“I rescued Tafoukt from a shelter in Morocco and brought her home to Paris.”
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Flying with Your Pet on Saudia: What You Need to Know
I've spent years moving rescue dogs across the Mediterranean—from shelters in Morocco to families in France—and I've learned that international pet travel requires precision, patience, and a deep respect for your animal's wellbeing. Saudia Airlines has a clear pet policy, and understanding it before you book can mean the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful scramble at the airport.
Whether you're relocating with a rescue dog like my beloved Tafoukt, traveling with a cat, or bringing a small bird, this guide covers everything Saudia requires. Let's walk through it together.
The Basics: What Pets Can Fly on Saudia?
Cats and small birds are allowed in the cabin. Dogs, however, travel only as checked baggage in the ventilated hold—they cannot sit with you in the cabin. This is important to know upfront.
If you're flying with a rescue dog or any dog, you'll need to arrange checked baggage transport. It's not ideal, but Saudia's hold is climate-controlled and ventilated, which matters for your pet's safety.
Cabin Travel: Cats and Small Birds Only
Who Can Fly in the Cabin?
- Cats weighing up to 5 kg (11 lbs) including the carrier
- Small birds (same weight limit)
- Dogs are not permitted in the cabin
Your Carrier Must Meet These Specifications
Saudia requires soft-sided carriers for cabin travel. Here are the exact dimensions:
- Length: 53 cm (21 inches)
- Width: 33 cm (13 inches)
- Height: 41 cm (16 inches)
- Combined weight (pet + carrier): 5 kg maximum
The carrier must have mesh ventilation on the sides—this isn't optional. It needs to fit under the seat in front of you. Hard-sided carriers won't work for cabin; they're too rigid and won't slide under the seat.
Inside the carrier: You must include an absorbent mat or liner to manage any accidents during flight. This protects both your pet and the aircraft.
Cabin Fees
Cabin travel for cats or small birds costs USD 130 one-way. This is a flat fee, not per kilogram.
Checked Baggage: For Dogs and Larger Pets
Dogs travel as checked baggage in Saudia's ventilated hold. This is the only option for dogs on this airline.
Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage
- Hard-sided crate only (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
- Ventilation openings on at least three sides
- Attached water bowl that can be filled from outside the crate
- Absorbent mat or liner inside
- Live Animals labels with orientation arrows on the crate (required by IATA)
The crate must be IATA-compliant. If you're unsure, ask your pet transport supplier or vet—they know the standards.
Checked Baggage Fees
Dogs traveling as checked baggage cost USD 130 one-way for domestic and international flights (except US/Canada routes—contact Saudia for those rates).
Temperature Restrictions
This is critical: Saudia will not transport pets if temperatures exceed certain thresholds.
- Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
- Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
If you're flying during summer to a hot destination, or in winter to a cold one, your pet may be refused transport. Plan accordingly. Your vet can issue an acclimation certificate for cold conditions, which may allow travel below the threshold—but this requires advance approval.
Cargo Transport: For Larger Pets
Saudia offers cargo transport on select routes for pets that don't fit cabin or checked baggage requirements. The same temperature embargoes apply, and the same IATA-compliant hard-sided crate requirements are in place. Contact Saudia's cargo department directly for pricing and route availability.
Health Certificates & Documentation
This is non-negotiable: You must have a vet-issued health certificate. Even if Saudia's website doesn't explicitly mention it, you will be asked for it at the airport. Don't risk being denied boarding.
Health Certificate Requirements
- Issued by a licensed veterinarian
- Valid for 10 days from the date of issue
- Get it as close to your departure date as possible (within those 10 days)
- Some destinations may require 7-day validity—check your destination country's import rules
The certificate confirms your pet is healthy and free from infectious disease. It's your pet's passport to flying.
Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds
Saudia restricts brachycephalic breeds—dogs and cats with flat, pushed-in faces. These breeds face respiratory challenges at altitude, and airlines take this seriously.
Restricted dog breeds include: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, Affenpinschers, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, Japanese Chins, and others.
Restricted cat breeds include: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, British Shorthairs, Burmese, and Scottish Folds.
If your pet is on this list, contact Saudia directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with vet clearance, but don't assume.
Age Requirements
- Cabin travel: Minimum 8 weeks old
- Checked baggage or cargo: Minimum 10 weeks old
- Your pet must be fully weaned
Puppies and kittens under these ages are too fragile for flight. Wait until they're ready.
What You Cannot Do
- Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.
- Do not bring a visibly pregnant pet. Airlines refuse pregnant animals due to health risks during flight.
- Do not bring a pet in heat without confirming with Saudia first.
- Do not show up at the airport with a pet without pre-booking. Airlines limit pets per flight. You must book in advance.
Service Animals & Assistance Dogs
Service animals have a separate policy from pet animals. If you're traveling with a guide dog, hearing dog, or mobility assistance dog, contact Saudia directly—they follow different rules and documentation requirements.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Cabin pet fee: USD 130 one-way (cats/birds only)
- Checked baggage pet fee: USD 130 one-way (dogs)
- Cabin carrier max weight: 5 kg (pet + carrier combined)
- Cabin carrier dimensions: 53 × 33 × 41 cm
- Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
- Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
- Health certificate validity: 10 days
- Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
- Minimum age (checked/cargo): 10 weeks
What You Need to Do
- Confirm your pet is eligible. Check breed restrictions (especially if brachycephalic) and age requirements.
- Book your pet in advance. Call Saudia or book online—don't assume you can add a pet at the airport.
- Schedule a vet appointment. Get a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Plan this early.
- Check destination requirements. Some countries have additional import rules. Verify before you book.
- Get the right carrier. For cabin: soft-sided, under 5 kg total, with mesh ventilation. For checked baggage: hard-sided, IATA-compliant, with water bowl and absorbent liner.
- Check temperatures. If flying during extreme heat or cold, confirm your pet can travel. Get an acclimation certificate if needed.
- Prepare your pet. Practice crate time, keep routines calm, and bring familiar items (a blanket, toy) in the carrier.
- Arrive early. Give yourself extra time at the airport for pet check-in.
A Personal Note on Rescue Pets
When I brought Tafoukt from a Moroccan shelter to Paris, I learned that international pet travel infrastructure matters—not just for purebred pets, but for rescues too. Every dog deserves a second chance, and that sometimes means crossing borders. If you're relocating a rescue, the same rules apply: health certificates, proper carriers, advance booking. The bureaucracy exists to keep animals safe. Respect it, and your rescue will arrive ready to start their new life.
For more guidance, check out our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and cost guide.
Still Have Questions?
We're still verifying some details about Saudia's specific policies—contact Saudia directly for:
- Cargo pricing and route availability
- Specific booking procedures
- Breed exceptions or special circumstances
- US/Canada route pet fees
Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to organize your pet's journey step by step.
Data auto-verified from official Saudia sources. Last updated: April 17, 2026.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026