Is air travel safe for pets?
YES! Just like human passengers, most pets travel extremely well by air without suffering any adverse effects. Pets travel in a pressurised temperature-controlled section of the cargo hold and their carriers are securely strapped into position by trained airline staff.
Airlines and Airports are governed by very strict regulations when handling and transporting pets, and Expat Logistics, as a member of the IPATA (International Pet & Animal Transport Association), will always prioritise the welfare of your pet above all other considerations. We work with trusted agents across the world to ensure your pet reaches safely travels to their new home.
If you have any concerns regarding your pets’ health, you should discuss these with your vet before confirming your pets’ travel.
When should I start the process?
As soon as you can! Generally, we can book travel as manifest cargo in as little as 2-3 weeks, but the Import Permit can take up to 10 working days for approval, and some countries require many weeks of preparation for the export process
Can my pet travel in the cabin with me?
There are 2 types of international pet travel:
Accompanied – This is when a pet travels with you on-board or in the hold but booked under your passenger ticket for travel.
Manifest Cargo – This is where a pet travels under their own booking, even if you are travelling on the same flight. Please note this option is most common and is a requirement for pet’s travelling from or through some countries, for example Australia or South Africa.
Saudi Arabia does allow pets to arrive as accompanied baggage, but each airline has different rules and requirements for this service. As we are not a travel agent we can’t assist with the booking of pets as accompanied baggage, you would need to call your preferred airline and ask if your pet can be added to your booking.
How can Expat Logistics help if I am travelling with my pet as accompanied baggage?
For imports as accompanied baggage our service will be limited to a check of your documents to ensure your pet meets the entry requirements and the application of the Import Permit on your behalf.
If you need assistance with the export requirements from your origin country, including the International Health Certificate, we can provide contacts for our local partners.
How can Expat Logistics help if my pet is travelling as manifest cargo?
We offer a full service for pets arriving as manifest cargo to Riyadh Airport, we are not able to provide a service for manifest cargo arrivals to any other airports in Saudi Arabia.
Our service includes:
· Import Approval
· Handling fees & Cargo OK to Forward Service
· Customs Clearance on arrival
· Cargo fees
· Customs fees and standard VAT / taxes
· Airline transfer
· Delivery to your home anywhere in Saudi Arabia