Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) – Pet Policy
Quick Reference Table
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Hold | Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | No (only certified guide/assistance dogs with pre-approval) | Yes (in IATA crate; not on certain aircraft/routes; snub-nosed breeds need larger crate) | Yes (restrictions apply, air cargo for some routes/species) | Min. age for US: 6 months + microchip; banned breeds, import/export docs mandatory |
| Cat | Yes, under 5kg (including carrier) per passenger | Yes (larger cats/trips over 5kg—including carrier) | Yes | Vet cert, rabies/vaccine/import/export docs required |
| Bird | Yes, small birds under 5kg allowed (1 per pax) | Yes | Yes (large/species with CITES or special permit) | Permit, CITES may be required; falcons with permit on some routes |
| Rabbit | No | No | Manifest air cargo only (by special agency/permission) | Check with Saudia Cargo |
| Reptile | No | No | Manifest air cargo only | Permit needed (specialist shipping) |
| Fish | No | No | Manifest air cargo only | Not as checked baggage/cabin |
Each passenger may travel with 1 pet (cat, small bird) in the cabin if under 5kg with carrier (52.5x32.5x40cm). All others, or over weight/size, as checked baggage or cargo, except for excluded species.
General Policy Overview
- PETS IN CABIN: Only cats and small birds (max 5kg incl. carrier, 1 per passenger, USD 100 fee) allowed if odorless, quiet, harmless, with advance approval and required veterinary documentation. Carrier must fit under seat (max: 52.5cm x 32.5cm x 40cm).
- DOGS IN CABIN: Not permitted except certified guide/assistance dogs for the blind or hearing impaired (travel free, pre-approval, on select routes; crate/leash required).
- PETS AS CHECKED BAGGAGE: Dogs, cats, birds (except falcons, rabbits, most exotics) may travel as checked baggage if traveling with adult and on qualifying aircraft. Must meet IATA crate, doc, and destination requirements. Fee: cats/birds USD 100, dogs/birds USD 300 (subject to change).
- BANNED/RESTRICTED BREEDS: Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds must use larger crate and travel in acceptable temperatures. Aggressive/dangerous breeds may be denied. Some species/destinations require manifest cargo only. Rabbits, reptiles, and fish: only as specialist cargo.
- TEMPERATURE & AIRCRAFT LIMITS: No pet shipments accepted if temps over 29.4°C/85°F or under 7.2°C/45°F, unless acclimation certificate provided. No animals on AB300, MD90, B737, and only air cargo to Bahrain.
- RESERVATION & DOCUMENTS: Pre-book via Saudia Sales Office or agent; must register your animal on Saudi Ministry of Environment/NAAMA website. Bring all health, vaccination, and import/export/country paperwork. Payment at check-in.
Pet-Specific Guidance
- Dog: Checked baggage/cargo only (except certified service dogs), crate, vet docs, advanced booking. No in-cabin except trained service dog. Check for excluded breeds and temp/route bans.
- Cat: In cabin only if ≤5kg (incl. carrier); over as checked baggage/cargo. Must be calm, clean, healthy, odorless; vet/rabies/vaccine and import/export docs always needed.
- Bird: Small birds in cabin (fees, permits); larger/certain birds as baggage/cargo only with species/CITES docs. Falcons cabin-permitted with special permit on some routes.
- Rabbit/Reptile/Fish: Only via manifest air cargo from licensed agent; not accepted as cabin or checked baggage pets.
Carrier, Weight & Size Rules
- Cabin carrier max: 52.5cm x 32.5cm x 40cm (pet + carrier ≤5kg).
- Carrier must be IATA compliant: leak-proof, ventilated, secure, fit for animal's size/species.
- Checked/cargo crate requirements: confirm for route/aircraft; air cargo/agent for exotics or oversize.
Required Documentation
- Health certificate (within time window prior to travel)
- Vaccination/anti-rabies record
- Import/export/quarantine permits, if required by country/route
- CITES permit for some birds/exotics
- Advance registration with Saudi Naama Portal (Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture)
- Payment of required pet travel fee at check-in
Woofly Tips
- Book early and confirm acceptance for all animal types, especially if your pet is near weight/size/temperature cutoff or is a snub-nosed or exotic species.
- Always carry hard copies and digital scans of all animal documents and permits, including entry/export vet certificates and reservation proof.
- No unchecked animal should travel on AB300, MD90, or B737 aircraft—always confirm your flight’s eligibility.
- For rabbits, reptiles, or fish: use a specialist air cargo handler and prepare all documentation and crate details as early as possible.
- Maximum two dogs and two cats can be imported into Saudi Arabia per person every six months (see [import reference](https://www.pettravel.com/information/pet-passports/saudi-arabia-pet-import-requirements/)).
Last updated: July 22, 2025