Home/Routes/Saudi Arabia to Canada
SA
Saudi Arabia
✈️
CA
Canada

Pet Transport from Saudi Arabia to Canada

4-10 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
Low
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Regulations verified

Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →

Overview

Shipping your dog or cat from Saudi Arabia to Canada is a process that rewards early planning.

This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.

Start early and follow the steps in sequence. Missing a deadline pushes the whole timeline back.

Step by step

The Saudi Arabia to Canada process

1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

3
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

4
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

Checklist

Canada: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipRequired (ISO 11784/11785 recommended)
Rabies vaccinationRequired
Rabies titre testNot required for standard pet imports from most countries
QuarantineNo routine quarantine for pet dogs or cats. Animals must appear healthy upon arrival.
Import permitPersonal pet imports (1-2 animals) do not require an import permit. Commercial imports (for sale, breeding, adoption, fostering, or more than 2 dogs) require CFIA import permit.
Health certificateRequired
Leaving Saudi Arabia

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitExport permit from MEWA required. Apply in advance.
Health certificateFormat depends on destination. MEWA endorsement required for most destinations.
Costs

What this route typically costs

1Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
2IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
3Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
4Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
Air Canada
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Delta Air Lines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
American Airlines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes apply
Cabin and Cargo

What to know about the Saudi Arabia to Canada route

Compared to some international pet transport routes, Saudi Arabia to Canada is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) manages pet imports. Requirements are relatively straightforward compared to USA, Australia, or Singapore. Government portal blocked automated extraction; data compiled from published CFIA guidelines and cross-referenced with CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) documentation. Important: Canada suspended import of commercial dogs from high-risk rabies countries in September 2022; personal pet imports may still be affected.

Practical advice for shipping your pet from Saudi Arabia

Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.

Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.

If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.

FAQ

Common questions

Allow at least 4 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Canada for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
No, Canada does not require a rabies titre test for most pets arriving from Saudi Arabia. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Check the current requirements with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, cats can be transported from Saudi Arabia to Canada. The same microchip, vaccination, and health certificate requirements apply as for dogs, though some rules (such as tapeworm treatment) apply to dogs only. Check the full requirements for cats with the destination authority.
Airline guides
Breed guides

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