Cargo — not at standard check-in; advance notice required |
| Air Arabia | No | No | Does NOT accept pets — cannot be used for pet relocation |
| flydubai | No in-cabin | Cargo only | Budget option for cargo; limited routes; confirm availability before booking |
| British Airways | No (international) | Yes | Good option for UK–GCC routes; uses World Cargo; strong safety record for animal transport |
| Philippine Airlines | Yes (regional) | Yes (long-haul) | In-cabin for regional flights; cargo for Manila–GCC long haul; important route for Filipino nurses |
Travel Prep
Beyond the documents, your pet needs the right supplies for a smooth travel experience and a comfortable start in their new home.
Day-to-Day
Once you and your pet arrive, here's what everyday life looks like — the good and the things to prepare for.
Many apartment buildings in the GCC do not allow dogs, and some prohibit all pets. This is one of the most common challenges pet-owning nurses face.
Always ask explicitly and get it in writing before signing a lease. Hospital compounds vary — some welcome pets, others prohibit them. If your accommodation is provided by the hospital, confirm the pet policy before accepting the job.
Summer temperatures regularly hit 40–50°C. This is genuinely dangerous for animals. Never leave pets outside, and never leave them in a parked car — even with windows cracked.
Dog walks must be in the early morning (before 8am) or after 10pm when pavement temperatures are safe. Pavement burns paw pads at 40°C+. Cats should be kept indoors with air conditioning at all times during summer.
The quality of private veterinary care in GCC capitals is generally very good, particularly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Expect to pay AED 200–500 per consultation — similar to private vet prices in the UK or Australia.
Pet insurance is available in the UAE and growing elsewhere in GCC. It's worth considering given the cost of specialist care. Ask your vet about recommended local emergency clinics on your first visit.
Major international pet food brands are available across the GCC in LuLu Hypermarket, Carrefour, Spinneys, and dedicated pet stores like Petzone (UAE) and PetsMart. Prices are generally higher than in Western countries.
Speciality foods (grain-free, raw diet, prescription diets) may have limited availability — bring a reasonable supply to start with and source locally once you've established what's available near you.
Dubai has several designated dog parks (including popular ones in JBR, Mirdif Hills, and Jumeirah), and the scene is growing. Abu Dhabi has growing pet-friendly spaces. Other GCC cities have more limited options.
Beach access for dogs varies — some beaches allow dogs in designated areas, others prohibit them. Enquire locally. The expat pet community is usually the best source for current information on local-friendly spots.
Professional pet grooming services are well-established in the UAE and Qatar, and available across the GCC in major cities. Quality is generally good. Many services offer home visits or mobile grooming vans — particularly popular given the heat.
Some veterinary clinics offer grooming. Prices are comparable to or slightly higher than Western countries. Regular grooming is especially important in the GCC's dusty environment.
End of Contract
This section is often overlooked until it's too late. Re-entry requirements for pets returning to your home country can be even more demanding than the GCC import process — and some require 6–12 months of preparation.
You need a rabies antibody titer test with a 3-month waiting period post-vaccination. APHA must endorse the pet health certificate. Pets must travel on approved transport routes. Allow 4–6 months minimum.
Extremely strict biosecurity requirements. Often 6+ months of preparation, an approved country stopover may be required, and mandatory quarantine on arrival. This is one of the most complex pet relocations in the world — start 12 months before you plan to leave.
Requirements vary by state. CDC dog import rules were updated in 2024 — dogs need to meet specific requirements depending on country of origin. Rabies vaccination requirements apply. Check CDC website for current rules as they were recently updated.
Strict rabies protocol administered by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Requires BAI import clearance, FAVN titer test, and specific documentation. Start the process well in advance of your return flight.
Relatively manageable process. Requires import permit from DAHD (Dept of Animal Husbandry & Dairying), health certificate, and current vaccinations. Plan 2–3 months ahead.
As an EU country, standard EU pet travel rules apply. Microchip, rabies, and EU health certificate required. Similar to UK process but no titer test wait period for most compliant pets.
Your Questions
Real questions from nurses who've navigated pet relocation to the GCC.
Yes, you can legally bring a dog to Saudi Arabia as an expat. It requires following the import process (which is more involved than other GCC countries), but it is legally permitted.
Culturally, dogs are considered ritually impure (najis) in traditional Islamic jurisprudence, and this view is more prevalent in Saudi Arabia than in other GCC countries. This doesn't mean your dog can't live there — it means you need to be culturally sensitive. Keep your dog leashed in public spaces, never take your dog near mosques or prayer areas, and be respectful if neighbours express discomfort.
The practical reality: Most of your daily interaction will be within your compound or apartment. Many Saudi expat compounds are genuinely welcoming of dogs, and there is a real community of expat dog owners in Riyadh and Jeddah. That said, not all compounds allow dogs — verifying your accommodation policy is essential before accepting a Saudi posting with a dog.
If your pet's documentation is incomplete or incorrect, the outcomes range from a temporary hold while you sort out paperwork, to mandatory quarantine at your expense, to refusal of entry and your pet being sent back to the country of origin on the next available flight.
This is why the paperwork preparation in this guide is so thorough. The most common issues are: health certificate that's expired (issued more than 10 days before travel), missing or incorrect import permit, vaccinations not given after microchipping, or a missing government endorsement stamp.
If you're concerned: Many people use a professional pet relocation company (like PetAir or Airpets) for their first move. They handle the paperwork and logistics, and while it costs more, the peace of mind can be worth it — especially for Saudi Arabia or Australia-return journeys.
Yes — as long as your apartment is air-conditioned, which all GCC apartments are. Leaving a pet alone during a shift is the same as anywhere else in the world, with one important additional consideration: power outages.
While rare in most GCC countries, a power cut during summer can cause apartment temperatures to rise very quickly to dangerous levels. Most experienced GCC pet owners invest in a smart thermostat or camera monitor so they can check on conditions remotely. Some also leave a backup plan with a neighbour or use a dog walker service who can check in.
Night shifts: If you work night shifts, consider whether your pet's routine can be maintained. Dogs especially need walking schedules — this is where pet sitters and dog walkers become important.
Yes, and they are well-established in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. Dog walkers, in-home pet sitters, and boarding kennels all exist in the major cities. Apps like Rover operate in the UAE. Facebook expat groups are also a good source for finding trusted local pet sitters — recommendations from other nurse pet owners are invaluable.
Boarding kennels in the UAE range from basic facilities to quite luxurious "pet hotels" — prices reflect this. It's worth visiting a boarding facility before you need it, rather than making a rushed decision before annual leave.
In Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia the market for these services is smaller but growing. Your hospital's expat community is often the best starting point for finding trusted local options.
This is a painful reality that some nurses face, particularly those returning to countries with very strict import requirements (Australia, New Zealand) or those who didn't plan far enough ahead for the return journey.
The good news is there is a strong expat pet rescue and rehoming network in all GCC countries. Organisations like K9 Friends (Dubai), PAWS (UAE), BSPCA (Bahrain), and the QAWS (Qatar Animal Welfare Society) actively support rehoming. Many expat Facebook groups also have dedicated rehoming sections where departing pet owners find carefully vetted families.
The best prevention: Start planning your return journey well before your contract ends. Many nurses successfully navigate even the strictest return requirements with adequate lead time. If you're considering a GCC posting that involves Australia or New Zealand, research the return process before you even bring your pet — and ideally start the titer test and waiting periods early in your posting, not at the end.
Thousands of nurses have successfully relocated to the GCC with their cats and dogs. It takes planning, but it's absolutely worth it. Start your research early, verify with official sources, and lean on the expat community for support.